can't
- 01 A1 Beginner
to be unable to do something because you lack the skill, strength, or opportunity.
denotes a lack of ability, capacity, or opportunity to perform an action.
Simple“I'm sorry, but I can't speak French very well yet.”
In context“Despite his extensive training, the pilot found he can't override the automated system once the emergency protocol has been initiated.”
PitfallI can't to swim. I can't swim.Like all modal verbs, 'can't' is followed by the base form of the verb without 'to'.
Synonymsunable toincapable ofAntonymscanable to - 02 A1 Beginner
to not have permission to do something.
indicates a lack of permission or a prohibition against a specific action.
Simple“You can't park your car here because it is a private driveway.”
In context“Under the current safety regulations, visitors can't enter the laboratory without wearing full protective gear and a monitored badge.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
used to say that something is certainly not true or possible.
expresses a strong logical deduction that a state or event is impossible.
Simple“That can't be the right house; it looks much too small.”
In context“He can't have finished the entire report already, as he only started working on the data analysis two hours ago.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
used when you really do not want to do something or find it too difficult to face.
used colloquially to express a total lack of desire or emotional capacity to engage with a situation.
Simple“I just can't with this weather today; I'm staying in bed.”
In context“After three hours of listening to his complaints, I decided I just can't even deal with his drama anymore.”
Teacher's tipThis usage is often seen in the phrase 'I can't even' to show extreme frustration or disbelief.
Usage can't get · can't help · can't afford
From can + -n't, since 1706 or earlier.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.