Beginner … min read · Updated 2026-06-20

Can — Ability

Can is a modal verb that shows ability — being able to do something. Can't (cannot) is the negative.

Form: Subject + can / can't + base verb (no -s, no "to").

I can swim.

He can't drive.

Can you cook? — Yes, I can. / No, I can't.

Birds can fly, but they can't talk.

"Can" is the same for every subject (I/he/she/we/they can) and is always followed by the plain verb.

Common mistake: "She can sings" or "He can to drive." After a modal, use the base verb: "She can sing," "He can drive."

✏️ Test Yourself

1. Birds ___ fly.

2. A fish ___ walk.

3. ___ you read English?

4. I ___ swim; I never learned.

📒 Words to learn

Terrible (Adj)
Balochi
ترسناک
Urdu
خوفتاک

This is a terrible movie.

Borrow (V)
Balochi
وام زورگ
Urdu
ادھار لینا

I borrowed a pen from Tahir.

Amaze (v)
Balochi
حیران بوہگ
Urdu
حیران ہونا

I amazed when he was beating me.

Leafless (N)
Balochi
بے تاک ایں
Urdu
بے پتا

This is a leafless tree.

Dazzle (V)
Balochi
پریشان کنگ
Urdu
پریشان کرنا

They are trying to dazzle us.

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