Intermediate … min read · Updated 2026-06-20
Modals: Can / Can't — Ability
Modal verbs add meaning to a main verb. Can shows ability (you are able to do something); can't = cannot.
Form: Subject + can / can't + base verb.
I can swim.
He can't drive.
Can you cook? — Yes, I can. / No, I can't.
Birds can fly.
After can/can't, use the plain verb — no -s, no -ing, no "to": She can sing.
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 speak English?
4. I ___ swim; I never learned.
📒 Words to learn
Mortar (n)
Balochi
دانچوپ
Urdu
ہاون دستہ
“They always use mortar in the kitchen.”
Whereabouts
Balochi
جگہ
Urdu
جاگہ
“My friend was abducted; I don’t know his whereabouts.”
Search (v)
Balochi
شوہازگ
Urdu
تلاش کرنا
“I am searching for my documents.”
Shameful (adj)
Balochi
اجالتیں
Urdu
شرمناک
“Her act is shameful.”
Shamefully (adv)
Balochi
گوں اجالتی
Urdu
بے شرمی سے
“They have behaved shamefully.”
Advertisement