Learning how to use “can” and “can’t” is an important step for ESL learners. These words help students talk about abilities, permissions, and possibilities. “Can” is used to describe something a person is able to do, while “can’t” shows that something is not possible or not allowed.
Simple worksheets help students practice these structures through reading, writing, and speaking activities. The exercises below are designed to make learning easy and engaging for beginners and young learners.
1. Fill in the Blank
Complete the sentences with can or can’t.
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I ______ swim very well.
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She ______ play the piano beautifully.
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We ______ drive a car because we are too young.
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My brother ______ cook delicious food.
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Birds ______ fly in the sky.
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Fish ______ live outside water.
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They ______ speak English and Spanish.
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A baby ______ walk yet.
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I ______ ride a bicycle.
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Cats ______ bark like dogs.
2. Choose the Correct Answer
Circle the correct word.
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A dog (can / can’t) run fast.
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A fish (can / can’t) fly.
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Students (can / can’t) learn new languages.
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People (can / can’t) breathe underwater.
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A teacher (can / can’t) help students learn.
3. Write Your Own Sentences
Write five sentences using can and five sentences using can’t.
Example:
I can read English books.
I can’t play the guitar.
Now write your sentences:
4. Match the Sentence
Match the beginning with the correct ending.
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Birds can
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Babies can’t
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Students can
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Fish can
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Dogs can
a. swim in water
b. learn new things
c. fly in the sky
d. walk very fast
e. bark loudly
5. Speaking Practice
Work with a partner and ask questions using can.
Example questions:
Can you swim?
Can you ride a bicycle?
Can you play a musical instrument?
Can you cook?
Can you speak another language?
Students take turns asking and answering questions. Answers can be simple:
Yes, I can.
No, I can’t.
6. Picture Activity
Look at a picture of different animals or people doing activities. Write sentences describing what they can or can’t do.
Example:
The bird can fly.
The baby can’t drive a car.
The boy can play football.
Conclusion
Practicing “can” and “can’t” helps ESL students communicate their abilities and understand everyday situations. Through simple exercises like fill-in-the-blanks, matching activities, and speaking practice, learners become more confident in using these basic English structures.
With regular practice, students will quickly learn how to express what they can do and what they cannot do in clear and natural English.
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