Grammar Notes - Can Abilities
Can / Be good at
Point 1: We use can to show abilities.
- I can play tennis.
- She can speak Italian.
- They can build a computer.
- This dictionary can hold one million words.
Point 2: The negative form of can has three spellings: can not, cannot, and can't.
- I can't go tonight.
- She cannot speak German.
- I can not get an internet connection.
- My car cannot go very fast.
Point 3: The adverb well is used to show a high ability at doing something.
- Can you speak Japanese well?
- I cannot speak it very well. I can speak it just a little.
- What can you do well?
- I can cook fairly well.
Point 4: The phrase be good at means you can do something well.
- Are you good at sports?
- Yes, I am pretty good at sports.
- Are you good at computers?
- No, I am not good at computers at all.