Grammar Notes - Can Abilities

Can / Be good at


Point 1: We use can to show abilities.

  1. I can play tennis.
  2. She can speak Italian.
  3. They can build a computer.
  4. This dictionary can hold one million words.


Point 2: The negative form of can has three spellings: can not, cannot, and can't.

  1. I can't go tonight.
  2. She cannot speak German.
  3. I can not get an internet connection.
  4. My car cannot go very fast.


Point 3: The adverb well is used to show a high ability at doing something.

  1. Can you speak Japanese well?
  2. I cannot speak it very well. I can speak it just a little.
  3. What can you do well?
  4. I can cook fairly well.


Point 4: The phrase be good at means you can do something well.

  1. Are you good at sports?
  2. Yes, I am pretty good at sports.
  3. Are you good at computers?
  4. No, I am not good at computers at all.

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