Grammar Focus

Can / Can’t (Μπορώ / Δεν μπορώ)

We use can to talk about ability, permission and possibility. After can, we always use the base form of the verb.

1. Ability (Ικανότητα)

• I can ride a bike. → Μπορώ να κάνω ποδήλατο.
• She can sing very well. → Μπορεί να τραγουδήσει πολύ καλά.
• They can speak English. → Μπορούν να μιλήσουν Αγγλικά.

2. Form (Σχηματισμός)

Important: We do not add -s after can. Say She can play, not She can plays.

3. Permission and requests (Άδεια και ευγενικές ερωτήσεις)

We also use can to ask for permission or to ask someone to do something.

• Can I go to the toilet, please? → Μπορώ να πάω στην τουαλέτα, παρακαλώ;
• Can I open the window? → Μπορώ να ανοίξω το παράθυρο;
• Can you help me? → Μπορείς να με βοηθήσεις;
• Can you repeat, please? → Μπορείς να το επαναλάβεις, παρακαλώ;

4. Short answers

5. Practice

A. Complete with can or can’t.

1. A bird ___ fly.
2. A fish ___ walk.
3. I ___ speak English.
4. A baby ___ drive a car.

B. Make the sentences negative.

1. She can dance. → __________________________
2. They can play football. → __________________________
3. He can ride a bike. → __________________________

C. Make questions.

1. you / swim? → __________________________
2. she / sing? → __________________________
3. they / speak English? → __________________________

D. Answer about yourself.

1. Can you ride a bike? → __________________________
2. Can you play the guitar? → __________________________
3. Can you cook? → __________________________