Can and can't

On this page

• The gap
• The forms
• Examples
• Practice

The gap

I can't hides three different things: not right now, not yet, and never. Heard back, I can't sing can mean a sore throat or a lifelong fact. Agazan says which one you mean.

The forms

Add a hyphen to the English verb, then x and a vowel:

Suffix	Meaning
-xa	can: able
-xe	can't, just for now (usually can)
-xo	can't yet (the default when you are not sure)
-xu	can never: impossible

Reminder: x sounds like the s in vision. The hyphen only shows that the word in front is English. The letters after it are spelled exactly as in Agazan. Here the vowel carries the meaning, so the endings from the other lessons do not come back.

Cue for the vowels: a ≈ add (the ability is in), e ≈ order (this moment's ranking), o ≈ one (one open can't), u ≈ undo (the ability is taken off).

Leave the suffix off when can is only polite filler. Can you pass the salt needs no -xa.

Examples

I swim-xa, but I drive-xe with this cast on.
She code-xo. She starts the course in May.
I sing-xu in front of people.
He lift-xe today, his back is out.
The kids read-xo, but they're learning.

I drive-xe says the cast is the problem and it will pass. She code-xo keeps the door open without promising how soon, which plain can't never does. I sing-xu is the only one that closes the door.

Practice

Add the suffix that fits the note.

1. I can't run. (my ankle is sprained; it will heal)

Show answer

I run-xe.

2. He can't read music. (he hasn't learned it yet)

Show answer

He read-xo music.

3. I can't drink milk. (an allergy that will not change)

Show answer

I drink-xu milk.

4. She can drive. (she has her license)

Show answer

She drive-xa.