can / cannot / got / don't have

Short Replies That Match the Question

Level 2

Can, cannot, got and don't have can answer an understood possibility or existence question. Choose the reply for what was asked rather than automatically using an English be auxiliary.

How It Works

A short reply can repeat the word that answers the question's main issue. Can answers possibility or permission; got affirms existence or possession. Cannot and don't have provide corresponding negatives when the context supports them.

Read the question before choosing a reply. Can you come? asks about coming; Got seats? asks about seats being available. A short reply can leave both the person and the action understood. It does not need to be expanded with the same auxiliary after every question, and a negative reply does not supply a reason unless the speaker states one.

Examples (4)

  1. Can meet at seven? Can.

    Would meeting at seven work? Yes.

  2. Can bring a friend? Cannot, only two seats.

    May I bring a friend? No, there are only two seats.

  3. Got water? Got.

    Is water available? Yes.

  4. You got a spare key? Don't have.

    Do you have a spare key? No.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

can / cannot / got / don't haveLevel 2Short Replies That Match the Question

Learn This First

Identify the proposed action being questioned before choosing a short can or cannot reply.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.