Notes:

Many speakers have difficulty differentiating “can” and “can’t,” and yet it is crucial that they do so. “Can” is an auxiliary verb and therefore receives no stress, except when it is final (Yes, I can). “Can’t,” on the other hand, is a contraction of the auxiliary verb and the adverb “not” (similar to don’t, won’t, haven’t, and mustn’t). It must be emphasized because it is both an adverb and a “negative “word. It is often better to err on the side of caution and over-pronounce this word rather than be misunderstood, although “can’t” usually should not receive more stress than the verb it is modifying.