Question

Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate words.
Adam ____ use a computer, but he____program a computer.

• A. Is / isn't
• B. Can / can
• C. Can / can't
• D. Can't / can't

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Can / can't

The sentence uses the conjunction 'but' which indicates contrast. Here, the action in the subordinate clause cannot be done if the action in the main clause is not known. Essentially, to know how to program a computer, one must know how to use it. So, one must have the knowledge to use a computer to program it.
"Is/isn't" in option A is incorrect as the auxiliary verbs are ungrammatical in the context.
"Can/can" in option B is incorrect because to know how to program a computer the first blank is understood or does not need to be mentioned.
"Can/can't" in option C is correct as one can know how to use a computer and not know how to program it. 'But' indicates that this option is correct.
"Can't/can't" is incorrect as if one does not know how to use a computer, there is no need to state that they can't program it.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.