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Learn the meaning and usage of the word can as a verb, noun, and abbreviation. Find out the origin, synonyms, example sentences, and related phrases of can.
- Overview
- Modal Verb
- Ability
- Expressing Ability/Will
- Informal Usage
- Container
- Request
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
This article provides definitions and examples about the usage of modal verb 'can' including its pronunciation /kæn, kən/, definition - indicating possibility or capability through requests for permission etc., forms - past tense 'could', negative form 'cannot', polite question form etc.
Can is a modal verb used to express ability, permission or request. It can be used in different forms of written English and standard spoken English. The past form of can is could.
Other words that express the same meaning as "can" include "able to," "capable of (doing)," and "know how to."
Can is often used when asking for or giving permission, making requests, or expressing strong possibility. Could is more polite than can when making requests but only expresses weak possibility in the present tense. May is less common but acceptable in very formal writing such as official instructions.
In informal language, can also refers to prison ("in the can") or toilet ("go to the can").
Cans are commonly found as containers for vending machine drinks and food items like soda and soup. They may also refer to fruit cans produced by factories.
Can is often used when requesting something from someone else such as help with lifting a box or tissue paper.
Learn the meaning and usage of the word can as a modal verb, a noun, and a verb. Find out how to express ability, permission, possibility, requests, and more with can.
Can definition: to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to. See examples of CAN used in a sentence.
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Learn the meaning, usage, and pronunciation of 'can' as a modal verb and a noun in American English. Find examples, synonyms, grammar rules, and word frequency of 'can'.
Learn the meaning and usage of the modal verb can in English. Find out how to express ability, permission, possibility, offer, surprise and more with can.
Learn the meaning and grammar of can, a common modal verb in English. Find out how to use can to express ability, request, possibility, permission, and more.
