Can is usually used in standard spoken English when asking for permission. It is acceptable in most forms of written English, although in very formal writing, such as official instructions, may is often used instead: Persons under 14 unaccompanied by an adult may not enter. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter.

Understanding the Context

(= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) You can easily get lost in this town. (= People often get lost in this town.) We use can't or cannot to say that something is impossible: That can't be true. You cannot be serious. Level: intermediate.

Key Insights

Yahoo! Sports: Elche manager sends strong warning to Real Madrid – ‘Can achieve something historic’ Elche manager sends strong warning to Real Madrid – ‘Can achieve something historic’ Yahoo! Sports: Why were Real Madrid and Elche allowed to make six substitutions? The New York Times: La Liga’s great entertainers: Why Elche are one of Europe’s most exciting teams La Liga’s great entertainers: Why Elche are one of Europe’s most exciting teams Canva is a free-to-use online graphic design tool. Use it to create social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos and more.

Final Thoughts

The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. May is relatively rare in negative constructions (mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts. Can James tell us 3 uses of can? Of course, he can! Give us 60 seconds and we'll give you the English! Watch the video, then answer the question below!