You use can to indicate that someone has the ability or opportunity to do something. Don't worry yourself about me, I can take care of myself. I can't give you details because I don't actually have any details.

Understanding the Context

The United States will do whatever it can to help Greece. Define can. can synonyms, can pronunciation, can translation, English dictionary definition of can. to be able to, have the power or skill to: I can take a bus to the airport.

Key Insights

The Murcia-Almería high-speed railway line is being constructed in Spain by Adif Alta Velocidad. The Murcia-Almería high-speed railway project is part of the Mediterranean High-Speed Corridor of the ... Canva is a free-to-use online graphic design tool. Use it to create social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos and more. Can is usually used in standard spoken English when asking for permission.

Final Thoughts

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. 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! In this blog article we look at when and how you use the word can in English conversation. Get free tips from an expert teacher of English for Adults, at the British Council