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 We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) You can easily get lost in this town.

Understanding the Context

(= 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. Travel rewards credit cards promise free flights, hotel stays, and exclusive perks.

Key Insights

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Final Thoughts

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. 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.