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 …

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 …

used to say that somebody knows how to do something She can speak Spanish. Can you cook? I could drive a car before I left school.

Despite the insistence by some, that can means only "to be able'' and may means "to be permitted,'' both are regularly used in seeking or granting permission: Can (or May) I borrow your tape recorder?

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. …

"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility.

Feb 8, 2025 · 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

CAN meaning: 1 : to be able to (do something) to know how to (do something) to have the power or skill to (do something) to be designed to (do something) sometimes used without a following verb; 2 : …

CAN definition: to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to. See examples of can used in a sentence.

GRAMMAR: Patterns with can • Like other modal verbs, you use can before the base form of the main verb (=the infinitive without ‘to’): We can hear the birds singing.