Can and may are most frequently interchangeable in uses indicating possibility; because the possibility of one's doing something may depend on another's compliance, they have also …

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 …

You use can to indicate that someone is allowed to do something. You use cannot or can't to indicate that someone is not allowed to do something. Can I really have your jeans when you …

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.

Definition of can modal verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

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 …

Look up CAN, Can, can, or -can in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Nov 9, 2025 · The present tense negative can not is usually contracted to cannot (more formal) or can’t (less formal). The use of can in asking permission is sometimes criticized as being …

The modal verb or modal auxiliary verb can is a commonly-used word. It is used to add more information about the function of the main verb.

To describe a specific occurrence in the past, use was/were able to instead of could.