You use can, usually in questions, in order to make suggestions or to offer to do something. What can I do around here? This elderly woman was struggling out of the train and I said, Oh, can I help you? 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. 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 become interchangeable in the sense that means to have permission. The word can is a versatile modal verb in English, commonly used to express ability, permission, possibility, and requests. Its meaning depends on the context, but understanding how to use it effectively will enhance your communication skills. Any of various containers usually or traditionally cylindrical, made of metal, and with a separate cover. A milk can, a garbage can, a can of shoe polish. A can is a metal container, usually cylindrical in shape, which has an airtight seal when it's new. All kinds of goods come in cans, from fruit and vegetables to paint and oil. This article explains the core meanings of can: ability, permission, and possibility. It shows how to use it for skills, daily permission requests, and informal general possibility, plus question and negative forms, common phrases, typical learner mistakes, and practice tasks. Can is the most used modal verb in English, yet most English learners don't still know all its usages and when not to use it. This detailed post explains everything about the modal can. Can is a modal verb. Can is used to express ability or to say that something is possible. Can is the same for all subjects. We don't add an 'S' in the third person (like other verbs) The verb that comes after Can is in the infinitive without to: I can speak Spanish. (= it is possible for me to speak Spanish = I have the ability to speak Spanish) 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.