Do you use “can” and “could” correctly in English? Join me and learn how to use these two important modal verbs, in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. 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. 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. 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. From 3-wheel vehicles to electric motorcycles, the Can-Am On-Road lineup is built for urban rides, open-road thrills, and everything in between. Get ready to own the road. 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 definition: to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to. See examples of can used in a sentence. 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. The United States will do whatever it can to help Greece. Brian Eno made a short film in tribute to Can, while John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers appeared at the Echo Awards ceremony, at which Can were awarded the most prestigious music award in Germany. This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Can. If an internal link incorrectly led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article.