Can is used of the person with the verb active, where may is used; of the thing, with the verb passive; as, I can do it; it may be done. The word can is a modal verb that is used to indicate the ability or capability of someone or something to do a specific action or task. 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. Canva is a free-to-use online graphic design tool. Use it to create social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos and more. 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. Used to indicate possession of a specified power, right, or privilege. The president can veto congressional bills. 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. 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. 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. 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 impolite or incorrect by those who favour the more formal alternative “may I.?”.