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can1(modal verb)/kən/ /kæn/Verb Forms- used to say that it is possible for somebody/something to do something, or for something to happen
- I can run fast.
- Can you call back tomorrow?
- He couldn't answer the question.
- The stadium can be emptied in four minutes.
- I can't promise anything, but I'll do what I can.
- Please let us know if you cannot attend the meeting.
- used to say that somebody knows how to do something
- She can speak Spanish.
- Can he cook?
- I could drive a car before I left school.
- used with the verbs ‘feel’, ‘hear’, ‘see’, ‘smell’, ‘taste’
- She could feel a lump in her breast.
- I can hear music.
- used to show that somebody is allowed to do something
- You can take the car, if you want.
- We can't wear jeans at work.
- used to ask permission to do something
- Can I read your newspaper?
- Can I take you home?
- used to ask somebody to help you
- Can you help me with this box?
- Can you feed the cat, please?
- used to make suggestions
- We can eat in a restaurant, if you like.
- I can take the car if necessary.
- used in the negative for saying that you are sure something is not true
- That can't be Mary—she's in New York.
- He can't have slept through all that noise.
- used to express doubt or surprise
- What can they be doing?
- Can he be serious?
- Where can she have put it?
- used to say what somebody/something is often like
- He can be very tactless sometimes.
- It can be quite cold here in winter.
- used to say that somebody must do something, usually when you are angry
- You can shut up or get out!
- as happy, etc. as possible
- used to say that you do not like something and are unwilling to accept it
- I can't be doing with people who complain all the time.
- I can’t be doing with you moaning all the time.
- used to say that you are not able or willing to do something
- Sorry, no can do. I just don't have the time.
Word Origin- Old English cunnan ‘know’ (in Middle English ‘know how to’), related to Dutch kunnen and German können; from an Indo-European root shared by Latin gnoscere ‘know’ and Greek gignōskein ‘know’.
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