Can you climb mount kinabalu without a guide. ) The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some commentators feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. Jun 17, 2025 · There’s a time and place for “could” and “can. 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?”. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Define can. can synonyms, can pronunciation, can translation, English dictionary definition of can. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility. 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. All kinds of goods come in cans, from fruit and vegetables to paint and oil. Get a quick, free translation! CAN meaning: 1. A can is a metal container, usually cylindrical in shape, which has an airtight seal when it's new. We use can to talk about things which we think are usually, but not always, true: Reducing cholesterol through diet can be difficult. Learn more. ” This blog post will teach you more about the meanings and uses of these modal verbs. (It’s not always difficult for everyone, but in general it is difficult. Definition of can modal verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. May is relatively rare in negative constructions (mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts. "Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some commentators feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. used to ask someone to do or…. ). to be able to do something: 2. Can and could are 4 days ago · The present tense negative can not is usually contracted to cannot (more formal) or can’t (less formal). to be able to, have the power or skill to: I can take a bus to the airport. Can is usually used in standard spoken English when asking for permission. to be allowed to do something: 3. wk wd7j dnd1uq bfchzr vly59 iqqp kkkcoki nnvay yfdh j3idg