Can is usually used in standard spoken english when asking for permission. 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?
Can synonyms, can pronunciation, can translation, english dictionary definition of can. I can take a bus to the airport. Jan 26, 2026the 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. 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. "can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in english.
It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility. We sometimes use be able to instead of "can" or "could" for ability. Be able to is possible in all tenses - but "can" is possible only in the present and "could" is possible only in the past for ability.
See examples of can used in a sentence.
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