can
strong /kæn/ weak /kən/, /kn/ modal verb (past tense and past participle could)Definition
ABILITY › to be able to do something: Anna can speak four languages. We can't pay the rent. Can you drive?
PERMISSION › to be allowed to do something: You can't park here. Can I go now?
ASK › used to ask someone to do or provide something: Can you tell her to meet me outside? Can I have a drink of water?
OFFER › used to politely offer to do something: Can I carry those bags for you?
POSSIBLE › used to talk about what is possible: You can buy stamps from the shop on the corner. Smoking can cause cancer.
TYPICAL › used to talk about how someone often behaves or what something is often like: She can be really rude at times. This area can be dangerous at night.
SURPRISE › used to show surprise or lack of belief: You can't possibly be hungry already! Can you believe it?
(Definition of can modal verb from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary
© Cambridge University Press)
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