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can synonyms, can pronunciation, can translation, English dictionary definition of can. Verb Forms cannot. Could is also used with this meaning with verbs of seeing, noticing, understanding, etc: I could see there was something wrong.

English American English. Grammar Point modal verbs modal verbs The modal verbs are cancouldmaymightmustought toshallshouldwill and would. Definition of can 1 modal verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Want to learn more? Definition of can1 modal verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

Resources Resources home Text Checker. Could have is used when you are saying that it was possible for somebody to do something in the past but they did not try: We could have won the game but decided to let them win. 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.

Modal verbs are followed by the infinitive of another verb without to. Which Word? Can is also used with passive infinitives to talk about what it is possible to do: The podcast can be downloaded here. May negative may not is used as a polite and fairly formal way to ask for or give permission: May I borrow your pen?

Dareneedhave to and used to also share some of the features jimmy fanz gay modal verbs. Could is used to talk about what someone was generally able to do in the past: Our daughter could walk when she was nine months old.

Modal verbs have only one form. Can is usually used in standard spoken English when asking for permission. You may come if you wish. Resources home Text Checker. 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.

The exceptions are ought tohave to and used to : You must find a job. to be able to, have the power or skill to: I can take a bus to the airport. I could find some useful books in the library. Define can. Enter search text. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Find out which words work together and produce more natural-sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app. Students may not use the college car park. She will try and visit tomorrow. You can come with us if you want to.

It is often used in official signs and rules: Visitors may use the swimming pool between 7 a. Despite the insistence by some, that can means only "to be able'' and may means "to be permitted,'' both are regularly used in seeking or granting permission: Can (or May) I borrow your tape recorder?.

May is relatively rare in negative constructions (mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts. They have no -ing or -ed forms and do not add -s to the 3rd person singular form: He can speak three languages. Toggle navigation.

It is also used with verbs of seeing, noticing, etc: I can hear someone calling.