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. May is relatively rare in …

You use can to indicate that someone has the ability or opportunity to do something. Don't worry yourself about me, I can take care of myself. I can't give you details because I don't actually have any details. …

We use can to talk about things which we think are usually, but not always, true: Reducing cholesterol through diet can be difficult. (It’s not always difficult for everyone, but in general it is difficult.)

To describe a specific occurrence in the past, use was/were able to instead of could.

Definition of can modal verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Define can. can synonyms, can pronunciation, can translation, English dictionary definition of can. to be able to, have the power or skill to: I can take a bus to the airport.

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?

CAN definition: to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to. See examples of can used in a sentence.

Used to indicate possession of a specified power, right, or privilege. The president can veto congressional bills.

"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.