Can
/kæn/
modal verbBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
To be able to; to have the power or skill to do something.
/kæn/
modal verbneutralBeginner
General
Expressing ability or possibility
Can you help me?
💡 Simply: You can do it if you have the skill.
More Examples
2
She can speak three languages.
How It's Used
General
"I can swim."
Future possibility
"It can rain tomorrow."
2
A cylindrical metal container for storing food or other goods.
/kæn/
nounneutralBeginner
General
A metal container
He opened a can of peaches.
💡 Simply: A metal container for food.
More Examples
2
The can rolled across the floor.
How It's Used
Grocery
"A can of soup."
Tip:Think of a tin can.
From Old English *cunnan, meaning "to know," later evolving to encompass ability and permission.
The modal verb 'can' has ancient roots, tracing back to Old English. Its use to express ability is long-established.
Memory tip
Think of a 'can' as a container holding your ability.
Word Origin
LanguageOld English
Original meaning
"to know"
can openercan of worms
Common misspellings
canncaan
Practice
Usage
70%Spoken
30%Written