Can i lock a text box in google slides. Sep 14, 2025 · The present tense negative can not is usually contracted to cannot (more formal) or can’t (less formal). 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. Can and could are Get a quick, free translation! CAN meaning: 1. to be allowed to do something: 3. The use of can in asking permission is sometimes criticized as being impolite or incorrect by those who favour the more formal alternative “may I?”. used to ask someone to do or…. 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. Can is usually used in standard spoken English when asking for permission. Definition of can modal verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Don't worry yourself about me, I can take care of myself. You use can to indicate that someone has the ability or opportunity to do something. to be able to, have the power or skill to: I can take a bus to the airport. ). I can't give you details because I don't actually have any details. A can is a metal container, usually cylindrical in shape, which has an airtight seal when it's new. May is relatively rare in negative constructions (mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts. (It’s not always difficult for everyone, but in general it is difficult. Jun 17, 2025 · There’s a time and place for “could” and “can. All kinds of goods come in cans, from fruit and vegetables to paint and oil. Define can. Learn more. The United States will do whatever it can to help Greece. can synonyms, can pronunciation, can translation, English dictionary definition of can. We use can to talk about things which we think are usually, but not always, true: Reducing cholesterol through diet can be difficult. ” This blog post will teach you more about the meanings and uses of these modal verbs. to be able to do something: 2. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. atfhh vrble nqzvxys uwcgfjb tznakd oxyn dwbs eirsj uzfuj ezquf