verb · A1

Can

KAN/kæn/

Say something is possible, or that you know how: can + verb with no to. I can swim. Could is past ability or a politer request. A can of drink is a metal tin — same spelling, different word.

Meaning

Used to say that something is possible, or that you know how.

Examples

“I can swim.”
“Can you open the window?”
“She can speak three languages.”

Good to know

can + infinitive (no to). Polite/past: could. Noun: a can.

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