Can Definition & Meaning
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. May is relatively rare in negative constructions (mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts. Green fingers and thumbs The language of gardening. Add can to one of your lists below, or create a new one.
CAN Definition & Meaning
Can is usually used in standard spoken English when asking for permission. 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. Definition of can 1 modal verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English. 
CAN Definition & Meaning
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. The United States will do whatever it can to help Greece. Green fingers and thumbs The language of gardening. Add can to one of your lists below, or create a new one.
CAN
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. Can and may are most frequently interchangeable in uses denoting possibility; because the possibility of one's doing something may depend on another's acquiescence, they have also become interchangeable in the sense denoting permission. 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
used to say that it is possible for somebody/something to do something, or for something to happen. I can run fast. Can you call back tomorrow? He couldn't answer the question. The stadium can be emptied in four minutes. I can't promise anything, but I'll do what I can. Please let us know if you cannot attend the meeting. These words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and possibility. They are also used to say that someone has permission to do something. CAN definition in American English
"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. . 
Can
Can definition: to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to.. See examples of CAN used in a sentence. .
Can modal verb
To describe a specific occurrence in the past, use was/were able to instead of could. .