can in English: To be able to do something

Translation

To be able to do something, or to be allowed to do it.

Grammar

Verb typemodal

Examples

.

"Can" shows that you are able to swim.

, ?

You are asking if the other person is able to help.

.

Here "can" shows the children are allowed to play.

Related words

could

The past form of "can", or a polite way to ask or to talk about what is possible.

will

Used before another verb to talk about something that is going to happen in the future.

would

Used to talk about something that is not certain, or to ask or offer politely.

do

To carry out an action, and also a helper word used to make questions and negatives.

know

To have information about something, or to be familiar with a person.

cannot

Used to say that you are not able to do something, or that you are not allowed to do it.

capable

Having the skill or the power that is needed to do something.

impossible

So hard that it cannot happen or cannot be done.

Where this fits

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Used in

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