Can Dua Change Time Of Death. The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the
The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. Definition of can modal verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Can is usually used in standard spoken English when asking for permission. to be able to, have the power or skill to: I can take a bus to the airport. Despite the insistence by some, that can means only "to be able'' and may means "to be permitted,'' both are regularly used in seeking or granting permission: Can (or May) I borrow your tape recorder? You use can to indicate that someone has the ability or opportunity to do something. The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. 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. The United States will do whatever it can to help Greece. May is relatively rare in negative constructions (mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts. I can't give you details because I don't actually have any details. . The president can veto congressional bills. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Don't worry yourself about me, I can take care of myself. can synonyms, can pronunciation, can translation, English dictionary definition of can. Used to indicate possession of a specified power, right, or privilege. Define can.