English

can

kæn, kən, æ, ˈkæn, ˈkæːn
Meaning: to be able to; to have the ability to
Part of Speech: Verb Alternative Readings: kən, æ, ˈkæn, ˈkæːn

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Example sentences

I can swim.
I can swim.
There is a limit to how much I can eat.
There is a limit to how much I can eat.
I can clearly see the mountains from my window.
I can clearly see the mountains from my window.
Please respond to the email promptly so we can finalize the plans.
Please respond to the email promptly so we can finalize the plans.
Once you finish your homework, you can go out and play.
Once you finish your homework, you can go out and play.

Usage Notes

Used to express ability, permission, or possibility. It is a modal auxiliary verb.

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