language note: Can is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. The form cannot is used in negative statements. The usual spoken form of cannot is can't, pronounced (kɑːnt, US kænt).
1. modal verb
You use can when you are mentioning a quality or fact about something which people may make use of if they want to.
Chicken is also the most versatile of meats. It can be roasted whole or in pieces.
Luckily, iron can be reworked and mistakes don't have to be thrown away.
A central reservation number can direct you to accommodations that best suit yourneeds.
A selected list of some of those stocking a comprehensive range can be found in Chapter8.
...the statue which can still be seen in the British Museum.
2. modal verb
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.
Oh Stephen darling, how can I ever thank you for being so kind?
See if you can find Karlov and tell him we are ready for dinner.
'You're needed here, Livy'—'But what can I do?'.
The United States will do whatever it can to help Greece.
I cannot describe it, I can't find the words.
Customers can choose from sixty hit titles before buying.
You can't be with your baby all the time.
3. modal verb
You use cannot to indicate that someone is not able to do something because circumstances make it impossible for them to do it.
We cannot buy food, clothes and pay for rent and utilities on $20 a week.
She cannot sleep and the pain is often so bad she wants to scream.
4. modal verb
You use can to indicate that something is true sometimes or is true in some circumstances.
...long-term therapy that can last five years or more.
A vacant lot can produce an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna.
I've quite forgotten how closed in London can seem.
Exercising alone can be boring.
The speed at which we talk can also convey a great deal.
Coral can be yellow, blue, or green.
5. modal verb
You use cannot and can't to state that you are certain that something is not the case or will not happen.
From her knowledge of Douglas's habits, she feels sure that the attacker can't havebeen Douglas.
Things can't be that bad.
You can't be serious, Mrs Lorimer?
6. modal verb
You use can to indicate that someone is allowed to do something. You use cannot or can't to indicate that someone is not allowed to do something.
You must buy the credit life insurance before you can buy the disability insurance.
No-one can set up a waste disposal company without proper certification.
Here, can I really have your jeans when you grow out of them?
We can't answer any questions, I'm afraid.
I can't tell you what he said.
You cannot ask for your money back before the agreed date.
I'm on tablets and I can't drive.
7. modal verb
You use cannot or can't when you think it is very important that something should not happen or that someone should notdo something.
[emphasis]
It is an intolerable situation and it can't be allowed to go on.
The committee can't demand from her more than it demands from its own members.
8. modal verb
You use can, usually in questions, in order to make suggestions or to offer to do something.
What can I do around here?
This old lady was struggling out of the train and I said, 'Oh, can I help you?'.
Hello John. What can we do for you?
You can always try the beer you know–it's usually all right in this bar.
9. modal verb
You use can in questions in order to make polite requests. You use can't in questions in order to request strongly that someone does something.
[politeness]
Can I have a look at that?
Can you please help?
Can you just lift the table for a second?
Can you fill in some of the details of your career?
Why can't you leave me alone?
10. modal verb
You use can as a polite way of interrupting someone or of introducing what you are going to say next.
[formal, spoken]
Can I interrupt you just for a minute?
But if I can interrupt, Joe, I don't think anybody here is personally blaming you.
Can I just ask something 'cos I'm really quite interested in this.
11. modal verb
You use can with verbs such as 'imagine', 'think', and 'believe' in order to emphasize how you feel about a particular situation.
[informal, or spoken, emphasis]
You can imagine he was terribly upset.
You can't think how glad I was to see them all go.
It's been an appallingly busy morning, I can't tell you.
12. modal verb
You use can in questions with 'how' to indicate that you feel strongly about something.
[spoken, emphasis]
How can you complain about higher taxes?
How can millions of dollars go astray?
How can you say such a thing?
How can you expect me to believe your promises?
English Easy Learning GrammarCan and couldBoth these verbs indicate ability in some respect. The use of could is usual in clausesthat contain a reference to past time. Morag can speak French quite ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarConditional clausesConditional sentences consist of a main clause and a conditional clause (sometimescalled an if-clause). The conditional clause usually begins with if ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarModal verbsModal verbs are a particular kind of auxiliary. Look, I can do it! – Oh yes! So you can. Can I use your phone? – Of course you can. Do you think she will ... Read more
can container
(kæn)
Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense cans, present participle canning, past tense, past participle canned
1. countable noun
A can is a metal container in which something such as food, drink, or paint is put. The container is usually sealed to keep the contents fresh.
Several young men were kicking a tin can along the middle of the road.
...empty beer cans.
...cans of paint and brushes. [+ of]
2. verb [usually passive]
When food or drink is canned, it is put into a metal container and sealed so that it will remain fresh.
...fruits and vegetables that will be canned, skinned, diced or otherwise processed. [beVERB-ed]
It was always roast lamb and canned peas for Sunday lunch. [VERB-ed]
3. singular noun
The can is the toilet.
[US, informal]
4. verb
If you are canned, you are dismissed from your job.
[US, informal]
The extremists prevailed, and the security minister was canned. [beVERB-ed]
When I got canned, I took these keys as souvenirs. [VERB-ed]
5. See also canned
6.
See to carry the can
7.
See in the can
can in British English1
(kæn, unstressed kən)
verbWord forms: past tensecould(takes an infinitive withoutto or an implied infinitive)(intransitive)
1.
used as an auxiliary to indicate ability, skill, or fitness to perform a task
I can run a mile in under four minutes
2.
used as an auxiliary to indicate permission or the right to something
can I have a drink?
3.
used as an auxiliary to indicate knowledge of how to do something
he can speak three languages fluently
4.
used as an auxiliary to indicate possibility, opportunity, or likelihood
my trainer says I can win the race if I really work hard
▶ USAGE See note at may1
Word origin
Old English cunnan; related to Old Norse kunna, Old High German kunnan, Latin cognōscere to know, Sanskrit jānāti he knows; see ken, uncouth
can in British English2
(kæn)
noun
1.
a container, esp for liquids, usually of thin sheet metal
a petrol can
a beer can
2. another name (esp US) for tin (sense 2)
3. Also called: canful
the contents of a can or the amount a can will hold
4. a slang word for prison
5. US and Canadian a slang word for toilet (sense 1)
6. US and Canadian slang
the buttocks
7. US navy a slang word for destroyer
8. navy slang
a depth charge
9.
a shallow cylindrical metal container of varying size used for storing and handling film
10. can of worms
11. carry the can
12. in the can
13. kick the can down the road
verbWord forms: cans, canning or canned
14.
to put (food, etc) into a can or cans; preserve in a can
15. (transitive) US slang
to dismiss from a job
16. (transitive) US informal
to stop (doing something annoying or making an annoying noise) (esp in the phrase can it!)
17. (transitive) informal
to reject or discard
Word origin
Old English canne; related to Old Norse, Old High German kanna, Irish gann, Swedish kana sled
Can. in British English
abbreviation for
1.
Canada
2.
Canadian
Can in American English
1.
Canada
2.
Canadian
3.
Canon
can in American English1
(kæn; unstressed, kən)
auxiliary verbWord forms: could
1.
know(s) how to
2.
am, are, or is able to
3.
am, are, or is likely or at all likely to
can that be true?
4.
have or has the moral or legal right to
5. Informal
am, are, or is permitted to; may
verb intransitive
6.
know(s) how
7.
am, are, or is able
yes I can
8.
am, are, or is likely or at all likely
9.
have or has the moral or legal right
10. Informal
am, are, or is permitted; may
verb transitive
11. Obsolete
know(s)
Idioms:
can but
▶ USAGE: traditional grammar makes a clear distinction between can1 (for ability) and , may1 (for permission), the classic example being the retort, “Yes, you can go, but you may not”; in everyday speech and writing, however, can1 is generally accepted for both meanings, with , may1 being used only when the notion of permission is important to the sense of an utteranceand there is a possibility of ambiguity
can in American English2
(kæn)
noun
1.
a container of various kinds, usually made of metal with a separate cover
a milk can, a garbage can, a can of shoe polish
2. US
a container made of tinned iron or other metal, in which foods or other perishable products are sealed for preservation
3. US
the amount that a can holds
4. US, Slang
a.
a prison
b.
the buttocks
c.
a toilet
d.
tin can (sense 2)
verb transitiveWord forms: canned or ˈcanning US
5.
to put up in airtight cans or jars for preservation
6. Slang
a.
to dismiss; discharge
b.
to put an end to; stop
Idioms:
in the can
Word origin
ME & OE canne, a cup, container < Gmc *kanna (> LL canna, a vessel); prob. < IE base *gan(dh), container > MIr gann, ON kani
Examples of 'can' in a sentence
can
Crew can take extended leave or go skiing for the weekend.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Such companies can be used to cut tax payments legally.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
What food fashion can we look forward to now?
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
We will see if he can make the difference.
The Sun (2017)
Yet being a doctor can be hard.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The judgment opens a can of worms.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Now anyone can access millions of sources of information at the touch of a button.
Computing (2010)
We make sure you can mix paint.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They can buy a normal hoodie.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It's the kind of bonus that can give a film such as this a vital box-office boost.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
With food poisoning you can feel better after around six or eight hours.
The Sun (2006)
Now it can be hard rowing sometimes against the past wind.
Christianity Today (2000)
Up to four people can eat together per voucher and set of four tokens.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
They are fully aware of the risks and how easily something can go wrong.
The Sun (2014)
You can only carry on doing that for a short period.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The interview can also be used to focus on job problems and how these might be tackled.
Torrington, Derek Personnel Management: A New Approach (1991)
Trees grown in containers can be planted at any time.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Realising the power of discounts and how much money you can make by being frugal.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The fact that anyone can make content is only meaningful if others can enjoy it.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
You can see the paint coming out of the painting.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
You had a beer can for your tea.
Max Arthur Lost Voices of the Edwardians: 19011910 in the words of the Men & Women Who WereThere (2006)
They can often feel empty and neglected as a result.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
So where can you buy an original?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It is illegal to carry petrol in cans in the car.
Brines, Callum Collins Traveller - The Algarve (1993)
Surely no one can drink like that any more?
The Sun (2015)
Whether you can get hold of your underwear is a different matter.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Visit at different times of day so you can check out the neighbourhood.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The metal implant can contain insulin which is released slowly through a gel barrier.
The Sun (2010)
The change means the cheapest can of lager will cost around 40p from next spring.
The Sun (2013)
Word lists with
can
container
In other languages
can
British English: can /kæn/ VERB
If you can do something, you are able to do it.
I can swim.
American English: can
Arabic: يَسْتَطِيعُ
Brazilian Portuguese: poder
Chinese: 能
Croatian: moći
Czech: moci
Danish: kan
Dutch: kunnen
European Spanish: poder
Finnish: osata
French: pouvoir être capable
German: können
Greek: μπορώ
Italian: sapere
Japanese: ･･･できる
Korean: ...할 수 있다
Norwegian: kan
Polish: móc
European Portuguese: poder
Romanian: a putea
Russian: мочь
Latin American Spanish: poder facultad o potencia de hacer algo
Swedish: kunna
Thai: สามารถ
Turkish: yapabilmek
Ukrainian: могти
Vietnamese: có thể
British English: can /kæn/ NOUN
A can is a metal container for food or drink.
She opened a can of soup.
American English: can
Arabic: عُلْبَة
Brazilian Portuguese: lata
Chinese: 罐
Croatian: limenka
Czech: plechovka
Danish: dåse
Dutch: blik
European Spanish: lata
Finnish: tölkki
French: cannette
German: Dose
Greek: κουτάκι
Italian: lattina
Japanese: 缶
Korean: 깡통
Norwegian: boks
Polish: puszka
European Portuguese: lata
Romanian: dozăcutie metalică
Russian: консервная банка
Latin American Spanish: lata
Swedish: burk
Thai: กระป๋อง
Turkish: kutu
Ukrainian: бляшанка
Vietnamese: bình đựng
All related terms of 'can'
Araucan
Araucanian
Faliscan
an ancient language of Italy, spoken in the area north of the Tiber . It was closely related to Latin , which displaced it before 200 bc
Mahican
a tribe or confederacy of Algonquian-speaking Native Americans, centralized formerly in the upper Hudson valley
can-can
The can-can is a dance in which the dancers kick their legs in the air to fast music .
cant
If you refer to moral or religious statements as cant , you are criticizing them because you think the person making them does not really believe what they are saying .
can-do
If you say that someone has a can-do attitude , you approve of them because they are confident and willing to deal with problems or new tasks , rather than complaining or giving up.
can but
can only
Can Tho
a town in S Vietnam , on the River Mekong . Pop: 368 000 (2005 est)
tin can
a metal food container , esp when empty
beer can
an aluminium can for beer
can buoy
a buoy with a flat-topped cylindrical shape above water, marking the left side of a channel leading into a harbour : red in British waters but green ( occasionally black) in US waters
glass can
a short squat beer bottle
milk can
a container used to transport milk from farms
spray can
A spray can is a small metal container containing liquid such as paint under pressure so that it can be sprayed.
trash can
A trash can is a large round container which people put their rubbish in and which is usually kept outside their house .
aerosol can
a container for substances stored as aerosols , such as paint , polish , or insecticide
can crusher
a device which presses empty metal food containers in order to reduce their volume before they are disposed of
can-opener
A can opener is the same as a → tin opener .
can't win
If you say that someone can't win in a particular situation , you mean that they are certain to fail or to suffer whatever they do.
garbage can
A garbage can is a container that you put rubbish into.
petrol can
a container for carrying petrol
Sterno can
a small can of Sterno
can't help
If you say you can't help thinking something, you are expressing your opinion in an indirect way , often because you think it seems rude .
in the can
If you say that something such as a job that you are doing is in the can , you mean that it is completely finished .
watering can
A watering can is a container with a long spout which is used to water plants.
can of worms
a complicated problem
can't abide
If you can't abide someone or something, you dislike them very much.
you can talk
you don't have to worry about doing a particular thing yourself
Ash Can School
a group of US painters including Robert Henri and later George Bellows , founded in 1907, noted for their depiction of the sordid aspects of city life
can ill afford
If you say that someone can ill afford to do something, or can ill afford something, you mean that they must prevent it from happening because it would be harmful or embarrassing to them.
carry the can
to take the blame for something even though you are not the only person responsible for it
ashcan
a large can for ashes and trash
a can of worms
If you say that someone is opening a can of worms , you are warning them that they are planning to do or talk about something which is much more complicated , unpleasant , or difficult than they realize and which might be better left alone .
all-you-can-eat
An all-you-can-eat buffet or restaurant is a buffet or restaurant at which you pay a fixed price, no matter how much or how little you eat .
as best one can
If someone does something as best they can , they do it as well as they can, although it is very difficult .
can't hack it
If you say that someone can't hack it or couldn't hack it , you mean that they do not or did not have the qualities needed to do a task or cope with a situation .
can't help sth
If you can't help the way you feel or behave , you cannot control it or stop it happening . You can also say that you can't help yourself .
can't tell apart
If you can't tell two people or things apart , they look exactly the same to you.
can you beat it?
an expression of utter amazement or surprise
to carry the can
If you have to carry the can , you have to take all the blame for something.
you can keep it
I have no interest in what you are offering
you can't win
an expression of resignation after an unsuccessful attempt to overcome difficulties
jerrycan
a flat-sided can with a capacity of between 4.5 and 5 gallons used for storing or transporting liquids, esp motor fuel : originally a German design adopted by the British Army during World War II
can stick/to stick
If you say that someone can stick something, especially a job, or if you tell them where to stick it, you are rudely refusing it or emphasizing that you do not want it or like it.
can't be bothered
If you say that you can't be bothered to do something, you mean that you are not going to do it because you think it is unnecessary or because you are too lazy .
can't get arrested
(of a performer) is unrecognized and unsuccessful
catch-as-catch-can
a style of wrestling in which trips , holds below the waist , etc, are allowed
I will/can manage
You say ' I can manage ' or ' I'll manage ' as a way of refusing someone's offer of help and insisting on doing something by yourself.
you never can tell
If you say ' You never can tell ', you mean that the future is always uncertain and it is never possible to know exactly what will happen .
can do sth blindfold
If you say that you can do something blindfold , you are emphasizing that you can do it easily , for example because you have done it many times before.
Chinese translation of 'can'
can 1
(kæn)
n(c)
(for food, drinks) 罐头(頭) (guàntou) (个(個), gè)
(with lid) 容器 (róngqì)
(for petrol, oil) 罐 (guàn) (个(個), gè)
⇒ I had to take a can to the garage to get some petrol.我不得不带个罐去加油站买汽油。 (Wǒ bùdebù dài gè guàn qù jiāyóuzhàn mǎi qìyóu.)
I can swim/drive我会(會)游泳/开(開)车(車) (wǒ huì yóuyǒng/kāichē)
can you play a musical instrument?你会(會)一种(種)乐(樂)器吗(嗎)？ (nǐ huì yī zhǒng yuèqì ma?)
(permission, requests) 可以 (kěyǐ)
can I use your phone?我可以用你的电(電)话(話)吗(嗎)？ (wǒ kěyǐ yòng nǐ de diànhuà ma?)
can you help me?你可以帮(幫)我一下吗(嗎)？ (nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ yīxià ma?)
can't you leave me alone?你就不能让(讓)我单(單)独(獨)呆一会(會)儿(兒)吗(嗎)？ (nǐ jiù bùnéng ràng wǒ dāndú dāi yīhuìr ma?)
this cannot be allowed to continue不能再这(這)样(樣)下去了 (bùnéng zài zhèyàng xiàqù le)
(disbelief, puzzlement)
it can't be true!这(這)不可能是真的！ (zhè bù kěnéng shì zhēn de!)
you can't be serious!你不是认(認)真的吧！ (nǐ bù shì rènzhēn de ba!)
it can't have been them!不可能是他们(們)！ (Bù kěnéng shì tāmen!)
what can he want?他究竟想要什么(麼)？ (tā jiūjìng xiǎng yào shénme?)
(possibility) 可能 (kěnéng)
the illness can last for up to six months病情可能持续(續)近6个(個)月 (bìngqíng kěnéng chíxù jìn liù gè yuè)
he can be very unpleasant他有时(時)会(會)非常不高兴(興) (tā yǒushí huì fēicháng bù gāoxìng)
can she have finished already?她有可能已经(經)完成了吗(嗎)？ (tā yǒu kěnéng yǐjīng wánchéng le ma?)
how can millions of dollars disappear?成百万(萬)的美金怎么(麼)可能消失呢？ (chéng bǎiwàn de měijīn zěnme kěnéng xiāoshī ne?)
can，could 和 be able to 都是用来表示某人有能力做某事，后接原形动词。can 或 be able to 的现在式都可以指现在，但 can 更为常用。 They can all read and write ... The snake is able to catch small mammals.could 或 be able to 的过去式可用来指过去。will 或 shall 加 be able to 则用于表示将来。指在某一特定时间能够做某事，用 be able to。 After treatment he was able to return to work.can 和 could 用于表示可能性。could 指的是某个特定情况下的可能性，而 can 则表示一般情况下的可能性。 Many jobs could be lost ... Too much salt can be harmful. 在谈论过去的时候，使用 could have 加过去分词形式。 It could have been much worse. 在谈论规则或表示许可的时候，用 can 表示现在，用 could 表示过去。 They can leave at any time. 注意，当表示请求时，can 和 could 两者都可。 Can I have a drink? ... Could we put the fire on? 但表示建议时只能使用 could。 You could phone her and ask.