The Many Uses of the Verb Can

Can is a modal verb. It can be used in a variety of situations, depending on the context. Let's look at some of these meanings.

ABILITY: (to be able to)

• Can you drive?
• Can you play the piano?
• Can you speak French?

PERMISSION: (to be allowed to)

• You can park here.
• You can hang your jacket up in the closet.
• You can have dessert if you finish your peas!

REQUEST: (informal requests)

• Can you tell John that I'll pick him up at noon?
• Can you close the window, please. I'm cold!

POSSIBILITY: (possibilities in the present, not in the future)

• You can find the information in a dictionary.
• You can order a beer when you are 21.

OFFER: (polite offers of help)

• Can I help you with those boxes?
• Can I help you finish the project?

Courtesy of and adapted from Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary.