What Does "Can" Mean in English?

Mô tả sản phẩm

"Can" in English is a modal verb, meaning it helps another verb to express ability, possibility, permission, or request. It doesn't change its form to agree with the subject (e.g., I can, you can, he/she/it can, we can, they can).

Understanding the Different Meanings of "Can"

Ability:

The most common use of "can" is to express the ability to do something. For example: "I can swim," "She can speak three languages," "They can lift that heavy box." This refers to a skill or physical capability.

Possibility:

"Can" can also indicate possibility or a chance that something might happen. For instance: "It can rain tomorrow," "This medicine can have side effects," "Anything can happen." Note the uncertainty implied in these sentences.

Permission:

In informal settings, "can" can be used to ask for or give permission. Examples include: "Can I go to the bathroom?", "You can borrow my book," "Can we leave now?". However, "may" is generally preferred for more formal requests for permission.

Request:

Similar to permission, "can" is frequently used to make polite requests. For example: "Can you help me with this?", "Can you pass the salt, please?". This is a more indirect and softer way of asking for assistance than a direct command. In summary, "can" is a versatile modal verb with multiple meanings depending on the context. Understanding its various uses will improve your English comprehension and fluency significantly. Remember to consider the context of the sentence to determine the precise meaning of "can" in each instance.

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