Can I Have The Obituaries. Definition of can modal verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary.
Definition of can modal verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Don't worry yourself about me, I can take care of myself. 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. 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. I can't give you details because I don't actually have any details. The United States will do whatever it can to help Greece. Define can. Can is usually used in standard spoken English when asking for permission. 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. to be able to, have the power or skill to: I can take a bus to the airport.