can */*/*/

weak [kən] , strong [kæn] modal verb I

summary:

■ Can is usually followed by an infinitive without ‘to': I can speak French. Sometimes it is used without a following infinitive: Come and help us, if you can. ■ Can has no participles and no infinitive form. It does not change its form, so the third person singular form does not end in ‘-s': She can speak Japanese. ■ Questions and negatives are formed without ‘do': Can you swim? ■ The negative form cannot is often shortened in conversation or informal writing to can't: I can't find my brown jacket. ■ Could is used as the past tense of can when it means that someone had the ability to do something, or that something was possible: New York was a place where anyone could start a business. But was/were able to is used for saying that someone actually succeeded in doing something: By climbing on the table he was able to reach the window.

1) able to do sth to have the ability to do something

‘Can you swim?' ‘No I can't.'[/ex]

The machine can translate messages into 24 different languages.[/ex]

I will help as much as I can.[/ex]

I can hear someone crying.[/ex]

2) for saying what is possible used for saying that something is possible, or that it might happen

Tickets can be bought from the Tourist Information Centre.[/ex]

Even minor head injuries can be serious.[/ex]

3) be allowed to do sth to be allowed to do something, or to have the right or power to do it

You can borrow my calculator if you want.[/ex]

Anyone aged 18 or over can vote.[/ex]

You can't sit there. Those seats are reserved.[/ex]

4) in requests, offers etc spoken

used in requests, or when offering or suggesting something

Can you tell me where Mr Lawson's office is?[/ex]

Can I have another piece of cake?[/ex]

5) when you are fairly certain used for saying that you feel fairly sure about something

The hotel can't be far from here.[/ex]

Can there be any doubt that he is lying?[/ex]

I can't tell you how pleased I am to see you.[/ex]

6) when sth should not happen used for emphasizing that something should not happen or should not continue

We can't let them cheat and get away with it.[/ex]

7) for expressing surprise spoken

used for showing how surprised or shocked you are

He can't be here already![/ex]

8) for emphasizing how you feel spoken

used with verbs such as ‘say', ‘imagine', or ‘believe' for emphasizing how strongly you feel

I can imagine how upset you must be.[/ex]

II

noun [C]

can */*/[kæn]

1) a metal container with round sides, used for holding food, or drink or other liquids

empty beer cans[/ex]

There's a little paint left in the can.[/ex]

a can of beans[/ex]

2) the amount that a can holds

Add two cans of tomatoes to the sauce and stir.[/ex]

III

verb [T]

can [kæn]

to preserve food in metal containers by storing it without air