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. May is relatively rare in …

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 …

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. …

Used to indicate possession of a specified power, right, or privilege. The president can veto congressional bills.

used to say that it is possible for somebody/something to do something, or for something to happen. I can run fast. Can you call back tomorrow? He couldn't answer the question. The stadium can be …

CAN definition: to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to. See examples of can used in a sentence.

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?

To describe a specific occurrence in the past, use was/were able to instead of could.

We use can to talk about things which we think are usually, but not always, true: Reducing cholesterol through diet can be difficult. (It’s not always difficult for everyone, but in general it is difficult.)

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 …