can

From Wiktionary

Contents 1 Pronunciation 2 Modal verb 2.1 Related words 3 Verb 4 Noun

[change] Pronunciation

• (stressed) enPR: kăn, IPA: /kæn/, SAMPA: /k{n/
• (unstressed) IPA: /kən/, SAMPA: /k@n/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file} (stressed)

[change] Modal verb

Simple present can

Simple past could

Negative can't

1. If someone can do something, they are able to do it.

   Most birds can fly.

2. If someone can do something, they are allowed to do it.

   You can't smoke here.

   Can I go now?

3. You use can to ask somebody to do something (if you know the person well)

   Can you open the door for me, please?

[change] Related words

• cannot

[change] Verb

Plain form can

Third-person singular cans

Past tense canned

Past participle canned

Present participle canning

1. (transitive) If someone cans something, they put in a can or jar to keep for a long time.

   We canned the peas for the winter.

2. (transitive) If someone cans something, they stop working on it.

   The idea was canned.

3. (transitive) If someone gets canned they have lost their job.
4. shut up (This is not polite.)

   Can it!

[change] Noun

Singular can

Plural cans

1. A metal container, usually for holding food or drink.

   I drink cola from a can.

   Spaghetti hoops come in a can.