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.

Understanding the Context

The United States will do whatever it can to help Greece. Omaha Steaks, which has been selling high-end protein for over a century, is moving in new directions. The company says it is moving forward with a subscription model it has been testing and is ... New York Post: Treat yourself to better meals with Omaha Steaks subscription service If dinner decisions stress you out, using a weekly meal planner can help.

Key Insights

These 14 expert-backed picks make it easier to save time, reduce food waste, and stay organized. Canva is a free-to-use online graphic design tool. Use it to create social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos and more. 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.

Final Thoughts

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 negative constructions (mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts. Learn how to use CAN and CAN'T (CANNOT) in this English grammar lesson for beginners. We use can and can't to talk about ability, possibility, make requests, and ask for permission.