1be able to:they can run fastI could hear footstepshe can’t afford it
be able to through acquired knowledge or skill:I can speak Italian
have the opportunity or possibility to:there are many ways holidaymakers can take money abroad
[with negative or in questions] used to express doubt or surprise about the possibility of something’s being the case:he can’t have finishedwhere can she have gone?
used to indicate that something is typically the case:antique clocks can seem out of place in modern homeshe could be very moody
2be permitted to:you can use the phone if you want tonobody could legally drink on the premises
3used to request someone to do something:can you open the window?can’t you leave me alone?
used to make a suggestion or offer:we can have another drink if you like
