can
Tin for beans
Modal verbs slightly alter the meaning of a main verb, and among modals can is critical.
Its effect on meaning is always related to ability (I can type 70 words a minute), capacity (This barrel can hold 60 gallons), or possibility (Weird stuff can happen late at night.).
When combined with a sensory verb, can indicates perception that is happening now, or happens under given circumstances: I can hear something scratching at the window. From our roof we can see the fireworks.
The past tense of can is could.
In meanings connected with possibility, can is used interchangeably with may: Can I have a cookie? May I have a cookie?
Granted permission to proceed
- permittedGranted leave to proceed
- authorizedGiven official permission
- approvedOfficially accepted or permitted
- licensedGranted official permission
sanctioned · cleared · entitled · granted · forbidden · prohibited · restricted · may
Element fifty, Sn
- aluminumElement thirteen
- sodaCarbonated soft drink
- beerFermented grain drink
- beverageLiquid for consumption
soup · beans · tuna · sardines · sealed · lid · opener · pull-tab
Modal of possibility
- mightGreat physical strength
- maybeExpression of uncertainty
- perhapsExpressing uncertainty
- possiblyWith some likelihood
potentially · chance · likelihood · feasible · conceivable · imaginable · option · opportunity
Combustion with flames
axe · pink slip · layoff · unemployment · severance · fired · boot · oust
Room for hygiene
- restroomFacility with toilets
- lavatoryRoom for bodily relief
- looBritish slang for toilet
- johnInformal toilet term
privy · latrine · commode · outhouse · potty · throne · head · facilities
Protect from loss
- pickleVinegar-preserved vegetable
- jamCooked fruit spread
- jellyFruit spread, no seeds
- jarringDisturbingly incongruous
seal · sterilize · botulism · mason · pressure · shelf-stable · homemade · seasonal
allowed
Granted permission to proceed
- permittedGranted leave to proceed
- authorizedGiven official permission
- approvedOfficially accepted or permitted
licensed · sanctioned · cleared · entitled · granted · forbidden · prohibited · restricted · may · rules
tin
Element fifty, Sn
beverage · soup · beans · tuna · sardines · sealed · lid · opener · pull-tab · pantry
could
Modal of possibility
possibly · potentially · chance · likelihood · feasible · conceivable · imaginable · option · opportunity · prospect
fire
Combustion with flames
let go · axe · pink slip · layoff · unemployment · severance · fired · boot · oust · redundancy
bathroom
Room for hygiene
john · privy · latrine · commode · outhouse · potty · throne · head · facilities · buttocks
preserve
Protect from loss
jarring · seal · sterilize · botulism · mason · pressure · shelf-stable · homemade · seasonal · harvest
capability
Power to accomplish tasks
- capacityMaximum amount containable
- competenceAdequate ability to function
- skillAcquired ability through practice
talent · proficiency · aptitude · expertise · knack · prowess · mastery · able · unable · manage
canister
Sealed cylindrical container
drum · barrel · tank · cistern · cask · vessel · watering · trash · garbage · gas
- can't waitEager anticipation expressed
- trash canContainer for refuse
- I can'tExpression of inability
- can't standStrongly dislike, find intolerable
- garbage canContainer for refuse
- can openerTool for accessing canned goods
canned, cannot, cans, canny, canning, uncanny, can't, recant, decant