3 MODAL You use cannot to indicate that someone is not able to do something because circumstances make it impossible for them to do it. □ We cannot buy food, clothes and pay for rent and utilities on $20 a week. □ She cannot sleep and the pain is often so bad she wants to scream.
4 MODAL You use can to indicate that something is true sometimes or is true in some circumstances. □ …long-term therapy that can last five years or more. □ Exercising alone can be boring. □ Coral can be yellow, blue, or green.
5 MODAL You use cannot and can't to state that you are certain that something is not the case or will not happen. □ From her knowledge of Douglas's habits, she feels sure that the attacker can't have been Douglas. □ Things can't be that bad. □ You can't be serious, Mrs Lorimer?
6 MODAL You use can to indicate that someone is allowed to do something. You use cannot or can't to indicate that someone is not allowed to do something. □ You must buy the credit life insurance before you can buy the disability insurance. □ Here, can I really have your jeans when you grow out of them? □ We can't answer any questions, I'm afraid.
7 MODAL You use cannot or can't when you think it is very important that something should not happen or that someone should not do something. [EMPHASIS ] □ It is an intolerable situation and it can't be allowed to go on. □ The committee can't demand from her more than it demands from its own members.
8 MODAL You use can , usually in questions, in order to make suggestions or to offer to do something. □ This old lady was struggling out of the train and I said, 'Oh, can I help you?'. □ Hello John. What can we do for you? □ You can always try the beer you know–it's usually all right in this bar.
9 MODAL You use can in questions in order to make polite requests. You use can't in questions in order to request strongly that someone does something. [POLITENESS ] □ Can I have a look at that? □ Can you please help? □ Can you fill in some of the details of your career? □ Why can't you leave me alone?
10 MODAL You use can as a polite way of interrupting someone or of introducing what you are going to say next. [FORMAL , SPOKEN ] □ Can I interrupt you just for a minute? □ But if I can interrupt, Joe, I don't think anybody here is personally blaming you.
11 MODAL You use can with verbs such as 'imagine', 'think', and 'believe' in order to emphasize how you feel about a particular situation. [INFORMAL or SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □ You can imagine he was terribly upset. □ You can't think how glad I was to see them all go.
12 MODAL You use can in questions with 'how' to indicate that you feel strongly about something. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □ How can you complain about higher taxes? □ How can you say such a thing? □ How can you expect me to believe your promises?
➋ can /kæ n/ (cans , canning , canned )
1 N‑COUNT A can is a metal container in which something such as food, drink, or paint is put. The container is usually sealed to keep the contents fresh. □ …empty beer cans. □ [+ of ] …cans of paint and brushes.
2 VERB [usu passive] When food or drink is canned , it is put into a metal container and sealed so that it will remain fresh. □ [be V -ed] …fruits and vegetables that will be canned, skinned, diced or otherwise processed. □ [V -ed] It was always roast lamb and canned peas for Sunday lunch.
3 N‑SING The can is the toilet. [AM , INFORMAL ]
4 VERB If you are canned , you are dismissed from your job. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] The extremists prevailed, and the security minister was canned.
5 → see also canned
Ca|na|dian /kəne I diən/ (Canadians )
1 ADJ Canadian means belonging or relating to Canada, or to its people or culture.
2 N‑COUNT A Canadian is a Canadian citizen, or a person of Canadian origin.
ca|nal /kənæ l/ (canals )
1 N‑COUNT A canal is a long, narrow stretch of water that has been made for boats to travel along or to bring water to a particular area. □ …the Grand Union Canal. □ …Venetian canals and bridges.
2 N‑COUNT A canal is a narrow tube inside your body for carrying food, air, or other substances. □ …delaying the food's progress through the alimentary canal.
ca|na l boat (canal boats ) N‑COUNT A canal boat is a long, narrow boat used for travelling on canals.
cana|pé /kæ nəpe I / (canapés ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Canapés are small pieces of biscuit or toast with food such as meat, cheese, or pâté on top. They are often served with drinks at parties.
ca|nard /kæ nɑː r d, [AM ] kənɑː rd/ (canards ) N‑COUNT A canard is an idea or a piece of information that is false, especially one that is spread deliberately in order to harm someone or their work. □ The charge that Harding was a political stooge may be a canard.
ca|nary /kəneə ri/ (canaries ) N‑COUNT Canaries are small yellow birds which sing beautifully and are often kept as pets.
ca|na ry ye l|low COLOUR Something that is canary yellow is a light yellow in colour. □ …a canary yellow dress.
ca n-can N‑SING The can-can is a dance in which women kick their legs in the air to fast music. □ …can-can dancers from the Moulin Rouge.