can

Asking or Giving Permission

Level 1

Can can ask whether an action is allowed: Can I sit here? Singlish also permits I sit here, can? when the action is already clear. Context separates permission from physical ability.

How It Works

Can can ask whether an action is allowed. Can I sit here? and I sit here, can? can both ask permission for the speaker to sit. You can sit here gives the listener permission instead.

Keep track of the actor. Changing I to you changes whose action is being proposed, even if the chair stays the same. Permission is different from skill: someone can be physically able to enter but still not be allowed inside. A suitable tone and a clear request help in service encounters and with people you do not know well.

Examples (4)

  1. Can I sit here?

    Am I allowed to sit here?

  2. I use this chair, can?

    May I use this chair?

  3. You can come in now.

    You are allowed to come in now.

  4. Can we take photos here?

    Are we allowed to take photographs here?

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

canLevel 1Asking or Giving Permission

Learn This First

Recognize can before contrasting ability with permission in the situation.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.