Englishfor English speakers
can
Verb
—
If someone can do something, they are able to do it.
Most birds can fly.
Can you speak English?
I can't see it. It's too small.
"Can you come?" "Yes, I think I can."
This is a service that anyone can easily afford.
—
If someone can do something, they are allowed to do it.
You can't smoke here.
Can I go now?
—
You use can to ask somebody to do something (if you know the person well).
Can you open the door for me, please?
Can I have the salt, please?
—
If something can happen, it is possible.
It's so small that it can't be seen.
There can't be any difference.
Can the plan work?
That can't be right.
Imagine how bad it can get.
—
If someone tells you something can't happen, they think it's not a good idea.
You just can't keep smoking.
You can't think things are going to get better.
—
If something can happen, it happens sometimes.
I can get really busy here on weekends.
Her classes can be really interesting or really boring.
can
Verb
—
If someone cans something, they put in a can or jar to keep for a long time.
We canned the peas for the winter.
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If someone cans something, they stop working on it.
The idea was canned.
—
If someone gets canned they have lost their job.
—
If you tell someone to can it, you want them to stop talking.
Can it, would you? I'm trying to watch TV.
can
Noun
—
A can is a metal container, usually for holding food or drink.
I drink cola from a can.
hoops come in a can.
you
Pronoun
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Used instead of the name of the person being spoken to; it is a second-person pronoun.
You are my best friend.
Can I go to the shops with you?
—
Used to talk about anyone.
You have to be 18 years old to see that film.
She has problems with her eyes, and can't see you properly.
you
Determinative
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Used before a word that means the person or people someone is talking to.
You guys can leave now.
describe
Verb
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If you describe something, you say what it looks like, sounds like, acts like, etc.
Their wedding day, as described by Emma in her book, was "a perfect September day."
The problems described above in Chapter 2, are found around the world.
Henry Tyler would not have described her as a happy woman.
These cheeses have a certain smell, as described in the section on soft cheeses (p69).
The hospital described her condition as serious.
The instructions describe how to put it together.
In the story, he describes falling through the air for hours.
—
If something describes a circle, arc, etc., it follows that shape.
His finger slowly described a circle in the water.
him
Pronoun
—
he when used after a preposition or as the object of a verb.
Give it to him (after preposition)
She wrote him a letter (indirect object)
She treated him for a cold (direct object)