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Explore the surprising power of the word 'can.' From ability and permission to the history of the tin can, discover how this tiny word shapes our world.
Dr. Alistair Finch
Linguist and etymologist exploring the power of words in our daily lives.
What can you do? It’s a simple question, but the answer is shaped by one of the most powerful and versatile words in the English language: can. It’s a word we use dozens, if not hundreds, of times a day without a second thought. Yet, this tiny, three-letter word is a linguistic powerhouse, a key that unlocks concepts of ability, permission, possibility, and even the very container you might find in your kitchen pantry.
From a simple modal verb to a profound psychological trigger, 'can' does more heavy lifting than almost any other word of its size. It’s the difference between action and inaction, potential and reality. In this post, we’re going to unpack the surprising depth of 'can,' exploring its different meanings, its fascinating history, and how a conscious understanding of this word can fundamentally change your perspective.
The 'Can' of Ability: I Can
This is the 'can' we learn first. It’s the language of inherent or learned skill. When you say, "I can ride a bike," or "She can speak four languages," you are making a statement of fact about competence. This form of 'can' is deeply personal and tied to our sense of self-efficacy.
Think about the journey of learning something new. It often starts with, "I can't do this." But with practice, persistence, and patience, that statement slowly transforms. First, it might become, "Maybe I can do this," and finally, it blossoms into a confident, "I can do this." This transition isn't just a change in skill; it's a change in identity. The 'can' of ability is the foundation of confidence, the verbal proof of our capabilities.
The 'Can' of Permission: You Can
"Can I have a cookie?" Every child has asked this, and many a parent or teacher has replied with the classic grammar correction: "You mean, may I have a cookie?" While we'll dive into the 'can' vs. 'may' debate shortly, the use of 'can' for permission is now overwhelmingly common in everyday, informal speech.
When a manager tells their employee, "You can take Friday off," or a friend says, "You can borrow my car," 'can' is being used to grant access or remove a barrier. It's a social lubricant, a way of signaling approval and opening doors for others. This usage demonstrates the evolution of language, where practical communication often overtakes strict, traditional rules. It's less about physical ability and more about social agreement.
The 'Can' of Possibility: It Can
The third primary use of the modal verb 'can' is to express possibility or potential. When a weather forecast says, "Temperatures can drop below freezing tonight," it's not stating a certainty, but a potential outcome. Similarly, saying "Loud music can damage your hearing" is a warning about a general truth or a potential risk.
This 'can' is more abstract and objective. It’s not about a specific person's ability or permission but about what is possible within a given set of circumstances. It helps us navigate the world by understanding potential cause and effect, allowing us to make informed decisions and prepare for what might happen.
From Verb to Noun: The Tin Can's Journey
Here’s where the story takes a fascinating turn. How did a word for ability become the name for a metal container? The link is another verb: to can, meaning to preserve food in a sealed container.
In the early 19th century, the process of "canning" was invented to preserve food for military rations. The process involved sealing food in airtight containers and heating them to kill bacteria. Initially, these containers were glass jars. However, the term stuck. When tin-plated steel containers (or "tin canisters") were introduced, they proved more durable and practical. Over time, "tin canister" was shortened to simply a "can."
So, the noun 'can' is a direct result of the verb 'to can.' When you open a can of soup, you are holding a piece of linguistic history—an object named for the action it enables: the preservation of food.
The Great Debate: "Can" vs. "May"
No discussion of 'can' is complete without addressing its formal rival, 'may.' For generations, grammarians have insisted on a strict separation: 'can' for ability and 'may' for permission. While this distinction is valuable in formal writing and speech, language is a living, breathing entity. In modern English, 'can' is widely accepted for permission in all but the most formal contexts.
Let's break it down in a table:
| Usage | "Can" | "May" | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ability | ✅ He can run a marathon. | ❌ He may run a marathon. | 'May' here would imply possibility, not ability. |
| Permission (Formal) | ⚠️ Can I be excused? | ✅ May I be excused? | 'May' is the traditionally correct and more polite choice. |
| Permission (Informal) | ✅ Can I borrow your pen? | ✅ May I borrow your pen? | 'Can' is extremely common and perfectly acceptable here. |
| Possibility | ✅ It can get very windy here. | ✅ It may rain later. | Both are used, but 'may' often implies a higher degree of uncertainty. |
The verdict? While knowing the difference is a sign of a careful speaker, using 'can' for permission is not the grammatical crime it's often made out to be. It's simply a reflection of how our language has evolved.
The Psychology of "Can": A Mindset Shift
Perhaps the most profound power of 'can' lies in its psychological impact. The simple shift from "I can't" to "How can I?" is the cornerstone of a growth mindset.
"I can't" is a full stop. It's a wall, a declaration of defeat that closes off all paths forward. It accepts limitations without question.
"How can I?" is an open door. It's a question, a puzzle to be solved. It acknowledges a challenge but immediately frames it as something surmountable. This simple rephrasing transforms you from a passive victim of circumstance into an active problem-solver.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right."
This famous quote perfectly captures the essence of it. The word 'can' is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Believing in your ability to figure things out—believing in your 'can'—is often the first and most critical step toward actually achieving something.
Conclusion: What 'Can' Means for You
From a modal verb expressing ability, permission, and possibility to the noun for a humble food container, 'can' is a testament to the efficiency and evolution of language. It’s a word that bridges the gap between the physical and the abstract, the grammatical and the psychological.
But beyond its linguistic intrigue, 'can' is a tool. It's a word that empowers us, gives us permission, and helps us understand the world of possibilities around us. It's the engine of progress, both on a personal and societal level. So, the next time you use this simple word, take a moment to appreciate its depth. And more importantly, ask yourself: what new and exciting things will you decide you can do today?