cans
word · lemma: can
Definition
'Cans' can be the plural of 'can', meaning metal containers for food or drink. It is also the third-person singular form of the modal verb 'can', used to talk about ability or possibility.
Usage & Nuances
As a noun, 'cans' is common with food and drinks: 'soda cans', 'two cans of soup'. As a verb form, it appears with he/she/it: 'She can swim' but 'He cans' is not used in standard English—so learners usually meet 'cans' mainly as the noun plural. Be careful: modal 'can' normally does not take -s.
Example Sentences
There are three cans on the table.
basic
She bought two cans of soup.
basic
Please recycle the empty cans.
basic
We’ve only got a couple of cans left, so don’t use them all tonight.
natural
He crushed the cans and put them in the recycling bin.
natural
Grab a few cans for the barbecue if you’re stopping by the store.
natural