Can — Could — Able to

To put someone or something in a situation where they could be harmed or damaged.

Example: Cutting down trees in the forest can endanger many animals.

Able to speak a language easily and without many mistakes.

Example: She is fluent in Spanish and can have long conversations with native speakers.

Something that is dangerous and could cause harm or damage.

Example: Wet floors can be a hazard, so be careful when walking.

To make small changes to something in order to improve it or make it more suitable.

Example: You can modify the design to make it more modern.

A thing that you can see or touch that is not alive.

Example: She picked up a small object from the table and examined it.

A tropical bird with a curved beak, often brightly colored, that can sometimes imitate human speech.

Example: The parrot in the pet shop could say a few words like "hello" and "goodbye."

Containing poison and able to cause harm or death if swallowed or touched.

Example: Some mushrooms are safe to eat, but others are poisonous and can make you very sick.

Someone or something that can be trusted or depended on.

Example: She is a reliable friend who always helps me when I need it.

A small, flat computer that you can carry with you and use by touching the screen.

Example: She uses her tablet to watch movies and read books while traveling.

To stop something from working or make it unable to function.

Example: The accident disabled the car, so it couldn't be driven anymore.

A particular situation, event, or example of something.

Example: For instance, you could try calling her to see if she’s available.

Very unhappy or uncomfortable.

Example: She felt miserable when she was sick and couldn't go to the party.

To make someone or something unable to move or act.

Example: The accident could paralyze him if the doctors don't act quickly.

Difficult in a way that tests your ability or determination.

Example: Learning a new language can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding.

A bright object in space with a long tail of light that moves around the sun.

Example: Halley's Comet can be seen from Earth every 76 years.

To join or link two or more things together.

Example: You can connect your phone to the Wi-Fi to access the internet.

A place where people or vehicles can go across a road, river, or railway.

Example: You should always look both ways before walking across the pedestrian crossing.

Likely to cause death or very dangerous.

Example: The snake has a deadly bite that can kill in minutes.

A lack of something that is needed or necessary.

Example: A deficiency of vitamins can make you feel tired and weak.

To explain the meaning of a word, phrase, or idea.

Example: Can you define what this word means?

an explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase.

Example: Can you give me the definition of this word?

Based on the idea that everyone is equal and has the right to vote and take part in decisions.

Example: The country has a democratic system where people can choose their leaders in free elections.

To improve the quality of something, often by adding something to it.

Example: Reading books can enrich your knowledge and imagination.

An amount that is more than what is needed or allowed.

Example: Eating too much sugar can lead to an excess of energy.

Limited to only one person, group, or thing, and not shared with others.

Example: This club is very exclusive, and only members can enter.

When two people are in the same place and can see and talk to each other directly.

Example: We need to meet face to face to discuss the problem.

To send a document using a fax machine.

Example: Can you fax me the details of the meeting?

To promise that something will happen or that something is true.

Example: I can guarantee that you will enjoy the movie.

The natural environment where a plant or animal lives.

Example: The polar bear's habitat is the Arctic, where it can find ice and cold temperatures.

A safe or peaceful place where people or animals can feel secure.

Example: The park is a haven for birds and other wildlife.

A virus that attacks the body's immune system and can lead to AIDS if not treated.

Example: Doctors work hard to help people living with HIV stay healthy.

A place where people, especially travelers or students, can stay cheaply, often with shared rooms and facilities.

Example: We stayed in a small hostel near the city center during our trip.

To damage or weaken something so that it is less effective.

Example: Drinking too much alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely.

To make someone feel that they want to do something and can do it.

Example: Her success in the competition will inspire others to try harder.

An agreement in which you pay money to a company, and they pay you money if something bad happens, like an accident or damage.

Example: You need to have car insurance before you can drive legally.

A free ride in someone's car to a place you want to go.

Example: Can you give me a lift to the train station?

A rule or condition that restricts what is possible or allowed.

Example: There is a limitation on how many books you can borrow from the library.

A substance, such as water, that is not solid or gas and can flow freely.

Example: She poured the liquid into a glass.

A large organ in the body that cleans the blood and produces bile to help digest food.

Example: The doctor said that eating too much junk food can harm your liver.

A shaped mass of bread that is baked in one piece and can be sliced for eating.

Example: She bought a fresh loaf of bread from the bakery.

A device that makes sounds louder so that they can be heard by many people.

Example: The teacher used a loudspeaker to announce the event to the students.

One of the two organs in the chest that people and animals use to breathe.

Example: Smoking can damage your lungs and make it harder to breathe.

A type of tree with leaves that often have five points and whose sap can be used to make syrup.

Example: The park is full of maple trees that turn bright red in the autumn.

To learn something so that you can remember it exactly.

Example: She needs to memorize all the new vocabulary for the test.

A website or online platform where people can post and read messages on a specific topic.

Example: I asked a question about the game on the message board, and someone replied quickly.

A type of verb used with other verbs to express ideas such as possibility, necessity, or permission.

Example: You should use a modal verb like "can" to talk about ability.

The smallest unit of a chemical substance, usually made of two or more atoms, that can exist independently.

Example: A water molecule is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

A lesson that can be derived from a story, experience, or piece of information.

Example: The moral of the story is that honesty is always the best policy.

A board on a wall where notices, messages, or information can be displayed.

Example: The teacher pinned the exam schedule on the noticeboard in the classroom.

to get something, especially by making an effort.

Example: You need to obtain permission before you can use the library.