Can vs. Should: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on December 14, 2023
"Can" refers to the ability or capacity to do something, while "should" implies an obligation, recommendation, or appropriateness in doing something.
Key Differences
"Can" is used to express ability, possibility, or permission, focusing on what is feasible or allowed. "Should" is employed to advise, recommend, or suggest what is considered right, proper, or advisable.
Both "can" and "should" are modal verbs in English. "Can" indicates potential or capability, while "should" conveys an expectation or recommendation.
Using "can" does not imply any moral or ethical judgment, it simply states a fact about capability or permission. "Should," however, often carries a moral or ethical weight, suggesting what is desirable or expected.
In various contexts, "can" is neutral, addressing the practicality or possibility of an action. "Should" is more subjective, dealing with what is considered appropriate or advisable in a given situation.
The meaning of "can" remains consistent, relating to ability or permission, whereas "should" can vary, sometimes indicating a probable event (e.g., "It should rain tomorrow").
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Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Ability, possibility, permission
Obligation, recommendation, advisability
Grammatical Role
Modal verb for capability/permission
Modal verb for advisability/expectation
Connotative Meaning
Neutral, factual
Often carries ethical or moral implications
Contextual Application
Practicality or possibility
Appropriateness or advisability
Variation in Meaning
Generally consistent
Can indicate likelihood or probability
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Can and Should Definitions
Can
Requesting or granting permission.
Can I leave early today?
Should
Expressing expectation or likelihood.
He should arrive by noon.
Can
Indicating possibility or occurrence.
Anything can happen in this city.
Should
Suggesting a recommendation or advice.
You should try the new restaurant.
Can
Signifying physical or mental capacity.
He can lift heavy weights easily.
Should
Indicating obligation or duty.
You should apologize for your mistake.
Can
Used in questions to offer or request.
Can I help you with that?
Should
Used to consider a possible future action.
Should I start a new project?
Can
Expressing the ability to do something.
I can speak three languages.
Should
Indicating a condition for a possible outcome.
Should it rain, the event will be indoors.
Can
A usually cylindrical metal container.
Should
(auxiliary) Ought to; indicating opinion, advice, or instruction, about what is required or desirable.
Can
An airtight container, usually made of tin-coated iron, in which foods or beverages are preserved.
Should
Used to issue an instruction (traditionally seen as carrying less force of authority than alternatives such as 'shall' or 'must').
You should never drink and drive.
The law is clear that you should always wear a seat belt.
The manual says that this switch should be in the 'off' position.
FAQs
Is 'should' a strong recommendation?
It often is, but can also be a mild suggestion.
Does 'can' require a specific context?
It depends on the situation but is generally versatile.
Does 'can' imply moral obligation?
No, it's neutral regarding morality or ethics.
What does 'should' imply?
Suggests obligation, advisability, or likelihood.
Can 'can' express certainty?
No, it typically indicates ability or possibility, not certainty.
Can 'should' indicate a probable event?
Yes, it can suggest something is likely to happen.
Can 'can' be used in questions?
Yes, especially for requests or offers.
Can 'can' indicate permission in the past tense?
'Could' is used for past permission.
What does 'can' imply?
Indicates ability, possibility, or permission.
Are 'can' and 'should' interchangeable?
No, they serve different grammatical and contextual purposes.
Is 'should' used in formal contexts?
Yes, it's common in both formal and informal contexts.
Is 'should' used for giving advice?
Yes, it's commonly used for recommendations or advice.
How does 'should' express expectation?
By indicating what is likely or anticipated to happen.
Does 'can' have a past tense form?
Yes, 'could' is the past tense of 'can.'
Is 'should' subjective or objective?
It's often subjective, depending on the speaker's perspective.
What's a common mistake with 'can' and 'should'?
Confusing their usage regarding ability vs. advisability.
Are there exceptions to using 'can'?
Usage may vary in idiomatic expressions or informal speech.
Can 'should' be used conditionally?
Yes, often in conditional sentences to imply a prerequisite.
Can 'can' be used to express future ability?
Yes, in contexts implying future capability.
How does context affect 'should'?
The context can change its degree of recommendation or expectation.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
