Canst
verb
The second person singular, past form of the verb 'can', used to express ability or capability.
Thou canst not love discretion, honesty, and plain dealing.
Often appears as...
- thou canst not
- canst thou
Usage tips
Formal
Literary, Poetic
verb
The second person singular, past form of the verb 'can', used to express ability or capability.
Thou canst not love discretion, honesty, and plain dealing.
Often appears as...
- thou canst not
- canst thou
Usage tips
Formal
Literary, Poetic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage
Used in old literature or poetry, not in modern English conversation or writing.
Thou canst behold ancient texts using this form.
Pro Tip 2/3Thou + canst
'Canst' always follows 'thou', which is an old form of 'you'.
Thou canst understand this pattern in classic plays.
Pro Tip 3/3Literary Flair
Using 'canst' in writing can give a historical or intricate quality to the text.
In thy verses, thou canst evoke the language of yore.
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage
Used in old literature or poetry, not in modern English conversation or writing.
Thou canst behold ancient texts using this form.
Pro Tip 2/3Thou + canst
'Canst' always follows 'thou', which is an old form of 'you'.
Thou canst understand this pattern in classic plays.
Pro Tip 3/3Literary Flair
Using 'canst' in writing can give a historical or intricate quality to the text.
In thy verses, thou canst evoke the language of yore.
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage
Used in old literature or poetry, not in modern English conversation or writing.
Thou canst behold ancient texts using this form.
Pro Tip 2/3Thou + canst
'Canst' always follows 'thou', which is an old form of 'you'.
Thou canst understand this pattern in classic plays.
Pro Tip 3/3Literary Flair
Using 'canst' in writing can give a historical or intricate quality to the text.
In thy verses, thou canst evoke the language of yore.
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Video examples
Joseph Pine: What...
he says And this above to thine own self be true. And it doth follow, as night the day, that thou canst not then be false to any man. And those three verses are the core of authenticity.
Video examples
Three anti-social skills...
Dialogue gives a story color, makes it exciting and moves it forward. O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied? What satisfaction canst thou have tonight?
Video examples
Joseph Pine: What...
he says And this above to thine own self be true. And it doth follow, as night the day, that thou canst not then be false to any man. And those three verses are the core of authenticity.
Video examples
Three anti-social skills...
Dialogue gives a story color, makes it exciting and moves it forward. O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied? What satisfaction canst thou have tonight?
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Saint Ambrose
Italian Saint
Many a sin has sullied me in body and in soul because I did not restrain my thoughts nor guard my lips: nevertheless it is to Thee, O God of majesty and love, that I turn in my extremity, for Thou art the fount of mercy; to Thee, as quickly as I may, I speed: for Thou alone canst heal me; I take refuge under Thy protection.
Quote examples
John Donne
British Poet
Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so. For, those, whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow. Die not, poor death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
Quote examples
Omar Khayyam
Poet
Living Life Tomorrow's fate, though thou be wise, Thou canst not tell nor yet surmise; Pass, therefore, not today in vain, For it will never come again.
Quote examples
Francis Thompson
English Poet
All things by immortal power. Near of far, to each other linked are, that thou canst not stir a flower without troubling of a star.
Quote examples
William Shakespeare
English Playwright
To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.
Quote examples
George Herbert
British Poet
Drink not the third glass, which thou canst not tame, when once it is within thee.
Quote examples
Saint Ambrose
Italian Saint
Many a sin has sullied me in body and in soul because I did not restrain my thoughts nor guard my lips: nevertheless it is to Thee, O God of majesty and love, that I turn in my extremity, for Thou art the fount of mercy; to Thee, as quickly as I may, I speed: for Thou alone canst heal me; I take refuge under Thy protection.
Quote examples
John Donne
British Poet
Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so. For, those, whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow. Die not, poor death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
Quote examples
Omar Khayyam
Poet
Living Life Tomorrow's fate, though thou be wise, Thou canst not tell nor yet surmise; Pass, therefore, not today in vain, For it will never come again.
Quote examples
Francis Thompson
English Poet
All things by immortal power. Near of far, to each other linked are, that thou canst not stir a flower without troubling of a star.
Quote examples
William Shakespeare
English Playwright
To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.
Quote examples
George Herbert
British Poet
Drink not the third glass, which thou canst not tame, when once it is within thee.
Example 1 of 6
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