No, “can” is not a preposition. It is a modal verb.
Function of “Can” as a Modal Verb:
- Expressing Ability or Capability
- She can cook a variety of cuisines.
- The new POS system can handle multiple transactions at once.
- Expressing Possibility
- This restaurant can get very busy during weekends.
- The issue can be resolved quickly.
- Expressing Permission
- You can enter the kitchen with proper authorization.
- Guests can request modifications to their dishes.
Why “Can” Is Not a Preposition
- Prepositions (e.g., in, on, under, about) show relationships between words in a sentence.
- “Can” does not function this way; it is a modal verb that helps express ability, possibility, or permission.
Thus, “can” is a verb, not a preposition.