The second text uses can in its traditional sense: to have the ability to.
Some parts of the Olympic National Park coastal trail are quite strenuous. The National Park Service encourages only those hikers who can climb and hike on slippery rocks to make the trek.
The first text uses can in its nontraditional sense: to have permission to.
In an effort to reduce human impact on nature trails, some national parks limit the numbers of hikers per group. Olympic National Park, for instance, maintains that only twelve people can hike in each group.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word can because it is considered more standard.
Which text uses the word can in its traditional sense?
A: In an effort to reduce human impact on nature trails, some national parks limit the numbers of hikers per group. Olympic National Park, for instance, maintains that only twelve people can hike in each group.
B: Some parts of the Olympic National Park coastal trail are quite strenuous. The National Park Service encourages only those hikers who can climb and hike on slippery rocks to make the trek.