Adrian
Could and May question Hello, What is the difference betwen MAY and COULD in the sentences above? 1) MAY I aks you a favor? 2) COULD may I aks you a favor? Thanks
May 6, 2015 9:55 PM
Answers · 8
1
Another distinction is "can" versus "may". Can is often used instead of may, but technically is about capability. So, if you ask a professor in class "Can I go to the bathroom?" your professor might jokingly say "I hope you CAN but no you may not!". Can = capability May = permission
May 7, 2015
Hi Adrian, The sentences should look like this: May I ask you a favor? Could I ask you a favor? And they mean the exact same thing. Make sure to note that I corrected the spelling of the word "ask".
May 6, 2015
May is more polite. Could is a less formal way of asking. Like for a senior, but not a teacher
May 6, 2015
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