jenny
May & Can May I dance with you? Or Can I dance with you? Which one is right?
Jul 16, 2014 11:37 AM
Answers · 2
4
'May' is technically more correct, but it sounds quite stilted and old-fashioned . Nowadays, 'can' is used in both situations - to mean both ability and permission. Most native speakers would only use 'May...?' in joking way these days, when they are pretending to be very formal.
July 16, 2014
3
may = am I allowed? can = am I capable? but "can" is often used instead of "may", so they are both right. Examples: I may not leave my room because I am grounded. ("can" is used too) I cannot leave my room because the door is locked. ("may not" would mean "might not" here)
July 16, 2014
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