Search from various English teachers...
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
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
jenny
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
22 likes · 17 Comments

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
17 likes · 12 Comments

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
14 likes · 6 Comments
More articles
