Ramin
What is difference between "may" and "can"? I am so confused to use either of them in my sentences.
Oct 13, 2018 2:02 PM
Answers · 5
2
One use of may has to do with permission. The parallel use of can has to do with ability. "No, Johnny, you may not go skating. The ice is too thin at this time of year." You look at the pond and you think you can skate on it. You can't. You'll fall in. The confusion comes from the fact that both are used to express potential. It may rain at any time. It can rain at any time. These have very slight differences of meaning because can carries the implication of ability. It may rain today, so I'll take an umbrella with me. The leeward side of the mountains is pretty dry, but it can rain for days on end on the windward side.
October 13, 2018
1
Ramin, In what context? There are lots of different meanings of each of them. Can you give a few examples of the kind of situation?
October 13, 2018
In terms of asking and granting permission, they are more or less interchangeable in my opinion, with 'may' being a bit more polite and formal. I very very rarely use 'may'. If I wanted to be polite, I would say something like "Do you mind if I.." instead of "May I.."
October 13, 2018
We you "May" to talk to the problem that not sure incur, or a predic. We use "can" to express the ability
October 13, 2018
May like a to request and can like to order
October 13, 2018
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