Can i and may i

An Explanation Everyone Can Understand. Can vs May Example. Classic vs. Modern Usage Can and may are both modal verbs that express mood when used with main verbs. The traditional definitions of each word are: Can : Indicates that someone has the ability to do something May : Refers to the possibility of something happening Using can and may in a traditional context is simple, because they do have separate meanings.

Can I go to the dance? Other examples of tone shifts include: May I go to the bathroom? Can I go to the bathroom? May I see that photograph? Can I see that photograph? May my daughter attend the party? Can my daughter attend the party? Negative Usage Another tone difference between can and may occurs when you use them negatively. When to Use Can There are instances outside of asking for permission when you should use can instead of may.

Take can as an example: I can swim. When I was at school it was a common practice to use the witty response to highlight the difference to children. Which should we use? If it was in terms of ability the answer is they are different and not interchangeable. Alotta Action - March 14, , am Reply.

Rose - August 9, , pm Reply. Anonymous - June 15, , pm Reply. The whole sign is different compared to the first one. This just kind of feels tricky or dishonest. Just something to keep in mind for making these kinds of comparisons in the future! Francesco - September 19, , am Reply. Great explanation Stuart. Thank you! As a foreigner, I found the answer I was looking for.

Stuart Cook - October 21, , am Reply. Can is now the verb of choice for ability, and both can and may are still used in the "possibility" sense. You may use can if you wish, and you can use may if it makes you feel better. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Log in Sign Up. Usage Notes 'Can' vs. What to Know Can and may can both be used to ask for permission, although "may" is considered more formal. More Words At Play. Merriam-Webster's Words of the Week - Oct. Time Traveler.