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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Grammar Videos
(ordered by category) Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
for your browser
Can or May?
What Is the Difference between "Can" and "May"?
"Can" and "may" are both used to ask for permission, but this has not always been the case. In the past, there was a clear distinction between "can" and "may." "Can" was used for ability (e.g., Can you swim?), and "may" was used for permission (e.g., May I swim in your lake?).As this distinction is still observed by some, the following guidance is appropriate:
May for Permission
In a polite or formal setting, use "may" for permission. For example:- May she swim in your pool? (This means "Is she permitted to swim in your pool?" It sounds polite.)
Can for Permission
In an informal setting, it is safe to use "can" for permission. For example:- Can she swim in your pool? (This means the same as the one above. It sounds neutral as opposed to polite.)
Can for Ability
Use "can" for ability. For example:- Can she swim? (Is she able to swim?)
- Can she do quadratic equations? (Is she able to do quadratic equations?)
More about "Can"
The word "can" is a modal auxiliary verb used to express ability. For example:- I can whistle.
- Can he lift 150 kgs?
- You can stroke the ponies but not goats.
More about "May"
The word "may" is a modal auxiliary verb used to denote permission. For example:- You can swim in this river.
- May I have a biscuit?
A Quick Joke
This joke plays on the idea that "can" and "may" were not always interchangeable to express permission:
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