How to use "may" and "can" ?
In portuguese, they can be translate into "pode" (possibilidade), but what is the difference ?
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Answers · 4
1
both have the same meaning today but 'may' is more polite than 'can'.
1
may = permission
can = ability or permission
"can" often replaces "may". "may" is getting outdated.
1
Can = "to be able to."
May = "to be permitted to."
Incorrect: Can we talk?
(Well, if you can say it, you are able to talk!)
Correct: May we talk?
Correct: We may talk if you can listen to my side
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1- "can":
to indicate capability or possibility
e.g. "I don't know if I can lift this piano by myself."
explain :Here we are asking if you have the physical capacity or mental acuity to get the piano lifted.
2- "May":
is used when you are asking permission
e.g "May I lift your piano for a little exercise?"
explain :Here you wish the permission of someone to carry out an action.
0
Elliot and KentPaul are both correct. 'May' is used for permission but 'can' is used for both ability and permission.
May is very formal/polite and is not used so often. It is always used in some situations, though. E.g., If you use gesture rather than saying the full sentence:
'May I ...?', when gesturing towards a free chair that that you want to take from someone's table in a pub.
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