May & Can
May I dance with you? Or Can I dance with you? Which one is right?
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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.
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)
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