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Can and May

Can and May

There is often confusion over the words can and may.

Can

The word can is used to denote ability. For example:

• I can whistle.
(I have the ability to whistle.)
• Can he lift 150 kgs?
(Does he have the ability to lift 150 kgs?)

May

The word may is used to denote permission. For example:

• You may swim in this river.
(You are allowed to swim in this river.)
• May I have a biscuit?
(Am I permitted to have a biscuit?)

Can for Permission (Informal Setting)

These days, the word can is used for both ability and permission, particularly in an informal setting. For example:

• You can swim in this river.
(You are allowed to swim in this river.)
• Can I have a biscuit?
(Am I permitted to have a biscuit?)

Use May for Permission in a Formal Setting

If you have a reason to be "uber correct" (e.g., you're hosting royalty or a very pedantic grandparent), you should use may to denote permission. For example:

• May I leave the table?
(Am I permitted to leave the table?)

A Quick Test

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• You will score at least 5 points for a correct answer.
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• Be careful though. Wrong answers score 0 points.
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