Can is used to show your ability to do something. It means whether a certain task is possible for you to"/>
Hello English
Hello English
Hello English
Can vs. May
Language : Select
Vocabulary . Easy
18-10-2016 09:57:02 .
Read the article and answer the questions given below
We have been corrected for the usage of 'Can' and 'May' ever since we were in school. Remember your teacher or parent saying, "You can but you may not". Well, here is what they meant. 

Can is used to show your ability to do something. It means whether a certain task is possible for you to do or not. 

E. g. 
  • I can drive. 
    •  
  • I can run the marathon. 
    •  
  • Can he lift this? 
    •  
    May is used when you want to ask for permission. It is a more polite way of talking. 

    E. g. 
  • May I come in? 
    •  
  • May I borrow your book? 
    •  
  • You may swim here. 
    •  
    'Can' is sometimes used for permission as well but that is only in an informal way. The ideal usage would be 'May'. 
    Doubts on this article
    OTHER ARTICLES
    English tenses and their usage
    The Eight Parts of Speech
    Types of Noun
    Who was Kalpana Chawla?
    7 Desserts - names in English
    Now answer these questions and win coins
    Q1
    10 Win coins
    Q2
    10 Win coins
    Q3
    10 Win coins
    Click on any word to find out its meaning