Can i versus may i

As an Internet user, you should assume both meanings of may are part of the policy. A third modal for making polite requests is could. However, when asking for permission, could does not have a past tense meaning. Could has the same meaning as may when making requests. Could is used with any subject to ask for permission.

Be careful with may. When making a request using may , only I can be the subject. A traditional children's game is called "Mother May I? The other children start on the opposite side in a line. The goal of the game is to get to the place where the Mother or Father stands. This game helps children to remember two things - to ask permission and to be polite. Newest Newest Oldest See comments 51 This forum has been closed.

Load more comments. Search Search. Audio menu. The answer is, of course, it depends. Depends on what, you ask? As with most writing and speaking, choosing whether to use can or may depends on your audience. If you are writing a highly formal letter where politeness and cordiality is a primary concern, you will definitely want to adhere to the traditional rule and use may to ask permission.

Similarly, if you are at a fancy restaurant, it might be more appropriate to as your waiter, May I have some more water? If, however, you are surrounded by peers in an informal setting, there is nothing wrong with asking your friend, Can I have another hot dog? As with most writing and speaking, you need to know your audience and understand what is best for the situation at hand. When you wish to show courtesy, respect, and politeness, use may. As a foreigner, I found the answer I was looking for.

Stuart Cook - October 21, , am Reply. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Home Downloads Grammar Exercises. Stuart Cook August 5, Grammar articles You can help yourselves to tea and coffee. Passengers may not leave the airport while waiting for a connecting flight.

May is more formal than can when asking for and giving permission: May I speak to Mr Jones, please? We use may when we want to sound more polite: May I offer you another drink, sir?

We see or hear may , not can , in official announcements, and on signs: Hotel guests may use the gym from 6 a. May vs. Feel free to ask questions in the comments below! By Stuart Cook. Stuart is an English teacher and runs the Speakspeak website.