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Lillian

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ES

Do you know the difference between “can” and “may?”

We often

use “can” when talking about being able to do something.

Examples:
- I can throw a ball very far.
- The teacher can explain the lesson to her students.
- My mom and my dad can buy a new car.

“May” is used when asking for permission. “May” is used in formal English. We would use “may” when asking a question to someone that you respect, like a parent, teacher, or grandparent.

Examples:
- May I go to the bathroom?
- May I go to the mall?
- May he leave the house?

You can also use “can” in these sentences if you are speaking informally.

Examples:
- Can I go to the bathroom?
- Can I go to the mall?
- Can he leave the house?

Comments

  • ciro

    @Lillian thank you 🙏

  • Lillian

    @ciro acabo de publicar una explicación de las diferencias entre Will y Going to. ¡La puedes encontrar en mi muro aquí en HelloTalk!

  • shihab

    Thank you very much for these valuable info btw I wanna know the difference among declaration, announcement and proclamation they make me confused

  • Lillian

    @Irina yes! Sometimes you can use “may” to mean “might”. “It may rain tomorrow” would be formal. “It might rain tomorrow” would be informal. “I may go to the store to buy food.” “I might go to the store to buy food.”

  • Lillian

    @ciro sure! That’s a great idea for a lesson, thank you!

  • New language new life

    Thank you so much for your lesson. ☺👍🏼🙏

  • Irina

    Thank u Lillian!! I was wondering if 'may' in affirmative sentences is used only in formal English too or it can be heard in informal situations as well, when you want to point out for example that something might happen. 😊

  • Jerry

    @Lillian Thank you

  • ciro

    @Lillian Thank you Can you talk about the use of "will" and "going to"? In the future post. 👍🙂

  • Lillian

    @Jerry you should use “may” when speaking formally.

  • Jerry

    When we are asking for something formally, should we use 'can' or ' may'? Can I have a glass of water, please? Or May I have a glass of water, please?

  • nalia

    Thank you!

  • Josue Ruiz"Joshua"

    Magnificent job you did! Thanks. More specific it couldn't be😊

  • Gera

    Thanks

  • Bruno

    Thanks!

  • Gonzalo Soler

    Thank you!!!

  • felipe

    Thank you!!! good explained 👍

  • Wilson

    thanks

  • Mauricio

    Gracias, ayuda mucho

  • Joly

    Thanks 😊

  • Rodrigo

    Thank u

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