作者名称 国旗国籍

Lillian

EN

ES

2020.04.13 01:10

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?
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Comments

  • Rodrigo 2020.04.13 01:12

    ES
    EN

    Thank u
  • Joly 2020.04.13 01:16

    ES
    EN

    Thanks 😊
  • Mauricio 2020.04.13 01:23

    ES
    EN

    Gracias, ayuda mucho
  • Wilson 2020.04.13 01:27

    ES
    EN

    thanks
  • felipe 2020.04.13 01:33

    ES
    EN

    Thank you!!! good explained 👍
  • Gonzalo Soler 2020.04.13 01:35

    ES
    EN

    Thank you!!!
  • Bruno 2020.04.13 01:38

    ES
    EN

    Thanks!
  • Gera 2020.04.13 01:44

    ES
    EN

    Thanks
  • Josue Ruiz"Joshua" 2020.04.13 01:48

    ES
    EN

    Magnificent job you did! Thanks. More specific it couldn't be😊
  • nalia 2020.04.13 01:52

    ES
    EN

    Thank you!
  • Jerry 2020.04.13 01:55

    ES
    EN

    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?
  • Lillian 2020.04.13 02:24

    EN
    ES

    @Jerry you should use “may” when speaking formally.
  • ciro 2020.04.13 03:20

    ES
    EN

    @Lillian Thank you Can you talk about the use of "will" and "going to"? In the future post. 👍🙂
  • Jerry 2020.04.13 04:53

    ES
    EN

    @Lillian Thank you
  • Irina 2020.04.13 07:21

    ES
    EN

    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. 😊
  • New language new life 2020.04.13 08:14

    FA
    EN

    Thank you so much for your lesson. ☺👍🏼🙏
  • Lillian 2020.04.13 12:50

    EN
    ES

    @ciro sure! That’s a great idea for a lesson, thank you!
  • Lillian 2020.04.13 12:52

    EN
    ES

    @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.”
  • shihab 2020.04.13 15:28

    AR
    EN

    Thank you very much for these valuable info btw I wanna know the difference among declaration, announcement and proclamation they make me confused
  • Lillian 2020.04.15 01:00

    EN
    ES

    @ciro acabo de publicar una explicación de las diferencias entre Will y Going to. ¡La puedes encontrar en mi muro aquí en HelloTalk!
  • ciro 2020.04.15 03:36

    ES
    EN

    @Lillian thank you 🙏

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