Question
Updated on
6 Dec 2022
- Russian
-
English (UK)
-
English (US)
-
French (France)
Question about English (US)
What is the difference between can and may ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.
What is the difference between can and may ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.
Answers
Read more comments
- English (US)
can = able to do something
may = allowed to do something
I can eat a whole pizza. (= this is something I am able to do)
I may only eat one slice. (= this is what the rules say I have to do)
Highly-rated answerer
Was this answer helpful?
- English (US)
- English (UK)
They're both used to ask for/give permission to do something, but "may" is a lot more formal.
You can use "may" when asking for permission from strangers or from someone you want to be polite to (such as your teacher or your boss).
Examples:
A: "May I borrow your pen?"
B: "Yes, you may."
A: "Can I borrow your pen?"
B: "Yes, you can."
"You may not enter this room while I am working."
"You can not enter this room while I am working."
Highly-rated answerer
Was this answer helpful?
[News] Hey you! The one learning a language!
Do you know how to improve your language skills❓ All you have to do is have your writing corrected by a native speaker!
With HiNative, you can have your writing corrected by both native speakers and AI 📝✨.
With HiNative, you can have your writing corrected by both native speakers and AI 📝✨.
Sign up
See other answers to the same question
Recommended Questions
- What is the difference between The people sitting in priority seats on trains may have invisible ...
- What is the difference between count .v and matter.v ?
- What is the difference between I asked a question about you. and I asked a question of you. ?
- What is the difference between wage and salary ?
- What is the difference between refreshment and drink and beverage ?
Topic Questions
- What is the difference between He threw a ball to her and He threw a ball at her ?
- What is the difference between "grab dinner" and "have dinner" ?
- What is the difference between have to and must ?
- What is the difference between The old lady seems to be 75 years old. and The old lady looks to ...
- What is the difference between run away and get away ?
Newest Questions
- What is the difference between dimension and dimensions ?
- What is the difference between referred to and referred on ?
- What is the difference between He threw a ball to her and He threw a ball at her ?
- What is the difference between Nice to meet you and Nice meeting you ?
- What is the difference between yearn and long and crave and pine ?
Previous question/ Next question
Thank you! Rest assured your feedback will not be shown to other users.
Thank you very much! Your feedback is greatly appreciated.