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SpongeBarb Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

can and may

A: Can I give you a call back?

B: Yes, you may.

My question is, in B's answer, is there an undertone of disapproval or even condescending?
  

Top answer

SpongeBarb A: Can I give you a call back? B: Yes, you may . My question is, in B's answer, is there an undertone of disapproval or even condescending?

  • SpongeBarb A: Can I give you a call back?
  • B: Yes, you may .
  • My question is, in B's answer, is there an undertone of disapproval or even condescending?
  • Probably not.
  • The best answer to the question can I is yes, as the person obviously has the capability to do so.
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3 Answers
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SpongeBarbA: Can I give you a call back?

B: Yes, you may.

My question is, in B's answer, is there an undertone of disapproval or even condescending?
Probably not. The best answer to the question can I is yes, as the person obviously h
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There is not enough data here to make a determination of disapproval or condescension.
These would be more easily seen if we knew more about B's personality, mood, and tone of voice, for example.
The mere fact that the more formal "may" is used as a response to the less formal "can" does not, in itself, signal disapproval or condescension.

CJ
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Can I call you back?
would be perhaps more natural at A.

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