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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?
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?Probably not. The best answer to the question can I is yes, as the person obviously h
B: Yes, you may.
My question is, in B's answer, is there an undertone of disapproval or even condescending?
00
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
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
00
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