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Zeyaraun Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Can, May and Could
Dear Teachers,
"May I use this telephone, please?"
"Can I use this telephone, please?"
Is the use of "can" considered impolite?
Also in the fllowing case:
"Could you please lend me some money?"
"Can you please lend me some money?"
Is the use of "can" okay?
Thank you very much.
Best regards,
Zeyar
"May I use this telephone, please?"
"Can I use this telephone, please?"
Is the use of "can" considered impolite?
Also in the fllowing case:
"Could you please lend me some money?"
"Can you please lend me some money?"
Is the use of "can" okay?
Thank you very much.
Best regards,
Zeyar
Top answer
Generally speaking, may is a verb of permission, can is a verb of ability. " what you're actually asking is whether you have permission to use the telephone. " you are asking whether you are physically able to use the telephone.
- Generally speaking, may is a verb of permission, can is a verb of ability.
- " what you're actually asking is whether you have permission to use the telephone.
- " you are asking whether you are physically able to use the telephone.
- Can should probably not be used because only you can know whether you are able to do something.
- That said, it is common for can to be used in place of may even among the educated, but it is still frowned upon.
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3 Answers
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Generally speaking, may is a verb of permission, can is a verb of ability. When you ask, "May I use this telephone?" what you're actually asking is whether you have permission to use the telephone. When you ask, "Can I use this telephone?" you are asking whether you are physically able to use the telephone.
Can should probably not be
Can should probably not be
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Hello, Zeyaraun.
Can is acceptable in both cases, but it is more informal than may or could, and should be used with familiar acquaintances, friends or family. In English, you can never be too polite by using may or could, but there is the possibility of being too abrupt with can, so I always suggest to my students that they avoid the
Can is acceptable in both cases, but it is more informal than may or could, and should be used with familiar acquaintances, friends or family. In English, you can never be too polite by using may or could, but there is the possibility of being too abrupt with can, so I always suggest to my students that they avoid the
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I would place the level of politeness as follows:
May I ... most polite; use only with a pope, or royalty, or high government officials, or in English class.
Could I ... "special" polite; can be used with anyone you don't know in public places such as restaurants, but it is not required. "Can I ..." will do as well in many cases. ("Could I ..." is for a more expensive resta
May I ... most polite; use only with a pope, or royalty, or high government officials, or in English class.
Could I ... "special" polite; can be used with anyone you don't know in public places such as restaurants, but it is not required. "Can I ..." will do as well in many cases. ("Could I ..." is for a more expensive resta
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