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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Can "may" be interchanged with "can" or "wil"?

The sentence is:

May you pass the salt?

as opposed to "Can you pass the salt"?, or "Will you pass the salt"?

It just doesn't sound right, but maybe you can interchange the word may for can or will?
  

Top answer

Actually, saying "can" instead of "may" will be more proper. "May" sounds more formal for wanting such a thing.

  • Actually, saying "can" instead of "may" will be more proper.
  • "May" sounds more formal for wanting such a thing.
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3 Answers
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Actually, saying "can" instead of "may" will be more proper.

"May" sounds more formal for wanting such a thing.
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I wouldn't use may at all!

Can or could would be better. Better yet, would.

By the way, I saw no inclusion of please, which would make it even better. [K]
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Ah yes, Philip has a very good point. Emotion: wink

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