can/allow

Question

HiIs it possible to say:1. Can Delta certified teachers work there?2. Are Delta certified teachers allowed to work there?Are both sentences OK? thanks

Fandorin · Accepted Answer

Newguest
Hi

Is it possible to say:

1. Can Delta certified teachers work there? No. "May Delta certify teachers work there?"

2. Are Delta certified teachers allowed to work there? Yes.

Are both sentences OK?

thanks

The sentences have the same meaning. it would be more correct to use "ma"y because I guess you want to ask "have they right to enact the certification or not?". "May" is used only in Present Indefinite form and therefore is named Defective Verb. The verb "Allow" in the Passive Voice is used instead of missing forms of "may".

He was allowed to pass the exams.

He will be allowed to start education in the university.

And so on....

I hope my answer satisfy you.

With best wishes.

Newguest · Answer

Fandorin
Newguest
Hi

Is it possible to say:

1. Can Delta certified teachers work there? No. "May Delta certify teachers work there?"

2. Are Delta certified teachers allowed to work there? Yes.

Are both sentences OK?

thanks

The sentences have the same meaning. it wuld be more correct to use may because I guess you want to ask "have they right to enact the certification or not?". "May" is used only in Present Indefinite form and therefore is named Defective Verb. The verb "Allow" in the Passive Voice is used instead of missinh forms of "may". I hope my answer satisfy you.

With best wishes.

Hi

I supposed that the word "can" shouldn't be used, because we use this word to ask or tell someone that I'm able to do something, e.g. dance or swim.

So, I guess that the word "may" is fine, however I've never heard such phrases like Present Indefinite and Defective Verb

thanks

Kooyeen · Answer

Hi,
I think those two sentences can have the same meaning, since one of the meanings of "can" is "be allowed to".

Newguest · Answer

KooyeenHi,
I think those two sentences can have the same meaning, since one of the meanings of "can" is "be allowed to".

So, my both sentences, in your opinion, are correct?

Yankee · Answer

Hi Newguest

Both sentences are possible. The word 'can' is often used to request permission, but keep in mind that your first sentence basically asks this:
"Is it possible for Delta certified teachers work there?"

Kooyeen · Answer

Oh, now I see what you mean... You are probably interested in the difference between "can" and "may" used for permission.
Well, I think it's a popular (or notorious) question!

If you search this forum for similar questions, you'll probably find several threads that might help you.

If you want my non-prescriptive opinion, there's absolutely nothing wrong with using "can" for permission. You can also use "may", but it's much more formal now in modern English, so you might still hear it when someone answer the phone... "Customer service. May I help you?"
But using "can" is not considered a sign of rudeness or anything today, even in formal contexts.

That's what I think.

BarbaraPA · Answer

PS - Delta-certified should have a hyphen.

The earlier "correction" that read "Delty certify" is not correct. Delta-certified teachers.

Newguest · Answer

Hi guys.

By writing these two sentences I wanted to say, or ask if Delta-certified teachers may/can (i.e. are permitted) to work at this or that school.

I was just curious if I can use the word "can," because usually we use "can" when we say I can dance or I can sing or I can't write, which means that "I'm able or not able to do this"

Now I know, actually, I should have known it earlier

that "can" can also be used for permission

Thank you Fandorin, Kooyeen, Yankee, Grammar Geek

Fandorin · Answer

Grammar Geek
PS - Delta-certified should have a hyphen.

The earlier "correction" that read "Delty certify" is not correct. Delta-certified teachers.

So, I didn't understand exactly - Delta-certified or Delta may certify?

Newguest · Answer

Fandorin
Grammar Geek
PS - Delta-certified should have a hyphen.

The earlier "correction" that read "Delty certify" is not correct. Delta-certified teachers.

So, I didn't understand exactly - Delta-certified or Delta may certify?

In my opinion Delta-certified (teachers), which means those who hold a Delta certificate. That's what I think

can/allow

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