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Jigneshbharati Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

It may occur vs it can occur

Malnutrition is estimated to affect at least three million adults in the UK and cost £13 billion per annum. Itmay occur as a result of illness or from a variety of physiological and social co-factors. Adverse effectsinclude:

http://www.wandsworthccg.nhs.uk/aboutus/Wandsworth%20Clinical%20Effectiveness%20Group/Adult%20oral%20nutrition%20supplements%20prescribing%20guide%20Apr%202013.pdf

Please explain to me the use of "may" in the context and also would "can" be equally correct? What would sentence mean with "can"?

  

Top answer

In this case there is no signficant difference in meaning between "may" and "can". Both express possibility, or the potential for something to happen. "may" may sound slightly more formal.

— GPY

  • In this case there is no signficant difference in meaning between "may" and "can".
  • Both express possibility, or the potential for something to happen.
  • "may" may sound slightly more formal.
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2 Answers
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In this case there is no signficant difference in meaning between "may" and "can". Both express possibility, or the potential for something to happen. "may" may sound slightly more formal.

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