0
Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

May vs Can vs Could

If I want a friend to do something, which of the above should I choose?

I know "may" is for permission, but the word "can" is more for ability.

If I say "can you pick that up?", my friend would remark "yes I can" (as in he/she has the ability to do it, but still might not do it)

What would be the correct way to ask this question?

Thanks
  

Top answer

", my friend would remark "yes I can" (as in he/she has the ability to do it, but still might not do it) That would be a facetious response. g. " is asking someone to do the thing, not asking if they are capable of doing it.

— Mr Wordy

  • ", my friend would remark "yes I can" (as in he/she has the ability to do it, but still might not do it) That would be a facetious response.
  • g.
  • " is asking someone to do the thing, not asking if they are capable of doing it.
  • " is OK, but to a stranger it would sound rude.
  • Adding "please" helps, and "could" is softer than "can".
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

4 Answers
0
AnonymousIf I say "can you pick that up?", my friend would remark "yes I can" (as in he/she has the ability to do it, but still might not do it)
That would be a facetious response. Unless context definitely shows that you are asking about ability (e.g. if the thing is very heavy or hard to reach), everybody understands that "Can you pick that up?" is asking so
0
0
My close friend is not trying to be facetious, but loves proper grammar. One of his pet peeves is when a person says, "there's two of them" instead of "are". Anyways how can I convey the same message in a simpler/less formal way to him?

Thanks
0
0
Where I come from it would be unusually pedantic to object to this use of "can/could you ..." in ordinary conversation. However, if you don't want to use "can/could" then "would" is a good alternative:

"Would you pick that up (for me) (please)?"

"Would you mind picking that up (for me) (please)?"
0
0
1. If you are asking your friend to do something for you, then you would say: Would you please pick up a video for me? (will you) Polite way of asking someone with "would."

Could you please pick up a video for me? (are you able and willing) Are you free to do so. Polite way of asking using "could."

2. If you are asking your friend (if) he/she is capable of
0

Related Questions