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Yellowstarstruck Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Permission and Offering

Hi. Number 1 is asking for permission. Number 2 is offering to do something. Am I correct? How about 3 and 4? Thanks, Fulvio
1. May I open the door?
2. May I open the door for you?
3. May I cook dinner tonight?
4. May I cook dinner for you tonight?
  

Top answer

yellowstarstruck Number 1 is asking for permission. Number 2 is offering to do something. Am I correct?

— Mister Micawber

  • yellowstarstruck Number 1 is asking for permission.
  • Number 2 is offering to do something.
  • Am I correct?
  • No; both can mean either.
  • yellowstarstruck How about 3 and 4?
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2 Answers
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yellowstarstruckNumber 1 is asking for permission. Number 2 is offering to do something. Am I correct?
No; both can mean either.
yellowstarstruck How about 3 and 4?
Ditto.
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'May I ...?' almost always requests permission. In certain contexts this can be intended and understood as a polite offer.
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