Category: Education

Tags: uses of can and may, mistakes with can and may, can-may confused words, examples of can, sentences with may

Can and May confused and misused words - English Mirror Distinguished Can and May which are often confused by English speakers. Avoid common mistakes using words with same pronunciation like can and may in English. Can and May --------------- The words ‘Can’ and ‘May’ confused many English speakers. The key difference between ‘can’ and ‘may’ is that ‘can’ talks about ability and ‘may’ talks about permission. Many English speakers are confused about the usage of the words ‘can’ and ‘may’. For example: ‘Can I drink water?’ is incorrect. ‘May I drink water?’ is the correct phrase to use in this case. The key difference between ‘can’ and ‘may’ is that ‘can’ talks about ability and ‘may’ talks about permission. CAN --- Can is used in two cases: To talk about ability. I can finish my homework by 5 pm. Can you finish your homework tonight? To ask or give permission informally. Can I use your pen? (To a friend) You can use my pen. (To a friend) MAY --- May is generally used to ask or give permission formally. Let us take a situation between a student and a teacher. Student : May I drink water? Teacher : Yes, you may. Let us take a situation between two strangers. Person1 : May I borrow your pen? Person2 : Yes, you may.