Question
Updated on
23 Dec 2013
- Japanese
-
English (US)
Question about English (US)
What is the difference between May I ~ ? and Can I ~ ? ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.
What is the difference between May I ~ ? and Can I ~ ? ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.
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- English (US)
The difference between "may I" and "can I" are very simple. In common speech, many native English speakers will use both "may I" and "can I" interchangeably. However, it is generally accepted that using "may I" in a sentence used to ask for permission is more appropriate. Using "can I" is almost the same as asking "is it possible for me".
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- English (US) Near fluent
- English (US) Near fluent
- English (US)
all are right here. you can understand this as 'May I' is more polite whereas 'Can I' is not that polite.
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- English (US)
"May I" is more formal than "Could I". "Can I" is the least formal.
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