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Can vs. May 536 Views


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Transcript

00:04

Can versus May, a la Shmoop. Just because you can do the can-can...

00:10

...doesn't mean you may do the can-can...

00:12

...especially when you're in the middle of math class and are supposed to be studying

00:15

for your pre-calc final instead. Here's the rule for “can” versus “may”:

00:20

Use “can” when you want to ask if something is possible...

00:24

...and use “may” when you want to ask if something is permissible.

00:28

For example, you might ask your mom, “Can I watch TV tonight?”…

00:31

...and the answer would be “Yes”, because you have everything you need...

00:35

...eyes and a television set...

00:37

...to make TV-watching possible. However, if your mom is addicted to Doctor

00:42

Who and watches it religiously...

00:44

...you'd ask her, “May I watch TV tonight?”

00:48

You're asking for permission here, because the program you want to watch might coincide

00:53

with hers. Easy rule, right? Thing is, so many people

00:58

use “can” in place of “may”...

01:00

...that the grammar police aren't likely to come out and smack you around if you do the

01:03

same.

01:05

You should be safe even if you only use “may” for formal situations, like job interviews...

01:10

...weddings...

01:11

… and “Downton Abbey” screenings.

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