Why is it May I instead of can I?
But the permission use of can is not in fact incorrect in standard English. The only difference between the two verbs is that one is more polite than the other. In informal contexts it’s perfectly acceptable to use can; in formal situations it would be better to use may.
Can I go to the bathroom grammar?
So while yes, asking “may I go to the bathroom?” is asking for permission, asking the “can” question is actually referring to “are the conditions of me being able to the bathroom met?” which includes but is not exclusive just having permission. …
How do you ask to go to the toilet?
How to Ask for the Bathroom in English
- ‘Could you tell me where the bathroom is please’ ‘Where are the toilets please? ‘ ‘Where are the ladies’/gents’ please?
- ‘Excuse me but where is the loo? ‘ ‘I’m just going for a patter on the porcelain’
- ‘Could you tell me where the restroom is please? ‘ ‘Whereis the ladies’/men’s room please?
Can or will you?
May implies that you are asking for permission. Can implies that you are questioning somebody’s ability. Will implies that you are seeking an answer about the future.
Can and will sentence?
We can use “can” and “ will” in a single sentence. Mark my word, I can and I will. I will be happy if you can do this for me. He will be surprised knowing that I can drive a car.
Can anyone or can anyone?
Is it “can someone” or “can anyone”? “can anyone” is correct. Because ‘any’ is used in interrogative and negative sentences. And ‘some’ is used in positive sentences.
Which one is correct I shall or I will?
The short version is that if the subject is “I” or “we”, and the sentence is not a question, then “shall” has traditionally been correct, and “will” has traditionally expressed a level of determination, or a promise. Today though, the two are interchangeable.
How can I use could in a sentence?
Here are some more examples:
- People could do so much more for their community.
- I couldn’t have said it better myself.
- We could have left the party earlier.
- The girl was crying because she couldn’t find her parents.
- You could have stopped by the grocery store. We need some milk.
- I couldn’t have done it without you.
Can be example sentences?
“John can speak several different languages.” “I can do it by myself.” “We can go to the party.” “He can eat spicy food.”
May is the more formal word, and if you are at all concerned about being tut-tutted, a safe choice. Can is now the verb of choice for ability, and both can and may are still used in the “possibility” sense. You may use can if you wish, and you can use may if it makes you feel better.
How do you use may in a sentence?
May sentence example
- ” May I sit with you?” she asked shyly. 1740. 597.
- May we come in? 1060. 395.
- Do you think they may have given up? 904. 355.
- They may be too busy running. 718. 261.
- “You may buy something, if you wish,” said his mother. 613.
- You may follow me. 503.
- You may do as you wish. 358.
- May I wait here until then? 338.
What does may indicate?
modal verb. You use may to indicate that someone is allowed to do something, usually because of a rule or law. You use may not to indicate that someone is not allowed to do something.
Can I use have in English?
He can have the hammer. (He has the necessary permission to possess the hammer.) Some people consider this wrong and that the correct word is may, but in contemporary English, using can have signifies permission over ability, because the cases where someone is unable to possess something are very few and far between.
What is the use of May?
“May” is a modal verb most commonly used to express possibility. It can also be used to give or request permission, although this usage is becoming less common. Examples: Cheryl may be at home, or perhaps at work.
When we use can?
“Can” is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility. Examples: I can ride a horse.
How do you use must?
Must is used to express obligation, give orders and give advice. It can only be used for present and future reference. When the past is involved, you use have to….to speculate about the truth of something.
- She must be mad!
- You must be joking!
- There must be some mistake.
- Mr Robertson is here; it must be Tuesday.