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Pet Peeve #23 - Can vs May

by JM
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It’s simple. It truly, truly is. I’ve mentioned it before, albeit briefly.

So, again, I’ll make it simple for anyone having trouble.

“Can” is about ability. “May” is about permission.

Can you fly? No. May you fly? Well, you certainly can feel free to try. You don’t need my permission.

“Can I have a piece of cake?” If you have a mouth and a digestive system, I reckon you can!

“Can” is a question or whether or not you have the ability to do something. Asking if you can have a piece of cake is pretty ridiculous unless you’re unsure of your food allergies, and you’re asking your doctor if it’s okay. Even then, s/he’s likely to say, “You can have a piece of cake, but it’ll go straight to your bum and make your tongue swell up.”

(Allergic to cake? My nephew has an egg allergy - no traditional cakes for him, so it does happen.)

“May” is all about permission. You have the ability, but the action is not yours to take without the permission of someone. May you go to the bathroom is a perfectly acceptable question. Asking can you go to the bathroom could very well mean you’re asking the person of authority to check whether or not you have a bladder.

Can = ability.

May = permission.

All clear now?


Posted in Pet Peeves on May 29th, 2007

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3 Responses to “Pet Peeve #23 - Can vs May”

  1. Wonder Says:
    May 29th, 2007 at 8:19 pm

    Lol, as I said on the “Sex vs. Gender” post, I can’t think of anyone not getting the idea XD.
    Nice explanation ;)
    W.

  2. Bernita Says:
    May 30th, 2007 at 10:28 am

    Thank you.
    Bugs me too.

  3. JM Says:
    May 30th, 2007 at 9:57 pm

    Wonder - I try my best to be clear. ;)

    Bernita - There are so many little things, aren’t there?

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