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may is asking a question and can is asking if u can do something. like may i go to the restroom and can i go to the restroom. may is asking if your excused and can is asking if u can actually use the restroom. im a language teacher and if somebody asks me if they "can" go to the restroom i say, i don't know can you?
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from my old English teacher can i go to the bathroom. answer yes you have the capability to go to the bathroom but not now. may i go to the bathroom? yes you may
"can" refers to your ability to do something. "may" refers to whether you are allowed to do it.
So: "Can I go to the movies?" -- No, because the theater is closed, the car won't start, etc. "May I go to the movies?" -- No, the movie runs past your curfew, I think it is inappropriate for you, you are grounded, etc ...
Wiki User
∙ 7y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoIn high school English class, our English teacher told us that may means that "you are asking", and can means that "you are begging"
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What is the difference between can i or may i?
Can i is a mean voice May i is a proper voice
What is the difference between may you and can you?
"you may" means that you have permission ( to do something) . "you can" means that you are able (to do something).
What difference between paging?
Difference between paging and what?
Difference between may and can?
May expresses a possibility, as in 'it may rain'. May is a polite request, it expresses a wish, as in 'may I use the phone'. May indicates that permission be requested or granted by someone as in 'he may go to the park, if he behaves'. . Can is to be able to, to have the ability or power or skill as in 'I can solve the problem', Can means to have the right or qualifications as in 'I can change the script'. . May and can are often interchangeable and the exchange is acceptable, so long as they are used in a socially acceptable way.
What is the difference between difference and difference?
just difference
What is the difference between can i or may i?
Can i is a mean voice May i is a proper voice
What is the difference between automatic thoughts and emotions?
The difference between the two is emotions can get the better of you and even tears may flow freely.
What is the difference between may might?
Might is more tentative.
What is the difference between may you and can you?
"you may" means that you have permission ( to do something) . "you can" means that you are able (to do something).
What is the difference between can and cannot?
The difference between can and cannot is that when you can do something, you are allowed to and may continue doing it but when you cannot do something it is the oppistie so you can not do something.
What is the time difference between UK and Texas in may?
In May, there is a 6-hour time difference between the UK and Texas. Texas is typically 6 hours behind the UK.
What is the difference between pitch and internal in music?
In music, the pitch refers to how high or low a note may be. An interval refers to the difference between two pitches.
What is the difference between a secured and unsecured passwords?
Secured passwords may be encrypted, unsecured ones may not.
Is there a difference between doctor prescribed birth control pills and the kind you might get from Planned Parenthood?
Absolutely no difference. The only difference may be price.
What do you think may cause there to be a difference between the momentum before and after the collision?
Friction
Is a minor adjustment to a seatbelt may be the difference between life and death?
true
Difference between had and have?
had is the past tense of have. Have is the infinitive and also may be the present tense, as in I have or we have or they have.
