DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "CAN" AND "MAY"

• Home
• RBTHOUGHTCASTLE
• Difference between "CAN" and "MAY"

There are two chief differences between the verbs, "may" and "can".

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "CAN" AND "MAY"[hideshow]

• 1. Theoretical Possibility Vs. Factual Possibility
• 2. General Permission Vs. Permission by the Speaker

1. Theoretical Possibility Vs. Factual Possibility

One of the major differences between the modal verbs, "can" and "may", is that while "can" denotes theoretical possibility, "may" refers to "factual possibility".

For example,

It can be done. (Theoretical Possibility: "It is possible for the job to be done." or "It is possible to do this job.")
It may be done. (Factual Possibility: "It is possible that the job will be done." or "Perhaps the job will be done.")

This is where things lend a fresh perspective to the aforesaid subject. The way we associate meaning(s) with words is both fascinating and awe-inspiring.

2. General Permission Vs. Permission by the Speaker

The second difference between the verbs in question is that "can" implies general permission, whereas "may" implies permission by the speaker.

For example,

You can go there. (General Permission: "You are permitted to go there."
You may go there. (Permission by the Speaker: "I permit you to go there.")

Apart from the above-mentioned differences between "may" and "can", it should also be said that "may" is considered to be more formal than "can". In fact, "can" is found to be used more often than "may".

©

Tags

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "CAN" AND "MAY" MODAL VERBS IN ENGLISH GRAMMARFUNCTIONAL GRAMMARENGLISH GRAMMARENGLISH GRAMMAR IN USE Rajdeep Banerjee RB RBTHOUGHTCASTLE English is Easy with RB