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Can vs. May 536 Views
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Want even more deets on Can vs. May? Take a look at our entire grammar section for all the goods.
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...
Full Transcript
- 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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