Can I please vs May I please?
Can I please vs May I please?
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.
Where can I use can and May?
Can and may can both be used to ask for permission, although “may” is considered more formal. “May” is the older word and has meanings that refer to the ability to do something, the possibility of something, as well as granting permission.
What type of verb is May?
modal verb
What type of noun is May?
As detailed above, ‘may’ can be a verb or a noun. Verb usage: You may smoke outside. Verb usage: May I sit there? Verb usage: He may be lying.
What is the difference between may and must?
May shows the speaker is not sure in the present moment: “She may be making a video.” May changes to might to express a possible state in the past: “She might have stayed home.” Finally, must expresses a strong certainty: “She must be working there.” You will hear both words to express the same degree of certainty.
What’s the difference between shall and may?
In legal documents, there is an important distinction between “shall” and “may.” “Shall” is a command; whatever follows after “shall” is mandatory. It is required; it must be done. On the other hand, “may” is discretionary; what comes after “may” is optional; it is at the discretion of the person making the decisions.
How do you use may not in a sentence?
I may not go to bed early tonight. Contrariwise, this seems to indicate that it is likely I will go to bed early tonight. I may or may not go to bed early tonight. This seems to leave me with absolutely no clarity as to which eventuality is likely to occur.
How do you use if I may in a sentence?
How to explain ‘if i may’ as a single sentence. “let me answer, if I may”. This is a polite way to get everyone’s approval, and to have them listen to what you are saying. “I will give my opinion, if I may”.
Who or who may?
“Might” is the past tense of “may.” When deciding which one to use, you can use the sentence tense to decide on “might” or “may.” Refer to these examples to see how “might” is used: He might have called me after the game, but they got busy.
Where could is used?
“Could” is a modal verb used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. “Could” is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of “can.” Examples: Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city.