May Vs Could You
May Vs Could You. In the case of polite expressions, i.e. Once upon a time, in the land of strict grammar rules, “can” denoted physical or mental ability, and “may” denoted permission or authorization (1).
You may means something like you have my permission to do it if you want or you're allowed to do that if you want. Use “might” if something is less likely to happen or in a hypothetical situation. However can entails the issue of possibility.
On The Other Hand, May Is Used To Discuss Possibility Or Happenings In The Future.
( give permission ) could is also used to ask or give permission for something. I was always taught “may” indicates a request, “can” indicates ability, which is why you wouldn’t say “can i?” unless, for example, you’re asking yourself or a doctor whether or not you are able physically/mentally/whatever to do a thing. Determining whether something is very likely or remotely likely is the difference between choosing “may” or “might” for your sentence.
If You Ask Someone Can You It Is As If You're Wondering If They Are Capable Of Doing It.
Could is a synonym of may. You must not / cannot / should not smoke in the kitchen. Besides being a request for permission, the word ‘may’ can also refer to something that is likely to happen.
May Is Typically Used For Requests, But I Will Definitely Side With Windowsdude7 Right Above!
You may be right, but i would still like to check. Whether you have permission to do something. Can is now the verb of choice for ability, and both can and may are still used in the possibility sense.
You Can Swim In This River.
He may be on holiday, but i’m not sure. Synonym for may i ask can i ask is the least polite out of the three. However can entails the issue of possibility.
Let’s Look At A Few Examples:
As an internet user, you should assume both meanings of may are part of the policy. It wasn't ok to use “can” if you were talking about permission. ‘may’ and ‘might’ are a bit easier.
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