Skip to main content

Common errors in English: Usage of Can and May

 Can and May 


To express physical ability: 


Incorrect : The patient may walk now. 


Correct : The patient can walk now. 


To express probability: 


Incorrect : It can rain tonight. 


Correct : It may rain tonight. 


To seek permission politely :


Incorrect: Can I come in, Sir?


Correct : May I come in, Sir?


Note: "Can' is usually used to express physical ability or to seek permission informally but "may” is used to express probability or to seek permission politely and formally.


Most Popular Course:Data Science of Harvard, MIT, IBM.... 






Popular posts from this blog

MEANING OF "Bridge the divide."

Amazon today's offer: Deal of the day "Bridge the divide." (Also: Bridge the gap) This  means, to bring two sides closer together, overcoming  their differences (the "divide" that separates them).  This divide may be political, social, or any other  major difference between groups of persons.  Limited Time Offer:  50% Off on Robot  Vacuum Cleaner Most Popular Course:Data Science of Harvard, MIT, IBM....  John Academy: 97% Off on Popular Online Courses Amazon Best Seller in Appliances Amazon Best Seller in Home and Kitchen Amazon Best Seller in Office Products Amazon Best Seller in Baby Products