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.


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