Can vs May (Which one is correct?) The Next CEO of Stack OverflowUsing “may” or “can” with more than one verbWhich one is correct? (Which)Smoking cigarette can/may cause cancerWhich one is the correct preposition?Which one is correct/appropriate to askIs “which may causes” the correct phrase?Diference between “can” and “may”?Use of “can” or “may” to imply possibilitycan, may, or will - their differenceWhich one is more grammatically correct?
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Can vs May (Which one is correct?)
The Next CEO of Stack OverflowUsing “may” or “can” with more than one verbWhich one is correct? (Which)Smoking cigarette can/may cause cancerWhich one is the correct preposition?Which one is correct/appropriate to askIs “which may causes” the correct phrase?Diference between “can” and “may”?Use of “can” or “may” to imply possibilitycan, may, or will - their differenceWhich one is more grammatically correct?
Which modal verb do I use in the first blank? I know that “may” is for asking permission, but “can” is for showing capability. So throwing a peel is somewhat a capability.
Some people can/may throw banana peels on the ground. When a
person who is walking briskly, steps on it, he will slip ending in a
fractured bone or even some more dangerous eventualities.
Fill in the blanks.
MY ATTEMPT
- can
word-choice conjunctions modal-verbs
migrated from english.stackexchange.com Mar 23 at 0:44
This question came from our site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts.
add a comment |
Which modal verb do I use in the first blank? I know that “may” is for asking permission, but “can” is for showing capability. So throwing a peel is somewhat a capability.
Some people can/may throw banana peels on the ground. When a
person who is walking briskly, steps on it, he will slip ending in a
fractured bone or even some more dangerous eventualities.
Fill in the blanks.
MY ATTEMPT
- can
word-choice conjunctions modal-verbs
migrated from english.stackexchange.com Mar 23 at 0:44
This question came from our site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts.
2
Why do you prefer "can"?
– Henry
Mar 21 at 20:41
1
Because May is for asking permission, but can is for showing capability. So throwing a peel is somewhat a capability
– Kaushik
Mar 21 at 20:52
4
Alas, that's not the only use. May and can are also used for possibility, especially in the negative. Either modal will do for (1), but (2) should be or, not and, because another possibility is being mentioned.
– John Lawler
Mar 21 at 22:09
1
Your inclusion of the second word choice is confusing the issue, making it appear as if you are asking two different things. It would be best to cut off the quotation after the first sentence and only ask about the difference between can and may. (However, barring more information, either word can be used in the first sentence.)
– Jason Bassford
Mar 23 at 17:15
add a comment |
Which modal verb do I use in the first blank? I know that “may” is for asking permission, but “can” is for showing capability. So throwing a peel is somewhat a capability.
Some people can/may throw banana peels on the ground. When a
person who is walking briskly, steps on it, he will slip ending in a
fractured bone or even some more dangerous eventualities.
Fill in the blanks.
MY ATTEMPT
- can
word-choice conjunctions modal-verbs
Which modal verb do I use in the first blank? I know that “may” is for asking permission, but “can” is for showing capability. So throwing a peel is somewhat a capability.
Some people can/may throw banana peels on the ground. When a
person who is walking briskly, steps on it, he will slip ending in a
fractured bone or even some more dangerous eventualities.
Fill in the blanks.
MY ATTEMPT
- can
word-choice conjunctions modal-verbs
word-choice conjunctions modal-verbs
edited Mar 23 at 17:17
Kaushik
asked Mar 21 at 19:47
KaushikKaushik
337
337
migrated from english.stackexchange.com Mar 23 at 0:44
This question came from our site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts.
migrated from english.stackexchange.com Mar 23 at 0:44
This question came from our site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts.
2
Why do you prefer "can"?
– Henry
Mar 21 at 20:41
1
Because May is for asking permission, but can is for showing capability. So throwing a peel is somewhat a capability
– Kaushik
Mar 21 at 20:52
4
Alas, that's not the only use. May and can are also used for possibility, especially in the negative. Either modal will do for (1), but (2) should be or, not and, because another possibility is being mentioned.
– John Lawler
Mar 21 at 22:09
1
Your inclusion of the second word choice is confusing the issue, making it appear as if you are asking two different things. It would be best to cut off the quotation after the first sentence and only ask about the difference between can and may. (However, barring more information, either word can be used in the first sentence.)
– Jason Bassford
Mar 23 at 17:15
add a comment |
2
Why do you prefer "can"?
– Henry
Mar 21 at 20:41
1
Because May is for asking permission, but can is for showing capability. So throwing a peel is somewhat a capability
– Kaushik
Mar 21 at 20:52
4
Alas, that's not the only use. May and can are also used for possibility, especially in the negative. Either modal will do for (1), but (2) should be or, not and, because another possibility is being mentioned.
– John Lawler
Mar 21 at 22:09
1
Your inclusion of the second word choice is confusing the issue, making it appear as if you are asking two different things. It would be best to cut off the quotation after the first sentence and only ask about the difference between can and may. (However, barring more information, either word can be used in the first sentence.)
– Jason Bassford
Mar 23 at 17:15
2
2
Why do you prefer "can"?
– Henry
Mar 21 at 20:41
Why do you prefer "can"?
– Henry
Mar 21 at 20:41
1
1
Because May is for asking permission, but can is for showing capability. So throwing a peel is somewhat a capability
– Kaushik
Mar 21 at 20:52
Because May is for asking permission, but can is for showing capability. So throwing a peel is somewhat a capability
– Kaushik
Mar 21 at 20:52
4
4
Alas, that's not the only use. May and can are also used for possibility, especially in the negative. Either modal will do for (1), but (2) should be or, not and, because another possibility is being mentioned.
– John Lawler
Mar 21 at 22:09
Alas, that's not the only use. May and can are also used for possibility, especially in the negative. Either modal will do for (1), but (2) should be or, not and, because another possibility is being mentioned.
– John Lawler
Mar 21 at 22:09
1
1
Your inclusion of the second word choice is confusing the issue, making it appear as if you are asking two different things. It would be best to cut off the quotation after the first sentence and only ask about the difference between can and may. (However, barring more information, either word can be used in the first sentence.)
– Jason Bassford
Mar 23 at 17:15
Your inclusion of the second word choice is confusing the issue, making it appear as if you are asking two different things. It would be best to cut off the quotation after the first sentence and only ask about the difference between can and may. (However, barring more information, either word can be used in the first sentence.)
– Jason Bassford
Mar 23 at 17:15
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
There is an additional meaning to "may" here. To explain:
- Anyone possessing banana peels can cast them on the ground; anyone is capable of doing so.
- The child may cast banana peels on the ground because the parent gave her permission to do so; this is the sense of receiving permission.
- The adult may cast banana peels on the ground; let's watch and see. The more correct (less ambiguous) word in this sense is "might" rather than "may". This is the opposite of receiving permission; it's exercising personal choice.
I interpret the original sentence as carrying the third meaning. We know this because the second sentence explains the consequence of the person choosing to cast banana peels on the ground. The fact that anyone can (is capable of) is meaningless in light of the second sentence. The fact that anyone may (might choose to) is the thought leading to the second sentence.
If the original sentence were "The sign states that anyone may cast banana peels onto the ground here, so take care that you do not fall", "may" clearly means "has permission to". But that's not what it says! We are asking the person to choose to NOT cast banana peels out of consideration for the safety of others.
add a comment |
Consider: "It may rain tomorrow."
Is this about permission? Surely not, unless the speaker is God. This sense of the word 'may' refers to possibility rather than permission.
Without further context, the sentence above is best interpreted as being similar to this sense, although technically your choice of "can" is not ungrammatical.
However, you could argue that your choice is equally valid given sufficient context. Take for example, a pair of pranksters discussing possible pranks:
"Somebody can drop a banana on the ground...."
In this case 'can' gives a stronger sense of potential than 'may', appropriate for suggesting a possible course of action.
Note how when I suggested that you "could argue" that your choice is equally valid that I used the past tense? That shows a higher degree of doubtfulness.
add a comment |
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2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
There is an additional meaning to "may" here. To explain:
- Anyone possessing banana peels can cast them on the ground; anyone is capable of doing so.
- The child may cast banana peels on the ground because the parent gave her permission to do so; this is the sense of receiving permission.
- The adult may cast banana peels on the ground; let's watch and see. The more correct (less ambiguous) word in this sense is "might" rather than "may". This is the opposite of receiving permission; it's exercising personal choice.
I interpret the original sentence as carrying the third meaning. We know this because the second sentence explains the consequence of the person choosing to cast banana peels on the ground. The fact that anyone can (is capable of) is meaningless in light of the second sentence. The fact that anyone may (might choose to) is the thought leading to the second sentence.
If the original sentence were "The sign states that anyone may cast banana peels onto the ground here, so take care that you do not fall", "may" clearly means "has permission to". But that's not what it says! We are asking the person to choose to NOT cast banana peels out of consideration for the safety of others.
add a comment |
There is an additional meaning to "may" here. To explain:
- Anyone possessing banana peels can cast them on the ground; anyone is capable of doing so.
- The child may cast banana peels on the ground because the parent gave her permission to do so; this is the sense of receiving permission.
- The adult may cast banana peels on the ground; let's watch and see. The more correct (less ambiguous) word in this sense is "might" rather than "may". This is the opposite of receiving permission; it's exercising personal choice.
I interpret the original sentence as carrying the third meaning. We know this because the second sentence explains the consequence of the person choosing to cast banana peels on the ground. The fact that anyone can (is capable of) is meaningless in light of the second sentence. The fact that anyone may (might choose to) is the thought leading to the second sentence.
If the original sentence were "The sign states that anyone may cast banana peels onto the ground here, so take care that you do not fall", "may" clearly means "has permission to". But that's not what it says! We are asking the person to choose to NOT cast banana peels out of consideration for the safety of others.
add a comment |
There is an additional meaning to "may" here. To explain:
- Anyone possessing banana peels can cast them on the ground; anyone is capable of doing so.
- The child may cast banana peels on the ground because the parent gave her permission to do so; this is the sense of receiving permission.
- The adult may cast banana peels on the ground; let's watch and see. The more correct (less ambiguous) word in this sense is "might" rather than "may". This is the opposite of receiving permission; it's exercising personal choice.
I interpret the original sentence as carrying the third meaning. We know this because the second sentence explains the consequence of the person choosing to cast banana peels on the ground. The fact that anyone can (is capable of) is meaningless in light of the second sentence. The fact that anyone may (might choose to) is the thought leading to the second sentence.
If the original sentence were "The sign states that anyone may cast banana peels onto the ground here, so take care that you do not fall", "may" clearly means "has permission to". But that's not what it says! We are asking the person to choose to NOT cast banana peels out of consideration for the safety of others.
There is an additional meaning to "may" here. To explain:
- Anyone possessing banana peels can cast them on the ground; anyone is capable of doing so.
- The child may cast banana peels on the ground because the parent gave her permission to do so; this is the sense of receiving permission.
- The adult may cast banana peels on the ground; let's watch and see. The more correct (less ambiguous) word in this sense is "might" rather than "may". This is the opposite of receiving permission; it's exercising personal choice.
I interpret the original sentence as carrying the third meaning. We know this because the second sentence explains the consequence of the person choosing to cast banana peels on the ground. The fact that anyone can (is capable of) is meaningless in light of the second sentence. The fact that anyone may (might choose to) is the thought leading to the second sentence.
If the original sentence were "The sign states that anyone may cast banana peels onto the ground here, so take care that you do not fall", "may" clearly means "has permission to". But that's not what it says! We are asking the person to choose to NOT cast banana peels out of consideration for the safety of others.
answered Mar 25 at 0:38
Edward BarnardEdward Barnard
3965
3965
add a comment |
add a comment |
Consider: "It may rain tomorrow."
Is this about permission? Surely not, unless the speaker is God. This sense of the word 'may' refers to possibility rather than permission.
Without further context, the sentence above is best interpreted as being similar to this sense, although technically your choice of "can" is not ungrammatical.
However, you could argue that your choice is equally valid given sufficient context. Take for example, a pair of pranksters discussing possible pranks:
"Somebody can drop a banana on the ground...."
In this case 'can' gives a stronger sense of potential than 'may', appropriate for suggesting a possible course of action.
Note how when I suggested that you "could argue" that your choice is equally valid that I used the past tense? That shows a higher degree of doubtfulness.
add a comment |
Consider: "It may rain tomorrow."
Is this about permission? Surely not, unless the speaker is God. This sense of the word 'may' refers to possibility rather than permission.
Without further context, the sentence above is best interpreted as being similar to this sense, although technically your choice of "can" is not ungrammatical.
However, you could argue that your choice is equally valid given sufficient context. Take for example, a pair of pranksters discussing possible pranks:
"Somebody can drop a banana on the ground...."
In this case 'can' gives a stronger sense of potential than 'may', appropriate for suggesting a possible course of action.
Note how when I suggested that you "could argue" that your choice is equally valid that I used the past tense? That shows a higher degree of doubtfulness.
add a comment |
Consider: "It may rain tomorrow."
Is this about permission? Surely not, unless the speaker is God. This sense of the word 'may' refers to possibility rather than permission.
Without further context, the sentence above is best interpreted as being similar to this sense, although technically your choice of "can" is not ungrammatical.
However, you could argue that your choice is equally valid given sufficient context. Take for example, a pair of pranksters discussing possible pranks:
"Somebody can drop a banana on the ground...."
In this case 'can' gives a stronger sense of potential than 'may', appropriate for suggesting a possible course of action.
Note how when I suggested that you "could argue" that your choice is equally valid that I used the past tense? That shows a higher degree of doubtfulness.
Consider: "It may rain tomorrow."
Is this about permission? Surely not, unless the speaker is God. This sense of the word 'may' refers to possibility rather than permission.
Without further context, the sentence above is best interpreted as being similar to this sense, although technically your choice of "can" is not ungrammatical.
However, you could argue that your choice is equally valid given sufficient context. Take for example, a pair of pranksters discussing possible pranks:
"Somebody can drop a banana on the ground...."
In this case 'can' gives a stronger sense of potential than 'may', appropriate for suggesting a possible course of action.
Note how when I suggested that you "could argue" that your choice is equally valid that I used the past tense? That shows a higher degree of doubtfulness.
answered Mar 25 at 1:48
MichaelMichael
646
646
add a comment |
add a comment |
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2
Why do you prefer "can"?
– Henry
Mar 21 at 20:41
1
Because May is for asking permission, but can is for showing capability. So throwing a peel is somewhat a capability
– Kaushik
Mar 21 at 20:52
4
Alas, that's not the only use. May and can are also used for possibility, especially in the negative. Either modal will do for (1), but (2) should be or, not and, because another possibility is being mentioned.
– John Lawler
Mar 21 at 22:09
1
Your inclusion of the second word choice is confusing the issue, making it appear as if you are asking two different things. It would be best to cut off the quotation after the first sentence and only ask about the difference between can and may. (However, barring more information, either word can be used in the first sentence.)
– Jason Bassford
Mar 23 at 17:15