What is the difference between May I or can I?

The word ‘can’ and ‘may’ are modal verbs, wherein can is used to denote a person’s ability in doing something or talking about any kind of possibility. On the other hand, may is used to take or give permission to/from another person. In general, we use the word can for informally asking for something.

Can I or may I go to the bathroom?

“Can” denotes ability. “Can I go to the restroom?” means “Am I capable of going to the restroom?” This is probably not what was intended. This distinction is often ignored in casual conversation, but “may” is both correct and more polite.

Is I got to go proper English?

“I’ve got to go” is grammatically correct in both BE and AE. Agreed, although “I have to go” is also acceptable. It does get spoken in casual conversation as “I gotta go”, but it’s only written this way if the author is trying to imitate the sounds of the spoken language.

What is the difference between can and may?

May is a preferred in a formal style or when you want to be more polite. In less formal situations, can is perfectly acceptable. Both can and may are used to ask for permission. However, a lot of people believe that can in incorrect in this context. In their opinion, ‘can’ can only be used to talk about ability and capability.

How do you use the word may in a sentence?

Sometimes can is used in the sense of may to give permission. You can go. OR You may go. You can take one of these shirts. OR You may take one of these shirts. Now-a-days can is also increasingly used to ask permission.

Is it may may or can can to ask for permission?

May is a preferred in a formal style or when you want to be more polite. In less formal situations, can is perfectly acceptable. Both can and may are used to ask for permission. However, a lot of people believe that can in incorrect in this context.

How do you use shall and may in a sentence?

In modern English, both ‘can’ and ‘may’ can be used to talk about permission. However, ‘may’ cannot be used to talk about ability. In British English, ‘shall’ is used with first person pronouns to form the simple future tense. I shall come. We shall be late.