Embedded Files
Common Mistakes
Common Mistakes
As you can remember, I have always loved jazz.
As you may remember, I have always loved jazz.
May you help me with my suitcases?
Can you help me with my suitcases?
Someone can object if it’s not true.
Someone may object if it’s not true.
The woman in the picture can be a manager.
The woman in the picture may / could be a manager.
It may be that they have lost our address.
They may have lost our address.
He can be in his late 20s.
He is probably in his late 20s.
I can say that it was very expensive.
It was very expensive.
Correct Form
Correct Form
I can come next Wednesday at 12 o’clock - so note that down in your diary.
He may come next week, but he’s not sure at the moment.
(Friend to another friend) Can you help me with my homework?
(Shop assistant to customer) May I help you? Do you need some assistance?
Guidelines
Guidelines
Use can to express a general ability to do something whenever you want. Examples: I can play golf. In England, it can rain a lot during the summer.
Use can to express certain 100% possibility, may for speculations. Examples: I can come tomorrow. (I am certain that I am able to come). I may come to the meeting. (Perhaps I will come)
Use can I? (or may I - formal) when you want permission. Examples: Can I (May I) open the window?
Use can you? in a request: Can you help me do the washing?
Use may I? in a formal situation to ask someone if they need assistance: (Shop assistant to client: May I help you?)
Practice
Practice
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