How have you learnt when to make use of ‘can’ and when to make use of ‘may’?
This grammar is everywhere in the English language.
Hear in at present and be taught actual suggestions and tips for each dialog.
What are you able to try this’s shocking?
Aubrey asks Lindsay what she will try this surprises folks.
Lindsay shares that she will contact her nostril together with her tongue.
Some folks discover that shocking.
Aubrey shares that she has a double-jointed thumb.
She will be able to pull her thumb again and have it contact the knuckles on her hand.
Aubrey’s son was so impressed by this after which discovered he may do it as effectively.
At the moment’s episode is impressed by a listener’s query by way of Youtube feedback in regards to the phrases ‘can’ and ‘may.’
At the moment’s query
Many thanks in your podcast. I’m feeling wonderful with my American accent now. It has helped me quite a bit, and I’ve a query in regards to the distinction between ‘can’ and ‘may’ once we ask questions within the current tense? As a result of I do know we ask with ‘may’ solely up to now.
Thanks❤❤
@MohamedaMj33
Difficult grammar
The usage of the phrases ‘can’ and ‘may’ could also be complicated.
It may be tough to determine whether or not to make use of ‘can’ or ‘may’ when asking questions.
Utilizing the phrase ‘may’ isn’t only for referring to the previous.
It can be used as a well mannered type of ‘can’.
Lindsay and Aubrey will dive extra into this in at present’s episode.
They may share actual suggestions and tips so that you can simply perceive and use this grammar construction appropriately.
#1: Can
The phrase ‘can’ is a modal verb, which is a sort of auxiliary verb that signifies potential, chance, suggestion, or obligation.
We use ‘can’ in a number of other ways.
Listed here are the other ways you should utilize them with some examples:
- Asking for permission: “Can I borrow your pen?” or “Can I ask you for a favor?”
- Making requests: “Are you able to name again later?” or “Are you able to seize me that e book?”
- Making provides: “Can I assist you to with something?” or “Can we do something for you?”
- Reproaching: “Are you able to please cease making that noise?” or “Why can’t you simply be good to her as an alternative of upsetting her?”
#2: May
The phrase ‘may’ has the identical which means however ‘can’ is taken into account colloquial, whereas ‘may’ is extra well mannered and formal.
In case you take a look at the examples above, you may change ‘can’ with ‘may.’
Listed here are some examples:
- May you move me the bread, please?
- Server: May I get you anything?
‘May’ can be used to point chance within the current and future.
Listed here are examples:
- We may have gone out however we determined to remain dwelling.
- You may win the lottery in the event you purchase a ticket.
You too can use ‘may’ to confer with one thing that was usually potential or a capability that somebody usually had up to now.
Listed here are some examples:
- Once I was youthful, I may raise weights with out being sore the subsequent day.
- Once we first met, we may discuss for hours on the cellphone.
Roleplay
Here’s a fast roleplay utilizing the information and tips shared in at present’s episode.
It will assist you to see whether or not to make use of both ‘can’ or ‘may’ in your dialog.
On this state of affairs, Aubrey and Lindsay are reminiscing about their childhood summers.
Aubrey: Once I was a child, I may run round all day and by no means get drained! (previous tense)
Lindsay: Similar! I can’t try this now! (indicating potential / may say “I couldn’t try this now!”)
Aubrey: Did you hang around with buddies quite a bit in your neighborhood?
Lindsay: Oh yeah – we’d go to the neighbors’ and say, “Can Marie come out and play?” (permission/request)
Aubrey: Similar. We’d all play within the yard till my mother would come out and say, “Are you able to please cease making such a racket! (reproaching)
Lindsay: After which the yard could be a catastrophe and we’d have to wash up. My buddies have been fairly good about asking how they might assist. (making provides)
Takeaway
It is a very excessive stage English talent to know when and how one can use ‘can’ and ‘may.’
At the moment’s suggestions might help you join.
You can begin a dialog utilizing ‘can’ and ‘may’ by sharing about your previous.
Speaking about your childhood reminiscences is all the time a good way to attach.
You too can share issues that you’re presently doing or issues that you just’ve been studying and now can do effectively.
These are nice connection matters.
You may test our earlier All Ears English episodes to be taught extra about ‘can’ and ‘may’.
Hearken to AEE 2127: We Couldn’t Be Extra Excited About this Episode and AEE 1095: Methods to Say That You May Be Satisfied in English.
What are different tough phrases and grammar buildings that you’re confused about?
Share one within the feedback under.
