Key Difference: Most of us use the words Can and May interchangeably due to a lag in knowing their exact meanings. These two words in the English language are auxiliary verbs, and we can use them while talking about the possibility or permission. The word “Can” refers to the ability of something or someone whereas the term May refers to “ask for something.” Whenever we use the word “May”, we are requesting something in a polite manner. On the other hand, we can use the word “Can”, when we ask permission in an informal manner. Let us see the contradiction between these words in this blog post.
Can: Can you help me?
May: May I know your name, please?
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Can:
It refers to the ability.
We always use the word “Can”, when we discuss the ability or capability of someone or something. When you are allowed to do something, at that time we said like, you can do it. It shows the trust which someone has in one person. Let’s see an example to make it clear. Lilly says I can play the piano. From this statement, we might understand that Lilly has the ability to play the piano. Here, we will tell you another example for your better understanding. Bob and Joy love to write a poem whenever sitting in the garden. From this statement, we can understand, that the boys’ bob and joy are able to write open.
How Do We Spell the Word Can?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Can is kan. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllables are phonological building blocks of words. It divides the words into parts that can help you read words more accurately. Let’s see how to split the word affect using syllables. Learning syllables can also help you to spell words correctly.
- The word “Can” has only one syllable.
- It cannot be divided.
Using “Can” in sentences:
- They can play the piano.
- Can you give me a pen?
- She can sing before the audience.
- Veronica can dance well.
- I can offer you a great deal.
May:
Being polite.
The term “May” refers to asking for permission or giving permission. Generally, this word can be used when talking about the possibility. To be more precise, we can use this word when we say it might happen or might not happen. When we are not sure about something, we can use this word. Let’s see a sample sentence for making it clear. We cannot predict the economy as it goes up or down anytime. From this statement, we might understand that we cannot understand our economy very well because it is unstable or unsure.
How Do We Spell the Word May?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word May is meɪ. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “May” by syllables.
- The word “May” has only one syllable.
- It cannot be divided.
Using “May” in sentences:
- May I get into the hall?
- She may not feel good.
- May I check your wallet?
- You may do as you wish.
- May I speak to her on a phone call?
Compare: Can Vs May
This table will show you the contradiction between the words Can and May.
| Can | May | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It refers to the capability of something. | Used to ask for permission in a polite manner. |
| Synonyms | be able to, permitted to | be possible, will, might, allow |
| Parts of Speech | verb | verb |
| Etymology | Old English cunnan ‘know’ (in Middle English ‘know how to’), related to Dutch kunnen and German können ; from an Indo-European root shared by Latin gnoscere ‘know’ and Greek gignōskein ‘know’. | Old English mæg, of Germanic origin, from a base meaning ‘have power’; related to Dutch mogen and German mögen |
| Examples | Can you come with me? I can stay here. Can you find the keys? She can run fast. | It may hurt. They may go and visit their hometown. May I ask the reason? May I join you guys? |
Resources and References:
Resources: Cambridge Dictionary (Can, May), Merriam-Webster (Can, May), Collins Dictionary (Can, May), Dictionary.com (Can, May)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org[1], Merriam-Webster.com[2], CollinsDictionary.com[3], Dictionary.com[4].