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Can I.... vs. May I.....

 

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  #1  
Old December 28, 2009, 08:40 AM
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Can I.... vs. May I.....

Growing up in an American, English speaking household, and being raised by a mother who fancies herself a grammarian ... and as a teacher in English speaking
American public schools, I have heard many times the following conversation:

"Can I do.....?"
"I don't know, can you?"
"Grrr.... Okay, MAY I do....."
"Yes" (or, "no")

In Spanish, if I am seeking permission to do something, would I say "can" or is there a word for "may"?

"¿Puedo aparcar mi carro allí? Es más facil para mi mamá a caminar."
(May I park my car there? It's easier for my mother to walk.)
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  #2  
Old December 28, 2009, 09:31 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by laepelba View Post
Growing up in an American, English speaking household, and being raised by a mother who fancies herself a grammarian ... and as a teacher in English speaking
American public schools, I have heard many times the following conversation:

"Can I do.....?"
"I don't know, can you?"
"Grrr.... Okay, MAY I do....."
"Yes" (or, "no")

In Spanish, if I am seeking permission to do something, would I say "can" or is there a word for "may"?

"¿Puedo aparcar mi carro allí? Es más facil para mi mamá a caminar."
(May I park my car there? It's easier for my mother to walk.)
In Spanish does not exist another word for that "may". Both translate to poder. Although there is always a smarty who will answer you the same way your mother did.

¿Puedo pasar?

¿No sé, puedes?

So to sum it up, in English you should not use "can" to ask for permission, but in Spanish is the same word, "poder".
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  #3  
Old December 28, 2009, 10:07 AM
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Gracias! Así es suficiente.
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  #4  
Old December 28, 2009, 10:50 AM
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Ha. I do that to Tara (my g/f) all the time. "Can you hand me my phone." "Yes, I can." . . . "Will you hand me my phone?" "Oh! Sure. Here."

But that's just because it bugs her. I say "Can I?" to ask for things too.
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Old December 28, 2009, 11:11 AM
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I have the same question.

When I need to do some question.

I have to write Can, could, may for instance.


May I realize the fix of the computer today.

Could I realize the fix of the computer today.

Can I realize the fix of the computer today.

I know that the last one is the most normal using the word Can for in the first two question.

Which are they the more correct?

I appreciate your support.
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Old December 28, 2009, 11:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CrOtALiTo View Post
I have the same question.

When I need to do some question.

I have to write Can, could, may for instance.


May I realize the fix of the computer today.

Could I realize the fix of the computer today.

Can I realize the fix of the computer today.


I know that the last one is the most normal using the word Can for in the first two question.

Which are they the more correct?

I appreciate your support.
I don't understand what you're trying to say in English. Maybe you should ask the question in Spanish and a Spanish-speaker can answer you.
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Old December 28, 2009, 11:41 AM
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@Crotalito:

Take this advice for what it's worth, I'm no grammar teacher. But. . .

"Could", "may", and "can" are tricky to use in English. When starting a sentence with "May I ... ?", you are asking for permission to do something. "Can I" or "Could I" are less formal, but can also be asking permission. A second meaning for "Can I?" or "Could I?" is when asking if something is possible.

(Asking permission)
"Can I borrow your computer while I attempt to fix it?"
"Could I borrow your computer while I attempt to fix it?"
"May I borrow your computer while I attempt to fix it?"
All of the above are acceptable, but "May I" is the most polite / formal way to say it.

(Asking about the possibility)
"Can I fix the computer without the CD?"
"Could I fix the computer without the CD?"
Either would work, but "Can I" is the most common, at least around my parts.

Could, can, and may have many other uses too.
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  #8  
Old December 28, 2009, 11:48 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fazor View Post
(Asking permission)
"Can I borrow your computer while I attempt to fix it?"
"Could I borrow your computer while I attempt to fix it?"
"May I borrow your computer while I attempt to fix it?"
All of the above are acceptable, but "May I" is the most polite / formal way to say it.

(Asking about the possibility)
"Can I fix the computer without the CD?"
"Could I fix the computer without the CD?"
Either would work, but "Can I" is the most common, at least around my parts.

Could, can, and may have many other uses too.
Sorry - I hate to disagree, (remember that I'm a school teacher....) "Can I..." and "Could I...." when asking for permission may be acceptable in one's living room or when one is hanging out with friends. But it is not correct use of the English language. I would never, ever, ever say "Can I do ....." to my boss. I would expect to hear his opinion of the incorrect use of the English language by a professional with a Master's Degree..........
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  #9  
Old December 28, 2009, 11:59 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by laepelba View Post
I would expect to hear his opinion of the incorrect use of the English language by a professional with a Master's Degree..........
Hah, the look on his face might be good. It's one of those differences between situations; I'd really think it'd sound wierd if my friend asked "May I have something to drink?" Just seems to stuffy for that type of situation.

You almost never hear anyone use "May I" on the street though. At least, I almost never hear it. The kind of city I live in isn't exactly known for being particularly well educated though. The average phrase around here is more like, "Can I take one of them there calanders?"
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Old December 28, 2009, 12:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fazor View Post
You almost never hear anyone use "May I" on the street though. At least, I almost never hear it. The kind of city I live in isn't exactly known for being particularly well educated though. The average phrase around here is more like, "Can I take one of them there calanders?"
Sorry, I disagree. "May I" is perfectly normal speech in the UK for anybody whom I care to associate with. I mean for anybody with whom I care to associate.
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