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Can I.... vs. May I.....This is the place for questions about conjugations, verb tenses, adverbs, adjectives, word order, syntax and other grammar questions for English or Spanish. |
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#1
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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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- Lou Ann, de Washington, DC, USA Específicamente quiero recibir ayuda con el español de latinoamerica. ¡Muchísimas gracias! |
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#2
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¿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". |
#3
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Gracias! Así es suficiente.
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- Lou Ann, de Washington, DC, USA Específicamente quiero recibir ayuda con el español de latinoamerica. ¡Muchísimas gracias! |
#4
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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. |
#5
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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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#6
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__________________
- Lou Ann, de Washington, DC, USA Específicamente quiero recibir ayuda con el español de latinoamerica. ¡Muchísimas gracias! |
#7
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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. |
#8
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- Lou Ann, de Washington, DC, USA Específicamente quiero recibir ayuda con el español de latinoamerica. ¡Muchísimas gracias! |
#9
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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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