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What’s the difference between its and it’s (spoiler alert: it’s more than just an apostrophe). This video covers the use of both of these wor...
Want even more deets on Your vs. You're? Click here to review. Or take a look at our entire grammar section for all the goods.
This video explains the difference between affect and effect and provide tips for remembering which is which and when to use each one. If you suffe...
Can vs. May 536 Views
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Want even more deets on Can vs. May? Take a look at our entire grammar section for all the goods.
Transcript
- 00:04
Can versus May, a la Shmoop. Just because you can do the can-can...
- 00:10
...doesn't mean you may do the can-can...
- 00:12
...especially when you're in the middle of math class and are supposed to be studying
- 00:15
for your pre-calc final instead. Here's the rule for “can” versus “may”:
- 00:20
Use “can” when you want to ask if something is possible...
Full Transcript
- 00:24
...and use “may” when you want to ask if something is permissible.
- 00:28
For example, you might ask your mom, “Can I watch TV tonight?”…
- 00:31
...and the answer would be “Yes”, because you have everything you need...
- 00:35
...eyes and a television set...
- 00:37
...to make TV-watching possible. However, if your mom is addicted to Doctor
- 00:42
Who and watches it religiously...
- 00:44
...you'd ask her, “May I watch TV tonight?”
- 00:48
You're asking for permission here, because the program you want to watch might coincide
- 00:53
with hers. Easy rule, right? Thing is, so many people
- 00:58
use “can” in place of “may”...
- 01:00
...that the grammar police aren't likely to come out and smack you around if you do the
- 01:03
same.
- 01:05
You should be safe even if you only use “may” for formal situations, like job interviews...
- 01:10
...weddings...
- 01:11
… and “Downton Abbey” screenings.
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