ShmoopTube

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Can versus May, a la Shmoop. Just because you can do the can-can...

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...doesn't mean you may do the can-can...

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...especially when you're in the middle of math class and are supposed to be studying

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for your pre-calc final instead. Here's the rule for “can” versus “may”:

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Use “can” when you want to ask if something is possible...

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...and use “may” when you want to ask if something is permissible.

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For example, you might ask your mom, “Can I watch TV tonight?”…

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...and the answer would be “Yes”, because you have everything you need...

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...eyes and a television set...

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...to make TV-watching possible. However, if your mom is addicted to Doctor

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Who and watches it religiously...

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...you'd ask her, “May I watch TV tonight?”

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You're asking for permission here, because the program you want to watch might coincide

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with hers. Easy rule, right? Thing is, so many people

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use “can” in place of “may”...

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...that the grammar police aren't likely to come out and smack you around if you do the

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same.

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You should be safe even if you only use “may” for formal situations, like job interviews...

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...weddings...

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… and “Downton Abbey” screenings.

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