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What is the difference between May I and Can I?

김재서/2025-08-06

회원님의 올려주신 영작문
The word 'May I' is used to ask for permission. For example, May I come inside? The word 'Can I' is used to refer to possible abilities or to seek permission. For example, Can I participate in the quiz? Actually, I didn’t know exactly understand. But I can feel different between May I and Can I So, I will try to practice more make sentence and use it.
강사님의 첨삭교정 내용
Here’s the answer to your query, Jae Seo. Please read the explanations below carefully and feel free to send a message through this website if you have further clarifications or more questions. 

Cheers,
Jean~~


                                                      What is the difference between May I and Can I?


The word 'May I' is used to ask for permission. For example, May I come inside?
>>> This is correct, and in your example, it's a polite way of asking permission. Although in an informal and casual setting, you may also say, 'Can I come inside?'

The word 'Can I' is used to refer to possible abilities or to seek permission. For example, Can I participate in the quiz?
>>> This is correct, but your example can be interpreted in two ways: (1) You're asking permission whether you are allowed to participate in the quiz. (2) It means you're asking yourself whether you have the ability to participate in the quiz, which basically means, are you smart enough or physically able to join? 


Below is a more detailed explanation of the differences between the  two: 

The difference between "May I" and "Can I" is primarily about formality and meaning.

"May I" is used to ask for permission. It is considered more polite and formal. This is the classic, old-school way of asking for permission, and it's what many people were taught in school.

Example: "May I please be excused from the table?"

"Can I" is used to ask about ability or possibility. Technically, it means "am I able to do this?" In modern English, however, "Can I" is also commonly used to ask for permission, especially in informal situations.

Example (Ability): "Can I lift this heavy box?"

Example (Permission, informal): "Can I borrow your pen for a second?"

The Classic Grammar "Rule" vs. Modern Usage
The traditional rule is that "may" is for permission and "can" is for ability. A classic joke that illustrates this is:

Student: "Can I go to the bathroom?"

Teacher: "I don't know, can you? Do you have the physical ability to walk to the bathroom? You may, however, go to the bathroom."

While this distinction is technically correct, in everyday conversation, "can I" is widely used and accepted for requesting permission.

In Summary:
                                   May I                                                                                                                              Can I
Meaning            Asking for permission                                                                                Asking about ability/possibility
Formality          More formal and polite                                                                                  More informal and casual
Usage                 Appropriate in all settings, especially professional 
                               or when speaking to someone in authority.                                        Appropriate in most informal and casual settings with friends, family, or peers.

When in doubt, using "May I" is always the safer, more polite option, especially in formal or professional contexts.
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