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Can Or May

Can or may

What is the difference between using the words "can" or "may" in a sentence?

May Can

In a question, such as "Can I go?" vs. "May I go?" there is the obvious difference between being physically capable of going and being permitted to go.

In a statement, such as "bacteria can cause infection" vs. "caffeine use may lead to insomnia" there is the difference between probability and possibility.

Can Or May UFO & Writing Art Education Sciences

That is true my teachers alway said can means able and willing to do an action. May implied willing but in need or permission or as Far Seer mentioned a possible out come or action one might take.

Thus when asking Can I have the butter please it really is a statement not a question since you are saying I am able and willing to take the butter. I always thought the using can at the start was also implying Give it to me or else.

May Can

Most people like to use "can" than "may" because of habit or I guess "may" is too polite? A friend of mine use to have an answer for this:

Two persons standing.

1st Person: "Can I have that ball?"

Friend: "Yes, it is physically possible for you to do so"

* Friend just stnds there while 1st Person believe he will pass him the ball *

1st Person: "So I can have the ball then?"

Friend: "Yes, you will be able to physically handle it until I give you permission to take it"

This will go on until the person says "may" or he ends up saying "Oh you mean... may I have the ball?"