Asking for and Giving Permission
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Can I ___________? or May I ________________?
Because
may sounds formal and American English is an informal language,
the question "Can I ___________?" has begun to replace "May I
____________?" However, the word
can refers to ability. Many people
find this new popular use to be incorrect or insufficient. If a child
asks, "Can I play with my toys?" an ironic parent could answer, "I know
that you
can. The question is
may you do that now?"
In choosing between these phrases, I recommend using "Can I
_____________?" most of the time to sound like a fluent speaker
(someone who knows popular expressions). On the other hand, if you are
talking to a professor or a boss who uses language well--and is likely
to appreciate the difference between
can and
may--then use "May I
___________?"
