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GRAMMAR POINT: Modal Verbs – Can, May
We use modal auxiliary verbs can, may, must in the English language for various meanings – ability, possibility, probability, certainty, permission, prohibition, obligation, opinion, speculation, etc.
CAN – Used to express the ability to do something.
I can swim
Can he can speak English fluently? – No, he can’t.
It expresses the possibility to do something.
We can go to the presentation, if you like
We use can to say that something is probable.
It cannot be John. He has blond hair and wears glasses.
It expresses the permission to do something.
You can sit down if you like
MAY
It is used for permissions.
You may borrow my car. I won’t need it.
May I smoke here? – No, you can’t, I’m sorry.
The main difference between may and can is in style. May is more formal. Can is typical of spoken English.
The opposite of may is must not or may not.
May I smoke here?
– No, you mustn’t smoke here. (strong prohibition)
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