What is the difference between can, could, may and might? The difference between could and might is like the difference between can and may. Could is past tense of can and might is past tense of may. When looking at differences between two words a lot depends on the context that that surround the word(s). # Can and may are frequently but not always interchangeable in senses indicating possibility : -A power failure can (or may) occur at any time. # Despite the insistence by some, that can means only “to be able” and may means “to be permitted,” both are regularly used in seeking or granting permission: -Can (or May) I borrow your tape recorder? You can (or may) use it tomorrow. Sentences using can occur chiefly in spoken English. # May in this sense occurs more frequently in formal contexts: -May I address the court, Your Honor? 1) a) Can you help me? = Are you able to help me? b) You can help me now. = Im ready for you to be able to help me 2) a) Could you help me? = Is it acceptable for you to help me? b) You may help me now. = It is acceptable for you to help me. 3) a) Will you help me? = Are you inclined to help me? (polite) b) You will help me now. = Find the inclination to help me now or else. (impolite) When I was younger my grandmother (a retired English teacher) would break me of asking for a glass of water in a demanding way. For example: Most of the time when I say, “Can I have a drink of water?” Her comment would be “Can you?” or sarcastically “I don’t know, can you?” And when I ask, “May I have a drink of water?”; she would respond “Yes you may …”
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 10:02:06 +0000
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