Which is correct can I or may I?

May is the more formal word, and if you are at all concerned about being tut-tutted, a safe choice. Can is now the verb of choice for ability, and both can and may are still used in the “possibility” sense. You may use can if you wish, and you can use may if it makes you feel better.

What is the difference between may and can?

The word ‘can’ and ‘may’ are modal verbs, wherein can is used to denote a person’s ability in doing something or talking about any kind of possibility. On the other hand, may is used to take or give permission to/from another person. Further, it is also used when there is a strong possibility of something.

What is the proper response to May I speak to?

“It’s him/me”, “this is us” (etc, etc) is grammatically correct.

Can I speak with you or can I speak to you?

A speaker can not have a two way conversation. ‘Speak with’ is more commonly used. When you ‘speak with’, you are accompanied by another speaker. When you ‘speak to’, you speak to accomplish a task.

Can I could I may I?

“Can I” is best for semi-formal situations. “Could I” is best for semi-formal situations. “May I” is best for semi-formal situations. Which of these is only used with the pronouns “I” and “we”?

Can I help you vs May I help you?

Which is correct, “How many I help you?” or “How can I help you”? The more polite expression is “How may I help you?” (“may,” not “many”). You will also hear people say “How can I help you?” To the punctilious, “may” is preferable to “can,” but both expressions are gracious and acceptable, much better than “Whassup?”

Can I and may I Examples?

Even the Oxford English dictionary informs us that the permission use of can is not incorrect, but it’s better and more polite to use may in formal situations. Example: He can hold his breath for 30 seconds. Meaning: He is able to hold his breath for 30 seconds. Example: He may hold his breath for 30 seconds.

How do you answer may I call?

“Yes, absolutely!”

Can I talk to or can I talk with?

A lot of students ask me about the difference between talk to and talk with. The answer is that there’s essentially NO difference when two people are having a conversation, and both of them are speaking. You can say “Sue is talking to John” or “Sue is talking with John” – they’re the same!

Which one is correct spoke with or spoke to?

“Spoke with” is a more intimate conversation between two people. There’s usually an exchange, it’s two-way communication. Eg, “I spoke with my friend” “I spoke with my mother last night.” “Spoke to” is more “at” people.

Can I request or request may?

‘May’ is more correct, as it is asking for permission. ‘Can’ literally means ‘is it (physically) possible?’ but is often used in this way by native speakers and would not be misunderstood or sound at all strange. ‘Could I use your bathroom?’

What is the difference between speak to and speak with?

‘Speak with’ is furthermore formal compared to ‘speak to’. Both of the below sentences are correct – “Can I speak to Mr. Tim?” “May I speak with Dr. Elizabeth?” Talk is always used before ‘to’. ‘Talk to’ is correct while ‘talk with’ is incorrect usage. Example – “Never talk to strangers.” Common phrases with speak and talk

What does “May I speak to” mean?

The person saying, “ May I speak to” is requesting permission from the person to whom the query is addressed to, to be allowed to speak to ——. The permission may be granted or may be denied. When some one says, “ Can I speak to—”, the person is not asking for permission but telling the person addressed that he needs to speak to the person named.

What is the difference between talk and talk with?

Talk is always used before ‘to’. ‘ Talk to’ is correct while ‘ talk with ’ is incorrect usage. Example – “Never talk to strangers.” Speak volumes – something that tells a lot about the topic in hand. So next time, “don’t talk amongst yourselves when someone speaks about the importance of learning English!”

How do you use the word “to speak with”?

The OED makes does not call out either of the two phrasal verbs “to speak with ━━ ” or “ to speak to ━━ ” as being more commonly seen in Britain vs elsewhere. Here is the first sense for “to speak with ━━ ”: To converse with, talk to; to consult or confer with.