The words "can" and "may" are modal auxiliary verbs that are often used to express permission, ability, or possibility. While they are similar in some contexts, they have distinct meanings and usage patterns.
A. Can:
1. Ability: "Can" is used to indicate someone's capability or capacity to do something. For example:
"She can speak three languages."
"They can run fast."
2. Permission: "Can" can also be used to ask for or grant permission. For example:
"Can I use your phone?"
"Can we go to the park, Mom?"
3. Possibility: In some cases, "can" is used to express the likelihood or possibility of something happening. For example:
"It can get quite crowded during rush hour."
"The weather can change rapidly in this region."
B. May:
1. Permission: "May" is primarily used to ask for or grant permission in a more formal or polite manner compared to "can." For example:
"May I borrow your pen, please?"
"May we have a moment of your time?"
2. Possibility: "May" can also express the likelihood or possibility of something happening, often with a sense of uncertainty or speculation. For example:
"It may rain later today."
"He may be late for the meeting."