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Another way to use the modal
auxiliary can is in informally
asking and giving
permission and in making requests.
Examples:
Can I leave early?
(Do I have your permission
to leave early? [informal])
Yes, you can leave any time after 3:00.
(Yes, you have permission
to leave any time after
3:00. [informal])
Can you tell me the time?
(request [informal]: Please
tell me the time.)
Can you help me?
(request [informal]: Please
help me.)
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The negative of
can is cannot
(one word), but cannot
is generally contracted
to can't in speaking. Here, can't
(cannot) shows that someone does not have permission
or that someone is not able to do what is requested.
Examples:
I'm sorry, but you can't (cannot) leave early. The project
that
you're working on needs to be finished.
(Someone does not have permission to leave early. [informal])
Unfortunately
I can't (cannot) tell you the time because
I don't have a watch.
(Someone is not able to do what is requested--tell the time.)
I'd like to
help you, but I can't right now. I have a meeting
in
just a few minutes.
(Someone is not able to do what is requested--to help
another
person.)
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Special
Notes:
| 1. |
* |
Informal is not the same as impolite.
Informal speech is used in relaxed, friendly
situations.
Formal speech is used to show respect. Impolite
speech is angry, rude,
and probably insulting.
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| 2. |
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Sometimes teachers use a kind
of joke to show the
difference between can
and may
in asking permission:
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student:
teacher:
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Can I get a drink of water?
Yes, you are able to, but
no,
you
do not have permission to.
(The teacher thinks that the
student is asking
for permission
too
informally and pretends
to
understand the meaning of can
as ability, not as permission.)
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| 3. |
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In requests, it's possible
to use can with you,
but not with may:
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not this:
but this:
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*May you help me?
Can you help me?
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not this:
but this:
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*May you tell me what time
it is?
Can you tell me what time
it is?
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not this:
but this: |
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*May you tell me where
the Post Office is?
Can you tell me where
the Post Office is?
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