Remove backgrounds in one click for product shots, portraits, or posts Use canva ai to turn rough ideas into polished posts, slides, or docs. The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some commentators feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts May is relatively rare in negative constructions (mayn't is not common) Cannot and can't are usual in such contexts. Can is usually used in standard spoken english when asking for permission
It is acceptable in most forms of written english, although in very formal writing, such as official instructions, may is often used instead Persons under 14 unaccompanied by an adult may not enter. You use can to indicate that someone has the ability or opportunity to do something Don't worry yourself about me, i can take care of myself I can't give you details because i don't actually have any details The united states will do whatever it can to help greece.
To be able to, have the power or skill to I can take a bus to the airport. 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? The present tense negative can not is usually contracted to cannot (more formal) or can’t (less formal) The use of can in asking permission is sometimes criticized as being impolite or incorrect by those who favour the more formal alternative “may i.?”.
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