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Originally Posted by Ian_AR Hi all -
Following from the recent discussion on the politeness of may
in a request ('May' for permission, ... http://UsingEnglish.Com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1186 ).
I believe that, in most cases, use of the word can in a request, e.g. Can I have a doughnut?
... as apposed to ... May I have a doughnut?
... is positively rude, since it is inherently manipulative, due to
the fact that its more difficult to say no to the can variant.
- Best regards, Ian |
I don't agree with that. There is no question that "may" questions are considered more polite than "can" questions. They does not make "can" questions rude, however. I would call them less polite in formal interactions. In informal interactions, "can" is widely used.