 Re: Can vs. May (subject oriented?)
Here's my guess:
a) He can speak fourteen languages.
He has the ability. The ability to speak 14 languages belongs to him. It's related to him. It's in his control.
b) What can you contribute to the discussion?
You have the ability. The ability to contribute is related to you. It's in your control.
e) He may speak fourteen languages.
He has the opportunity. It's not related to him. It's related to something else, other circumstances e.g., If he was given the opportunity (by us) to speak one of the languages he knew, would he? Maybe. It depends on the circumstances.
f) What may you contribute to the discussion?
You have the opportunity. It's not related to you. It's related to something else, other circcumstances e.g., if you were given a chance (by us) to contribute, what would you say? |