'May' for permission

[CitySpeak]

What I meant was that when asking to do something 'may' seems more polite. Though, with the example Shane gave, one could come back, if they were in an especially snippy mood, with "I don't know; can you?" And that can only be bad. But I think 'may' is always more polite than 'can'.

I use "can" and "could" for permission and requests. Most others also do. Those are polite enough.

A girl in my advanced class told me her supervisor at work laughed at her when she said "May I use use the bathroom?"

supervisor: "Just go to the bathroom Sonia LOL!"

She told me her other teachers told her she has to use "may" for permission or a request.

Let's teach people how to speak real English. "May" has a time and a place, but those times and places are far more few and between than some would like to think.


Real English,

8)

[Red5]

I use "can" and "could" for permission. Most others also do. Those are polite enough.

For some situations, yes, but not all.