Grammar Usage
The words 'may 'and 'can' are both auxiliary verbs. People are often confused about which word to use because of their similar meanings. This paper looks at the definitions of the two verbs and explains why they are commonly misused. The definitions of the word 'may' include (http://www.answers.com/may): 1.To be allowed or permitted to: May I take a swim? Yes, you may. 2.Used to indicate a certain measure of likelihood or possibility: It may rain this afternoon.
Used to indicate possession of a specified power, right, or privilege: The President can veto congressional bills. Used to indicate probability or possibility under the specified circumstances: They can hardly have intended to do that. Used to indicate possibility or probability: I wonder if my long lost neighbor can still be alive. Used to indicate possession of a specified capability or skill: I can tune the harpsichord as well as play it. The major cause of misuse comes from the fact that 'can' means "to be able to" while 'may' means "to be permitted to" ("Dr.
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