What is the Difference Between Can and May?

05/15/2025 • Felipe Moraes

The words "can" and "may" are both used to express possibility or ask for permission, but they have distinct differences in meaning, usage, and tone:

Meaning: "Can" is used to express ability or capability, while "may" is used to express permission or possibility.
Usage: "Can" is commonly used in informal or general situations, whereas "may" is used in more formal or polite contexts.
Tone: The main difference between the two sentences using "can" and "may" is their tone. "May" makes a sentence sound more formal, while "can" brings the tone of the sentence to a more casual level.

Examples of "can" and "may" used in sentences:

"Can" for ability: I can play the piano.
"May" for permission: May I go to the party?.
"Can" for possibility: You can win the lottery, but it is very unlikely.
"May" for possibility: You may win the lottery, but it is very unlikely.

In summary, "can" is generally used to express ability or capability and is more informal, while "may" is used to express permission or possibility and is more formal.

Comparative Table: Can vs May

The words "can" and "may" are both used to express possibility, permission, or ability, but they are used in slightly different contexts. Here is a table summarizing the differences between "can" and "may":

Feature	Can	May
Meaning	Refers to the capability of someone to do something.	Refers to the possibility or permissibility of something.
Permission	Used in informal settings for permission.	Used in formal settings for permission.
Context	Used to express ability or permission in an informal setting.	Used to discuss possibility, future happenings, or to give/ask for permission.

Examples:

Can: Team A can win this match.
May: May I go outside?

In an informal setting, it is safe to use "can" for permission, while in a polite or formal setting, "may" is more appropriate for asking for permission. However, both "can" and "may" can be used to express the possibility of something happening.