May vs. Can: Know When to Use Each in Conversation 👇

Intermediate Level | July 1, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Have you ever hesitated before asking a question like, “Can I leave early?” or “May I leave early?” You’re not alone. These two words—may and can—often confuse English learners. But don’t worry. Today, we’ll break them down and show you exactly when and how to use each in conversation. If you’ve ever wondered about may vs. can, you’re in the right place.

What’s the Difference Between “May” and “Can”?

Both words are used to ask for permission, but they aren’t always interchangeable.

Can usually talks about ability.
May is more about permission and is slightly more formal.

Let’s look at a simple example:

“Can you swim?” — asking if someone has the ability.
“May I swim in the pool?” — asking for permission.

Everyday Business Use

In casual conversation at work, people often use can to ask for permission because it’s faster and feels more natural:

“Can I take tomorrow off?”
“Can I use your laptop for the meeting?”

However, in emails or more formal settings, may can sound more polite:

“May I request a change in our meeting time?”
“May I ask you a few questions about the project?”

May vs. Can in the Workplace

Use can when talking about:

Ability
- “She can solve problems quickly.”
Informal permission
- “Can I borrow your pen?”
Offering help
- “Can I help you with that report?”

Use may when:

Asking formal permission
- “May I join the discussion?”
Giving formal permission
- “You may start the test now.”
Expressing possibility
- “There may be delays due to weather.”

Quick Tip: Context Is Key

If you’re talking with your team, can is usually fine. On the other hand, if you’re emailing a client or speaking with a manager, may might be better.

If you’re unsure, go with can for speaking and may for writing—it’s a safe and practical rule.

Practice Makes Progress

Try saying these sentences out loud:

“Can I ask you something real quick?”
“May I introduce our guest speaker?”
“She can finish the task before noon.”
“There may be a delay in delivery.”

Notice how different each one feels?

Now practice changing can to may in formal sentences, and may to can in casual ones. This helps you understand tone and formality.

Vocabulary List

Permission (noun) — the act of allowing something to happen
Example: I need your permission to leave early.
Ability (noun) — the power or skill to do something
Example: He has the ability to lead a team.
Formal (adjective) — done in a serious or official way
Example: Please use formal language in your email.
Casual (adjective) — relaxed and not formal
Example: The office has a casual dress code.
Request (verb) — to ask for something politely
Example: I would like to request a meeting with the manager.
Polite (adjective) — showing good manners
Example: It’s polite to say “excuse me” when interrupting.
Borrow (verb) — to take something for a short time
Example: Can I borrow your charger?
Offer (verb) — to present or provide something
Example: Can I offer some feedback?
Delay (noun) — a situation in which something happens later than planned
Example: There was a delay in shipping.
Possibility (noun) — something that may happen
Example: There’s a possibility of rain tomorrow.

5 Questions About the Article

What is the main difference between “can” and “may”?
When should you use “may” in business writing?
Which word is better for casual conversation with coworkers?
What does the word “permission” mean?
Why is it helpful to practice changing between “can” and “may”?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

Do you usually say “can I” or “may I” at work?
Can you think of a situation where using “may” would sound too formal?
In your language, do you have different words for permission and ability?
Why do you think people often mix up “can” and “may”?
What other polite expressions do you use in emails?

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