Many English learners wonder: Should I use “can” or “may”? These two modal verbs look similar but serve different purposes. “Can” is usually used for ability or possibility, while “may” is used for permission or polite requests.
For example:
- She can play the guitar. (ability)
- May I sit here? (permission)
This Can or May Quiz is designed to help you practice their correct usage through simple, real-life examples.
Definition of Can and May
Can and May are modal verbs in English grammar, but they serve different purposes:
Can
Used to express ability, possibility, or informal permission.
- Example: She can solve complex math problems. (ability)
- Example: It can get very hot in the desert. (possibility)
May
Used to express formal permission, polite requests, or possibility.
- Example: May I enter the room? (permission)
- Example: It may snow tomorrow. (possibility)
In short, “can” is more casual and ability-focused, while “may” is more formal and permission-focused.
Can or May Quiz test
Don’t miss practicing the related quizzes: Has or Was Quiz
Would or Can Quiz
Exercise and Examples of the Can or May Quiz
1. Which sentence is correct?
a) Can I open the window, please?
b) May I open the window, please?
c) Both are correct but “may” is more formal.
2. “You ___ leave early if you finish your work.”
a) can
b) may
c) both a and b
3. Which sentence shows ability?
a) She can play the piano.
b) May I play the piano?
c) You may leave the room.
4. “___ I ask you a question about your project?”
a) Can
b) May
c) Could
5. Which sentence is the most polite?
a) Can I use your bathroom?
b) May I use your bathroom?
c) I can use your bathroom.
6. “He ___ speak three languages fluently.”
a) can
b) may
c) might
7. “Students ___ not enter without an ID card.”
a) can
b) may
c) both are correct depending on context
8. Which sentence is correct?
a) Can it rain tomorrow?
b) May it rain tomorrow?
c) It can rain tomorrow.
9. “You ___ park your car here; it’s allowed.”
a) can
b) may
c) both are correct
10. “Children ___ become restless if they are bored.”
a) can
b) may
c) must
Answers of all quizzes
- c) Both are correct but “may” is more formal.
- c) both a and b
- a) She can play the piano.
- b) May
- b) May I use your bathroom?
- a) can
- b) may
- c) It can rain tomorrow.
- c) both are correct
- a) can
FAQs About Can vs May
What is the main difference between “can” and “may”?
- “Can” is for ability and general possibility.
- “May” is for polite permission and formal contexts.
Is it wrong to say, “Can I borrow your pen?”
Not at all. It’s widely accepted in casual English, though “May I borrow your pen?” is more formal.
Which sounds more polite in formal settings?
“May” always sounds more polite and respectful than “can.”
Can “may” also express possibility?
Yes, for example: It may rain later today.
Is “might” the same as “may”?
No, “might” usually shows a lower chance, while “may” shows a stronger possibility.
Conclusion
Mastering the difference between can and may is key to clear and polite English communication. Use can for ability or general possibility, and may when asking or granting permission politely.
Regular practice with quizzes like this one will sharpen your grammar skills and boost your confidence in real conversations.