Can vs. May: What's the Difference?

Can and may are two common modal verbs that look similar but carry slightly different meanings. Both can appear in sentences about permission or possibility, yet their main roles are different. Can usually refers to ability or capability, while may often expresses possibility or formal permission. Because these meanings sometimes overlap, many writers mix them up in everyday English.

Can vs. May

Can is mainly used for ability and everyday permission.
May is mainly used for possibility and more formal permission.

Using Can

Can for Ability

We use can to talk about someone’s ability or capability.

I can speak Spanish.
She can swim very well.
We can finish the project by Friday.

Can for Everyday Permission

In modern English conversation, can is the most common way to ask for or give permission.

Can I borrow your pen?
You can leave early today.

In many situations, can sounds natural and friendly, while may can feel more formal.

Can for General Possibility

Can can also describe something that is generally possible or typical.

It can get very cold in winter.
Driving in the city can be stressful.

In these cases, can refers to something that happens sometimes or is generally true.

Using May

May for Permission

May is traditionally used when asking or giving permission in a more formal or authoritative context.

May I go to the bathroom?
You may begin the test now.

In everyday conversation, people often use can instead of may. However, may still appears frequently in formal situations or written instructions.

May for Possibility

We also use may to express a real possibility — something that might happen.

It may rain later.
She may arrive late.
She may not be able to attend the meeting.

In the last example, may expresses uncertainty, while be able to refers to ability in a specific situation.

Can vs. May: Comparison Table

Use	Can	May
Ability	✔ Yes	✘ No
Permission	✔ Common in everyday speech	✔ Formal / authoritative
Possibility	✔ General possibility	✔ Real or uncertain possibility

Last Updated on March 4, 2026

Author
Recent Posts

Nhat Nhat

English Teacher | IELTS Instructor | English Learning Content Creator at ESLTeacher.org

Nhat Nhat is an English teacher and IELTS instructor specializing in grammar, academic writing, and English learning resources. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE), an IELTS 8.0 certificate, and TESOL / TEFL teaching certifications. With over 9 years of teaching experience, he creates practical lessons and educational content to help learners improve their English skills and exam performance.