🔑 Key Difference

• “Can” is used to express ability or possibility.
  Example: “I can swim.” (I have the ability to swim.)
• “May” is used to express permission or possibility with a more formal tone.
  Example: “You may leave early.” (You have permission to leave early.)

📖 Breaking It Down

1. Using “Can”

“Can” relates to ability or realistic possibilities:

• Ability: Refers to what someone is capable of doing.
  Example: “She can speak three languages fluently.”
• Possibility: Refers to what is likely or achievable.
  Example: “It can rain in the afternoon.”

💡 Casual Permission
In informal contexts, “can” is also used to ask for or grant permission.
Example: “Can I borrow your book?”

2. Using “May”

“May” conveys permission or formal possibilities:

• Permission: Indicates whether someone is allowed to do something.
  Example: “You may enter the room now.”
• Formal Possibility: Suggests a chance or likelihood of something happening.
  Example: “It may snow tomorrow.”

💡 More Polite or Formal
When asking for permission in polite or formal contexts, “may” is the better choice.
Example: “May I leave the table?”

🪄 Analogy

Think of “can” as your physical or mental power to do something, like a superhero saying, “I can fly!” 🦸‍♂️
Meanwhile, “may” is more about whether you’re allowed to do it, like asking your teacher, “May I leave the class?” 📘

✨ Examples for Comparison

📝 Practice Time!

Choose the correct word (can or may) for each blank:

1. ______ I go to the party tonight?
2. She ______ run faster than anyone else in her class.
3. It ______ rain later, so bring an umbrella.
4. He ______ borrow my book after I finish reading it.

✅ Answers:

1. May
2. Can
3. May
4. Can