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Can versus will/may

Can versus will/may

Can versus will/may

(OP)
A minor word peeve of mine is people using the word "can" when they really mean, "will" or "may".

Can you send me an email?

The answer is an automatic yes, since "can" implies the ability to do so... but whether I will or not is another question alllltogether!

I have a lot of fun with this with my nephew and niece, but they've cottoned on now and ask me "will you" or "may you" questions when they want something from me. Kids are smart!

Cheers
Rob

RE: Can versus will/may

Is may you correct? It just doesn’t sound right, but probably is.

As in “may I please leave the table” sounds correct but “may you leave the table” does not.

RE: Can versus will/may

(OP)
You're right ajack. I wasn't suggesting we say "may you do xyz" - that does sound odd!

Cheers

Rob

RE: Can versus will/may

Similarly, I get this: "Can I ask you a question?".  The answer: "It seems you can."

RE: Can versus will/may

My favorite "come back" to people when they bring me an example of something that I have done incorrectly; they'll start the conversation with, "You can't do this."

I love saying, "I must be able to, because I did."

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."
Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.
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RE: Can versus will/may

Just another tragic example of the complexity of the English language.... and the degradation of the education system.

Can - May - Will - Could - Should - Shall

just do it!

"If A equals success, then the formula is: A = X + Y + Z, X is work. Y is play. Z is keep your mouth shut."
-- by Albert Einstein

RE: Can versus will/may

Will Will will, if you can can-can in May, maybe?

corus

RE: Can versus will/may

When I was in Kindergarten, if one of us asked the Teacher, "Can I go to the bathroom?", she would reply, "Well, I certainly hope so!"

DaveAtkins

RE: Can versus will/may

"May you leave the table" is an example of what is called the hortatory subjunctive:  a wish, exhortation, or sort of imperative, only it can be used for first, second, or third person.  The imperative is for second person only.

"Long live the king" (May the king live long.) etc.

William

RE: Can versus will/may

A legal eagle would use the word desire or wish. For example: I wish that you leave the table. I desire to ask a question.

RE: Can versus will/may

Where there's a will.....

I want to be a beneficiary.

"If A equals success, then the formula is: A = X + Y + Z, X is work. Y is play. Z is keep your mouth shut."
-- by Albert Einstein

RE: Can versus will/may

Where there's a William, there's a way.

Will-I-am

RE: Can versus will/may

I tried the "can/will" on the girlfriend the other night... her response was:
"Quit acting like a 3rd grader and give me the damn thing."

"If A equals success, then the formula is: A = X + Y + Z, X is work. Y is play. Z is keep your mouth shut."
-- by Albert Einstein

RE: Can versus will/may

(OP)
LMAO @ sprintcar. :)



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