Question

What is the difference between the usage of 'may' and 'can' in interrogative sentences?

Answer 1

Both can and may are used to ask for permission. However, a lot of people believe that can in incorrect in this context.

In their opinion, ‘can’ can only be used to talk about ability and capability.

sentences -:
*Can you speak English?
*may i come in?

In modern English, both ‘can’ and ‘may’ can be used to talk about permission. However, ‘may’ cannot be used to talk about ability.