In questions, when to use can and may?

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Vijay Gupta

French language teacher -Japanese language teacher and trainer

Can is used for capablities and May is used to use to take permission.
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Excellence Award Winner ( 7 times )

But the 'permission' use of can is not in fact incorrect in standard English. The only difference between the two verbs is that one is more polite than the other. In informal contexts it's perfectly acceptable to use can; in formal situations it would be better to use may.
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Chemistry teacher

Can is when you check the ability; may is when you seek permission
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Computer Trainer

Can and may both are auxiliary verbs and both are use for asking for permission.One thing to note here is may is more polite than may.
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Spoekn English & IELTS Coach

1. We use 'can' and 'could' to talk about a skill or ability. Example: She can speak six languages. 2. We use 'can', 'could' and 'may' to ask for and give permission. For example: Could I leave early today, please?, You may not use the car tonight and Can we swim in the lake?
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Easy way of study.

when should you have to use is not necessary but EX: can you able to do the work or may be couldn't
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Tutor

May is used for formal permission
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Yoga tutor at home teaching since 20years

Can and may both are used for permission. Can is used for ability or informal permission..Can I borrow your pen? Whereas may is used for formal permission.How may I assist you.?
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TEFL Certified English Trainer | 10+ Years Experience | Workplace & Real-Life Fluency Coach

As I usually explain to my students, both “can” and “may” are used in questions, but they serve different purposes. “Can” is mainly used to talk about ability or informal permission. For example, “Can you solve this problem?” (ability) or “Can I come...
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As I usually explain to my students, both “can” and “may” are used in questions, but they serve different purposes. “Can” is mainly used to talk about ability or informal permission. For example, “Can you solve this problem?” (ability) or “Can I come in?” (casual permission among friends or in everyday situations). “May” is used for formal permission and sounds more polite and respectful. For example, “May I come in, sir?” or “May I ask a question?”—these are more appropriate in classrooms or formal settings. So, in simple terms I tell students: Use “can” for ability and informal situations, and “may” when you want to be polite or formal while asking permission. read less
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