English Lessons

"Can I do this, in this way?" - is about ability of the person asking

"Can you show me the way to the bus stop?" - is about ability (as in knowledge & ability of giving directions) of person being asked

"Can I borrow your pen?" - is a question of ownership.

Therefore the correct form would be:

"May I borrow your pen?"

"Can we have a party here?", the teenager asked his parents. - is a question of authority.

Therefore the correct form would be:

"May we have a party here?"

PART II:

5 sentences - each with 1 of 2 possibilities (a or b) - think of the situation the people are in.

1a - "Can I ride that horse or it is too big for me?", little George asked his uncle

1b - "May I ride that horse or it is too big for me?, little George asked his uncle

2a - "Can I ride that horse of yours?", George asked his uncle

2b - "May I ride that horse of yours?", George asked his uncle

3a - "After school, can I go to the cinema with my friends?", Andrew asked his mother

3b - "After school, may I go to the cinema with my friends?", Andrew asked his mother

4a - "When can we see each other?", the man asked the wife (in a casual way).

4b - "When may we see each other?", the man asked the wife (in a casual way).

5a - "When can we see each other?", the man asked the wife, who was annoyed with him.

5b - "When may we see each other?", the man asked the wife, who was annoyed with him.

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