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Can I ... ?

English, baby!

Can I ... ?

Date: Dec 22 2007

Topic: Grammar

Author: Lesmundo2003

Lesson

A common mistake that even English people make is:


"Can I borrow your pen?"

"Can you show me the way to the bus stop?"

"Can I do this, in this way?"


3 Sentences - only 1 is wrong.


Let's see how you get on  :-)

Answers with your reasons please.


Will tell you the correct answer later.

With explanation & 'congrats' to those of you that are right.


Happy Holidays


Comments

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esse88

esse88

Azerbaijan

i think third is wrong coz there must not be  in this way by this way. yea???

07:12 PM Nov 24 2008 |

sr.Josapheena

India

I think the first sentense is wrong, because you can't say Can I borrow… but you should say Can you borrow me or Can I lent…

10:19 AM Oct 16 2008 |

James Wu

James Wu

Taiwan

"Can I do this, in this way?" is incorrect.

maybe we should say "Can I do this by this way?"

^^"

09:46 AM Sep 02 2008 |

summer_zhu

summer_zhu

China

“Can I borrow your pen?" is  wrong.

Instead of "can" we should use "may",I thing so.

07:27 AM Sep 02 2008 |

Eva Peng

China

May I borrow your pen?

07:07 AM Sep 02 2008 |

ashyamprabu

India

I think 1st sentence is wrong…....instead of can there can be shall i think so

05:19 AM Aug 05 2008 |

pink angel

pink angel

Saudi Arabia

i think the third sentence is wrong

07:03 AM Jul 30 2008 |

Maariya

Maariya

Pakistan

I think 1st sentence is wrong. I dont knw y but i feel like this.

08:17 PM May 06 2008 |

mehmet141

Jordan

sentence no thee in corect cot there is no need for coma

07:38 AM Mar 17 2008 |

elhussien

Egypt

can iuesd this sit

10:10 PM Mar 16 2008 |

glad_to_meet_u

Christmas Island

i think The second is incorrect.we should use:could (would)u …

03:56 AM Feb 29 2008 |

Yenne

Yenne

Philippines

sentence no 1 is wrong. Instead of Can I? it should be May I?

01:05 AM Feb 29 2008 |

dotupochu

dotupochu

Brazil

the third sentences is wrong I think…

12:01 AM Feb 28 2008 |

solale

solale

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

i think the third one is wrong, but i don't know whyTongue out

08:44 AM Feb 23 2008 |

rabia82

Turkey

CAN I DO THIS, IN THIS WAY ? IS INCORRECT

01:39 PM Feb 15 2008 |

zoesofar

zoesofar

China

third``i guess``   :)

07:27 AM Jan 28 2008 |

desert..

desert..

United Arab Emirates

The second sentence is worong  i think soUndecided

10:52 AM Jan 08 2008 |

Lesmundo2003

Spain

AlNaqbi – you almost had it right – well done.

dodgybeggar – better explained – well done.


A few others too, got it right – & the 1st was – Gallus – also well done. 


Key to answers:

"Can I" – is a question of ability – the possibility of 'being able to do …'

"May I" – is a question of permission – either from someone of authority or ownership.


With continue this in part 2 – a few exercises  :)

 

 

http://www.englishbaby.com/lessons/4372/member_submitted/can_i_•_exercises

 

 


02:01 PM Dec 30 2007 |

dodgybeggar

Germany

can = to be able to do sth.

may = to be allowed to do sth.

Obviously you are able to borrow things, but not necessarily allowed.

10:36 AM Dec 30 2007 |

Lesmundo2003

Spain

Do you all agree with "AlNaqbi"?


This idea of May/Can?


             & light/heavy


    Yes or No????

02:48 PM Dec 29 2007 |

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