Can is usually used in standard spoken english when asking for permission. It is acceptable in most forms of written english, although in very formal writing, such as official instructions, may is often … You use can to indicate that someone has the ability or opportunity to do something.

I can't give you details because i don't actually have any details. Used to indicate possession of a specified power, right, or privilege. The president can veto congressional bills. Despite the insistence by some, that can means only to be able'' and may means to be permitted,'' both are regularly used in seeking or granting permission: Can (or may) i borrow your tape recorder? Define can. Can synonyms, can pronunciation, can translation, english dictionary definition of can.

Can (or may) i borrow your tape recorder? Define can. Can synonyms, can pronunciation, can translation, english dictionary definition of can. To be able to, have the power or skill to: I can take a bus to the airport. The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. May is relatively rare in …

The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. May is relatively rare in …