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ESL forum >
Ask for help > Polite English_Help needed!
Polite English_Help needed!
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phillipsfou
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Almaz, I just believe that they are both correct but there is a difference between them. I also believe that students should be taught this difference since thay might come across it. It �s usage depends on the person and the situation (formal/informal).That �s it. Izula, I just wanted to give you my opinion, not turn this into an argument. I �m sorry. |
28 Jan 2012
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almaz
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No, Filia, it �s not an argument. It �s a healthy debate. Just be careful when you start throwing words like �correct � around.
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28 Jan 2012
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yanogator
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Yes, Filia, Alex is very sensitive about the use (and especially the overuse and misuse) of the word "correct". Grammar is always changing, and some people (and I �m working my way out of that group) get stuck in the past. The original question, though, was about what is more polite. Bruce |
28 Jan 2012
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ELOJOLIE274
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This is what I tell my pupils
with "go to the bathroom" for example:
May I ... ? = more polite but it also suggests that the answer is quite uncertain (it �s not likely the pupil will be allowed to go to the bathroom because we �re in the middle of a test for example)
Could I ... ? = polite
Can I ... ? = informal BUT correct : I do not correct my pupils if they use "can" but I tell them that to talk to a teacher they should rather use could
this is what I found in a grammar book we study to become teachers - obviously I do not explain all the details to my pupils but just the basic notions!
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28 Jan 2012
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Jayho
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My trusty Collins Cobuild Intermediate English Grammar thankfully states using �can � as permission in preference to �may � and gives the examples of "Can I ask a question"and "Can we have something to wipe our hands on please". It clearly states "May is also used to ask permission, but this is more formal".
May is just so old fashioned and using it will often result in a quizzical look. |
29 Jan 2012
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cunliffe
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Jayho, you �ve nailed it. �May I...? is old fashioned and would have English kids rolling in the aisles laughing. Also, yes, �can � is for ability, but when would you use �Can I..? � in such a situation? �Can I swim? � �Can I knit? � �Can I walk? � What - don �t you know?! �
Love your kitties pic!
Lynne B xxx
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29 Jan 2012
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