Can vs May

CAN OR MAY PRESENTATION

Grammar

Second Grade

When to use MAY?

• We use MAY to ask for a permission in a polite way.

• Examples:

• May I borrow your pencil?

• -Yes, you may.

• May I exit the virtual class?

• -No, you may not.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is asking for a POLITE PERMISSION?

• Can I eat?

• Can I take a cookie?

• May I take a cookie?

Multiple Choice

What's the best answer for this question?

-May I go to the bathroom?

-Yes...

• you may.

• you can.

• you may not.

Multiple Choice

What's the best answer to this question?

-May I come in?

-No,...

• you may.

• you may not.

• you can't.

When to use CAN?

• We use CAN for abilities.

• Examples:

• An elephant can walk. But it can't jump.

• An ostrich can run, but it can't fly.

• A penguin can swim, but it can't fly.

• 
  

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence.

A crocodile ___________ swim.

• can

• can't

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence.

A fish __________ walk.

• can

• can't

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence.

A tiger ____________ run fast.

• can

• can't

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence.

A monkey ___________ climb trees.

• can

• can't

Open Ended

Write a sentence with an ability you have.

Start your sentence with this:

I can...

How to make questions with CAN?

• We always place the auxiliary at the beginning.

• Examples:

• Can you climb trees?

• -Yes, I can.

• Can a dog fly?

• -No, it can't.

Poll

Can you jump on one foot?

• Yes, I can.

• No, I can't.

Open Ended

Now, write your short answer for the question:

Can you snap your fingers?

MAY or CAN for permissions?

-MAY is used for polite permissions.

-CAN is used also for permissions, but in an informal way.

-The best auxiliary to use for permissions is MAY.

Open Ended

Ask for permission to drink water in a polite way: