Modals : special difficulties (1)

1.- CAN/MAY?

· Can indicates mainly capacity or abilility to do sth:

I’m sure he can do (it) better than that – estoy seguro de que puede hacerlo mejor.

My wife can speak French - mi mujer sabe hablar francés.

 · May indicates that sth is possible:

It may rain this afternoon - puede que llueva esta tarde.

· Both can and may can be used to indicate ‘permission’, but may is more formal than can:

Can I smoke? - ¿puedo fumar? (informal)

May I smoke? - ¿puedo fumar? (formal)

Practice -1

* Fill in the blanks with can or may as required

a.- Gwen ........... play the piano, but she ............... play the violin.

b.- He says he ........... come this weekend if he ............... find a cheap flight.

c.- ................. you walk a bit faster? We’re going to be late for the concert.

d.- The TV said that it .................... be colder tomorrow.

e.- If there’s anything I .................... do to help you give me a ring.

f.- Mum, ................. I borrow your necklace for Linda’s wedding?

g.- Excuse me, Madam, .................... I use your phone?

KEY TO PRACTICE - 1

a.- can; can’t; b.- may; can; c.- can; d.- may/might; e.- can; f.- can; g.- may.