Re: "May" vs. "Can"

["Barbara L. Green" <BarbGreen -at- AOL -dot- COM>]

Bob Morse writes:

>"Can" connotes power/capability, in the sense that the subject (of the
>sentence) has the power/capability to ... [predicate].  "May" suggests that
>the the predicate of the sentence characterizes an optional task/procedure."

Well, to me, "may" is more ambiguous than that. It suggests doubt. For
example, if I wrote:

"You may want to save the file."

I can see the user scratching her head, asking herself whether she really
wants to save that file.  To say that she "can" save the file is more
definite, it gives her a clear choice.

Also, "may" implies permission. Do you have to give the user permission to
save a file? _Modern Technical Writing_  by Sherman & Johnson have this
definition:

"Can indicates ability. May indicates permission. In recent years, however,
the objections to using can for may have grown less vigorous."

I infer that the second sentence refers to that old manners thing:
"Mother, can I have some ice cream?"
"No, but you _may_  have an apple."

Most editors I have worked with go on a seek-and-destroy mission for "may."
 It is usually replaced with can.

Contrary to Bob's standard, I use "can" for optional tasks, and "must" for
required tasks. I get away with an occasional "should" for things that are
recommended, and a very occasional "might" for things that don't  always
happen, but occasionally occur.


Enjoy the weekend,
Barbara L. Green
============
BarbGreen -at- aol -dot- com
Self-employed and fancy free!