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Subject:Re: Can vs. May vs. Might From:Barry Kieffer <barry -dot- kieffer -at- EXGATE -dot- TEK -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 26 Jan 1999 15:08:10 -0800
Karen has the winning answer.
> My department's style guide lists:
> Can is a verb that indicates the ability to do something.
>
> May is a verb that indicates permission to do something.
>
> Might is a verb that indicates the possibility of doing something.
>
> Karen
> Oakland, CA
>
If you have a style guide, follow it.
It is far better to be consistent in your usage, then worry about how the
verbs "can/may/might" can, may, or might confuse your reader.
