Why do people say May I instead of can I?

“May I?” means you are asking for permission, whereas “Can I?” means you are asking if it’s physically possible. So if you say, “Can I use the restroom?” you are technically asking if you have the ability to use the restroom, whether or not you have permission.

Is it grammatically correct to say may we?

you can do so many different things. You also can come in. But “May we come in?” is a correct, (polite)formal way of asking for permission before getting in, to show respect to whoever is in-charge of the social gethering. Thus, “May we come in?” is a grammatically apt phrase.

Shall I get in or May I get in?

When you ask someone ”Shall I come in?” , it sounds like you are ordering someone to let you in. However, when you say ”May I come in?” , it is more polite and sounds like you are requesting a person to allow you to come in.

Is it OK to say can I instead of May I?

May is the more formal word, and if you are at all concerned about being tut-tutted, a safe choice. Can is now the verb of choice for ability, and both can and may are still used in the “possibility” sense. You may use can if you wish, and you can use may if it makes you feel better.

How do you write may I come in sir?

Answer, You can but you may not!. ‘May I come in sir ‘ is grammatically correct…’ ‘may’ is use in place of ‘can’ to ask for permission.

Can I have VS could I have?

For example, “Could I please have some water?” Could is the past tense of can. However, when asking for permission, could does not have a past tense meaning. Could has the same meaning as may when making requests. It is equally polite to say “Could I leave early?” or “May I leave early?”

What is the difference between May I and can I?

The word ‘can’ and ‘may’ are modal verbs, wherein can is used to denote a person’s ability in doing something or talking about any kind of possibility. On the other hand, may is used to take or give permission to/from another person.