Have A Go
It is up to you and the situation you are in whether to use Can I? or May I? Most of the time in normal conversation, you will use Can I? Look at these situations and decide what you would say.
1. You want to help an old lady cross the road. 2. You want to have a word with your friend. 3. You want to use your boss' phone. 4. You want to leave school early to go to the dentist. 5. You want to try some T-shirts on in a shop. 6. A friend has asked you what you want to drink. You want a lime soda. 7. You ask a boy you've just met if you can call him this weekend.
8. Your dad is reading. You want to watch TV. 9. You want to borrow $500 from your mum. 10. You want your friend's opinion on something.
Answers: 1. May I help you cross the road? 2. Can I have a word with you? 3. May I use your phone? 4. May I leave school early to go to the dentist? 5. May I try on these T-shirts? 6. Can I have a lime soda? 7. May I call you this weekend? 8. May I watch TV, please? 9. Can I borrow $500, please? 10. Can I ask your opinion on something?
