Fill in the blanks with can and may.
1............... I ask you something?
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
"Can" and "May" are both possible for asking permission, but "May" is more formal.
2............... I use your phone?
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
"Can" and "May" are both possible for asking permission, but "May" is more formal.
3She ............... arrive soon.
Wrong!
"May" shows that her arrival is possible but not certain.
4It ............... rain in the afternoon.
Wrong!
"May" shows that rain is possible but not certain.
5............... you solve this problem?
Wrong!
"Can" asks whether someone has the ability to solve the problem.
6............... you speak German?
Wrong!
"Can" asks whether someone has the ability to speak German.
7Glass ............... be blown.
Wrong!
"Can" expresses a general possibility about what can be done with glass.
8I ............... bear this pain.
Wrong!
"Cannot" means that the speaker is unable to bear the pain.
9She never learned how to swim. She ............... swim.
Wrong!
"Can't" means that she is unable to swim.
10The children are so excited about the trip that they ............... wait any longer.
Wrong!
"Can't" means that waiting any longer is not possible for them.
11She ............... recognize you.
Wrong!
"May not" means that it is possible she will not recognize you.
12I have been working on it for hours, but I still ............... find a solution to this problem.
Wrong!
"Can't" means that the speaker is unable to find a solution.
Exercise complete
0 out of 12
correct answers
Answers
- Can / May I ask you something?
- Can / May I use your phone?
- She may arrive soon.
- It may rain in the afternoon.
- Can you solve this problem?
- Can you speak German?
- Glass can be blown.
- I cannot bear this pain.
- She never learned how to swim. She can’t swim.
- The children are so excited about the trip that they can’t wait any longer.
- She may not recognize you.
- I have been working on it for hours, but I still can’t find a solution to this problem.