CAN vs MAY vs SHALL

 

Can vs. May vs. Shall – Key Differences

1. "Can" – Ability, Possibility, Permission

·        Ability (Physical or Mental Skills)

o   I can swim very fast. (Skill to swim quickly)

o   She can speak three languages fluently. (Ability to speak three languages)

·        Possibility (When Circumstances Allow It)

o   We can go to the park if the weather is nice. (If the weather is good, we can go)

o   You can buy this book online. (It is possible to buy the book online)

·        Permission (Informal Situations)

o   Can I leave early today? (Is it okay to leave early?)

o   You can take my car if you need it. (I allow you to use my car)

o   ⚠️ In formal and polite situations, "may" is better for permission.

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2. "May" – Permission, Probability

·        Permission (Polite and Formal)

o   May I use your phone? (Polite way to ask for permission)

o   You may leave the table now. (Formal permission to leave)

·        Probability (Usually for the Future)

o   It may rain tomorrow. (A chance of rain)

o   She may be at home now. (Maybe she is at home)

·        "May" sounds more polite and formal than "can."

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3. "Shall" – A Signal for Action

·        Military Commands and Official Orders

o   "On my command, you shall proceed." (Command to move)

o   "The team shall begin the operation at 0600 hours." (Official order)

·        Sports and Ceremonial Events

o   "At the sound of the bell, the runners shall start." (Runners start at the bell)

o   "The orchestra shall begin playing as soon as the conductor raises his baton." (Action upon a cue)

·        Meetings, Voting, and Ceremonies

o   "After the chairman’s speech, we shall proceed with the voting." (Action following speech)

o   "At my signal, the guests shall enter the hall." (Guests enter when signaled)

·        Official Instructions and Action Plans

o   "The delegates shall take their seats before the conference begins." (Obligation before event)

o   "Once the documents are signed, we shall move to the next stage." (Next step follows signing)

 

 

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Fill in the blanks with CAN, MAY, or SHALL (as a signal for action).

1. You ___ take my book if you need it.
2. ___ I leave the table now?
3. The soldiers ___ begin the attack at sunrise.
4. If you practice a lot, you ___ become a great musician.
5. We ___ proceed with the presentation after the manager arrives.
6. He ___ be at work now, but I’m not sure.
7. ___ you swim when you were five years old?
8. ___ I open the window? It’s quite hot in here.
9. The guests ___ enter the hall after the announcement.
10. You ___ call me later if you have any questions.
11. The ceremony ___ start as soon as the director arrives.
12. We ___ go for a walk if it doesn’t rain.
13. Students ___ leave the classroom after finishing the test.
14. You ___ not use your phone in the library.
15. The orchestra ___ begin playing when the conductor signals.
16. He ___ be late because of traffic.
17. I ___ help you with your homework if you want.
18. The runners ___ start running at the sound of the whistle.
19. ___ I borrow your pen for a moment?
20. The delegates ___ take their seats before the conference starts.
21. He ___ lift very heavy weights at the gym.
22. ___ you help me move this table?
23. The teachers ___ meet in the staff room after lunch.
24. You ___ take a day off if you don’t feel well.
25. The team ___ begin their training at 8 AM sharp.
26. ___ I ask you something personal?
27. If you want to improve your English, you ___ practice more.
28. ___ I have another cup of coffee, please?
29. The musicians ___ start playing after the host introduces them.
30. If you work hard, you ___ achieve your dreams.
31. The workers ___ return to their stations after the break.
32. You ___ drive at 18 years old in many countries.
33. The bell rings, and the students ___ enter the classroom.
34. The voting ___ start as soon as the chairman finishes his speech.
35. We ___ go to the museum after lunch if we have time.
36. ___ I sit here, or is this seat taken?
37. The pilot ___ take off after receiving permission from the tower.
38. You ___ speak loudly in the library. It's a quiet place.
39. The guests ___ leave after the final speech.
40. The leader ___ give the signal, and the march will begin.

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Answer Key:

1. can
2. May
3. shall
4. can
5. shall
6. may
7. Could (but "Can" in informal speech)
8. May
9. shall
10. can
11. shall
12. can
13. may
14. can’t
15. shall
16. may
17. can
18. shall
19. May
20. shall
21. can
22. Can
23. shall
24. may
25. shall
26. May
27. can
28. May
29. shall
30. can
31. shall
32. can
33. shall
34. shall
35. can
36. May
37. shall
38. can’t
39. may
40. shall