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In English, that distinction can be made with "Can the FBI do this?" and "May the FBI do this"; yes, they can (they have the ability), no, they may not (the law
by CocaKoala 11y ago
In English, that distinction can be made with "Can the FBI do this?" and "May the FBI do this"; yes, they can (they have the ability), no, they may not (the law does not allow them to).
This lesson is taught to children thus: "Mother, can I have a cookie?" "I don't know, child of mine. Can you?" "Mother, MAY I have a cookie?" "Yes, child of mine. You may."
Of course, in English the term "may" is semantically overloaded with a "will they/won't they" sort of question, so it's still unclear depending on how you parse it. But it's unclear for a different reason!
- ucaetano 11y ago"Of course, in English the term "may" is semantically overloaded with a "will they/won't they" sort of question, so it's still unclear depending on how you parse it. But it's unclear for a different reason!" Actually that's the original meaning of "may" in english, similar, and derived from the same root, to the modal verb mögen in German, expressing a possibility of something happening. In other words: - Can (können) = to really be able to - May (mögen) = expresses the possibility, but not the permission - ??? (dürfen) = to be authorized to The past of "may" is "might", which helps understand it.