"you may" vs "you can"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi all,

Would you please let me know if there is a difference in nuance between the following sentences?

You may use this photo on your site.

You can use this photo on your site.

Aikamama

2

In meaning, no. In nuance, yes.
‘May’ is a little softer.

Most Native English Speakers in Western civilisation wouldn’t be concerned about the difference though.

3

Thank you again Beeesneees!

4

Hi Aikamama,

There is still a subtlety in difference between ‘may’ and ‘can’ going back to the idea of permission with ‘may’ and ability with ‘can’, which is probably worth considering.

In your two sentences:

. This could suggest that you have permission to use the photo

This could suggest that you are able to use the photo

The differences are lost in conversation when people ask: May I help you ? or Can I help you?

Alan

5

I wonder if both “please” and “difference in” are redundant in the quoted sentence above.
Would you let me know if there is a nuance between the following sentences?

Thanks

6

hello,

Good manners are never redundant. What’s wrong with using ‘please’?

“Difference in” is required in that sentence.