Both can and may can be used to talk about
possibility. But there is some difference between them. Can is used to talk about theoretical
possibility; may is used
to talk about factual possibility.
Compare:
·
The road may be blocked due to the procession.
(Factual possibility.)
·
Any road can be blocked. (Theoretical
possibility - It is possible to block any road.)
·
There may be a strike next week. (It is
possible that there will be a strike next week.)
·
Strikes can happen any time. (It is possible
for strikes to happen any time.)
·
If you drive carelessly, you may have an accident. (Factual
possibility)
·
Accidents can happen any time. (Theoretical
possibility)
When we
talk about possibility, could often means the same as may or might.
·
You may/might/could be right.
May not and
Cannot
May not suggests improbability. Cannot suggests impossibility.
Compare:
·
We may not go camping this summer. (= It
is possible that we may not go camping.)
·
We cannot go camping this summer. (= It is
not possible for us to go camping this summer.)
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