You use can to indicate that someone has the ability or opportunity to do something. Don't worry yourself about me, I can take care of myself. I can't give you details because I don't actually have any details.

Understanding the Context

The United States will do whatever it can to help Greece. I cook a lot of meat at home, and I’m always curious about a meat delivery service. Can it actually compete with what I’d normally pick out myself at the store or butcher counter? I decided to test ...

Key Insights

MSN: We tested ButcherBox for months—now you can buy it at Target without a subscription We tested ButcherBox for months—now you can buy it at Target without a subscription When it comes to high protein meal prep, the secret isn’t a complex recipe—it’s having a foundation you can actually trust. I’ve found that the most effortless way to hit my health goals is to stop ... Canva is a free-to-use online graphic design tool. Use it to create social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos and more. The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts.

Final Thoughts

May is relatively rare in negative constructions (mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts. Can is usually used in standard spoken English when asking for permission. It is acceptable in most forms of written English, although in very formal writing, such as official instructions, may is often used instead: Persons under 14 unaccompanied by an adult may not enter.