May/Could: May/Could I have a glass of water? May/Could I pass by?

[Ana Laura]

Hi

I would like to know if there is any difference between the modal verbs 'May' and 'Could' when it comes to politeness.

May/Could I have a glass of water?

May/Could I pass by?

I appreciate your help :)

[Mister Micawber]

No, not with 'I', but you cannot use 'may' with 'you' for requests; you may only use 'Could you?'
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[Rosario]

Hello all,

It's could you.........?

How about I?
What’s the words that appropriate with I?

Thanks in advance.

[Mister Micawber]

May I?
Might I?
Can I?
Could I?

Might you?
Can you?
Could you?
Would you?
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[Rosario]

Hello all,

May/Could I have a glass of water?

Is that correct? If not, what's appropriate word for it?

Thanks,

[Natasha81]

Hi Rosario,

Both are correct.

The slight difference is that "May" it's asking for a permission,
and "Could" is a kind request.

I am sure you will get a glass of water.:)

[Rosario]

Thanks you so very much Natasha,

Regards,

[Sanga]

Hi,

May:-- It indicate two possibilites e,g: may be or may not.

could:-- It indicate one possibility you needed water.

i think you may get answer.

Regards
Sanga :lol:

[Mister Micawber]

[Wrdwunder]

[Wrdwunder]

In some cases, "may" will be seen as more appropriate period.

[Mister Micawber]

'May' is not more formal. Please supply any context in which is would be more appropriate, Wrdwunder.
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[Natasha81]

Dear friends,

Please have a look at the following quotes and the websites they are taken from.

1.Quote from:
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/can-versus-may2.aspx

"Now, “may” does have its rare place. If formality and politeness are of utmost importance, you should use “may” to denote permission. So it would be better to say to the waiter at a fancy restaurant, “May I have more water, please?” than “Can I have more water, please?” If you’ve just knocked on a door, you should probably say, “May I come in?”."

2.Quote from:

http://www.periwork.com/gram/modals2001.htm

"Permission

In rather formal English, may (not) can also be used to ask, give, refuse permission, and might can be used to ask permission.
Might I ask..?"

3.Quote from;
http://wvde.state.wv.us/tt/2002/grammartips/grammartip0038.html

"EXPLANATION:
Basic Rule: Meaning is specific, and even subtle differences can have important consequences. The word can is used in questions regarding ability. Can you finish your dinner? Are you able to finish your dinner? The word may is the verb that involves permission. May I be excused? Will you grant me permission to be excused?

EXAMPLE:
Incorrect: Can I help you?
Correct: May I help you?"

4.http://www.grammar-quizzes.com/modal5.html

Regards,

Natasha.

[Matthieuxmillion]

My original postings here (quite long and fat) were deleted by someone for some reason or other, but suffice it to say the following:

1) Using MAY when making requests is indeed formal.

2) And it is both quite possible and correct to use "May you" when making requests. (It's rare and highly formal, but very correct as well)

If anyone would like more details about the above two assertions, just ask and I will supply more information.

[Mister Micawber]

Please supply authentic examples of #2, Matthieu.
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