Curso De Inglés Para Ingenieros

Gramática
a) Posibilidad vs Probabilidad
"Can" indica que algo es posible (las circunstancias lo permiten o alguien tiene la habilidad de hacerlo).
I can play tennis quite well
I can open that doorwith my key
I can run for two hours
This car can go faster than 200 km per hour
You can go to France without a passport
"May" indica que algo es probable; equivale a "perhaps"
My friend may win therace
The sky is very dark. It may rain
b) Permiso
Se utilizan ambos verbos modales, con los siguientes matices:
- Tener permiso: "can" es más habitual.
I can smoke in the office
- Dar permiso: "may" esmás habitual, "can" más informal.
You may smoke here if you want
You may use my computer
You can take my car (informal)
Si el permiso viene de un tercero se utiliza "can".
You can smoke here (la leylo permite o las normas de esta oficina)
c) Petición
- Solicitar algo: Se utilian ambos verbos modales
May (Can) I get your dictionary?
- Pedirle a alguien que haga algo: se suele utilizar "can"
Canyou give me that book?
d) Ofrecimiento
Se utiliza ambos verbos modales
Can (May) I help you?

My boss can speak English very fluently

You may take my dictionary for your exam

Your sister may comewith us to the cinema. It depends on your mother

You can open the bottle with that corkscrew

You may use my computer if you want

Can you bring me a glass of water, please?

My father is very strong,he can lift 100 kg

You can enter the party with this invitation

You may find that book in the Central Library

Can I switch on the light? I would like to read the newspaper

Philip can use hisfather's motorbike

If you need it you may use our lawnmower

Can you help me to clean the swimming pool, please?

I can use the company car for private trips

There are rumours that the Spanish airlineIberia may merge with British Airway

We are going to the park; you may come with us if you want

With that telescope you can see Mars

You should buy lottery tickets; you may become millionaire

Can...