“May I use your pencil?” may sound more polite than “Can I use your pencil?”, but in essence, in terms of linguistics and grammar, both are equal. Though traditionalists may argue slightly further that the question that begins with “Can I…” may carry connotations of a forceful request, leaving the opposite party with little choice but to say yes.

-Daniel from DC Educational Group

Do drop me an email for any professional English Language help.

Can means the ability to do something.

Can I use your pencil? Yes you can but you may not.

May I come in sir?

May I go now?

etc.

So “May I drive the car?” is asking permission to drive the car, whereas, “Can I drive the car?” means am I able to, do I know how to drive the car?

Ex.- May I run that distance for you?

Ex.- Can I physically even run that far?

I hope I helped…

P.S.- ‘Will you’ is used to normally ask for a request.

Ex.- Will you please sharpen my pencil for me?

use ” could” thats the polietest of all …..could i use ur pencil ? or could i make a call from your phone ? ( see the difference – its sounding nice too )

” may i ” is best used for permission …