Only Connect

[hellywelly4]

I'm so delighted tonight as the contestants are saying. 'may we' instead of 'can we'. Doesn't often happen.

[THECORBYLOON]

I can't see the need to use, "can" or "may" since there won't be a refusal, will there?

[douglas9401]

On balance I think that life's too short.

[ToraToraTora]

Mais qui?

[THECORBYLOON]

Eh?

[barry1010]

Mais, oui

[hellywelly4]

There is a distinct difference between the two. Can I usually means can I do something, whereas may I is asking permission to do something.

It's not easy to explain but the distinction is very clear.

[douglas9401]

The opacity of your clarity is striking, HW4.

[hellywelly4]

Well I am old, Douglas!!!

 

[jourdain2]

I felt your pleasure, helly.  I was also pleased toend up with 9 right... including the missing vowels round!

'May' and 'Can' are very different in meaning and it is a necessary one.

[THECORBYLOON]

"may I is asking permission to do something." I'm not disputing that but in this instance, they have been invited to make a choice so they already have that  "permission". 

[jourdain2]

A subtle one TCL.  I see where you are coming from.  I'm not quite convinced.

[THECORBYLOON]

If "may" is required because "permission" is being sought, when would it be refused?

[jourdain2]

Could have been referring to teammates?  Or imperfectly understood.

[Hopkirk]

May

Can

It really doesn't bother me.

[douglas9401]

I definitely prefer a can of beer to a may, especially on a school night.

[Buenchico]

I'm with HW4 here.

It really annoys me when, in a takeaway establishment (or similar), I hear people using the US phrase "Can I get . . . ?", rather than the British "May I have . . . ?" (or, far simpler anyway, just adding "Please" after stating their order)

[THECORBYLOON]

If it were available and a contestant asked, "May I have the horned viper?", would Victoria deny the request?

She wouldn't, would she? Why then, is "permission" required?

[barry1010]

Why answer her question with a question? Just say, we will have the horned viper. Or the horned viper, please.

[Gill1941]

I agree, hellywelly. There is a distinct difference between "may" and "can".

It's a sign of the times, I'm afraid. Bad grammar and spelling. I particularly dislike "fone" instead of "phone".

[THECORBYLOON]

I prefer, " 'phone " to, "phone"...