can = to be able
may = to have permission
You may go back home now.
He might be going home now. (past, possibility)
may, permit, allow -- these are the basic words for giving permission. There are a few more here, but should be used very carefully. They are not exact synonyms!
http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/permit?s=t
Permission related expressions
1. You may/can go back home now.
2. You were permitted to join the club.
3. You were allowed to go hunting with us.
4.
5.
(Are they grammatical? Would you name some other expressions related to 'permission'?)
1 answer