On Wednesday, May 16, 2012 07:31:53 AM Dave Crocker wrote: > On 5/16/2012 7:28 AM, Randy Bush wrote: > > can != may > > > > one is ability, the other permission > > When we were first taught English grammar, yes. Today, not so much. > > Actually pretty much never. In modern usage, the distinction has been lost. I must be ancient then as I still use this distinction (and similarly would/could). Scott K