1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.
Dismiss Notice
You must be a registered member in order to post messages and view/download attached files in this forum.
Click here to register.

may vs can

Discussion in 'ISO 9001:2015 - Quality Management Systems' started by sunrize, Oct 17, 2023.

  1. sunrize

    sunrize Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2019
    Messages:
    39
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    In iso standard

    May refere to permission

    While

    can refere to capability or possibility

    I still can't understand the difference
     
    sunrize, Oct 17, 2023
    #1
  2. John C. Abnet

    John C. Abnet Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2017
    Messages:
    710
    Likes Received:
    510
    Trophy Points:
    92
    Location:
    Upper Midwest- USA
    Good day @sunrize...

    Just because I have PERMISSION to dunk a basketball, does not me I CAN dunk a basketball.

    Are these terms causing a specific problem/confusion for your organization?

    Hope this helps.
    Be well.
     
    John C. Abnet, Oct 17, 2023
    #2
    Bev D and Miner like this.
  3. sunrize

    sunrize Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2019
    Messages:
    39
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    i will appreciate to give another example because i didn't understand your mean

    sorry for that, english is not my native language
     
    sunrize, Oct 21, 2023
    #3
  4. Andy Nichols

    Andy Nichols Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2015
    Messages:
    5,109
    Likes Received:
    2,562
    Trophy Points:
    112
    Location:
    In the "Rust Belt"
    Try Google translate from your native language
     
    Andy Nichols, Oct 21, 2023
    #4
  5. John C. Abnet

    John C. Abnet Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2017
    Messages:
    710
    Likes Received:
    510
    Trophy Points:
    92
    Location:
    Upper Midwest- USA
    Just because I have PERMISSION to climb a tree, does not mean I CAN climb a tree.

    Be well.
     
    John C. Abnet, Oct 23, 2023
    #5
  6. Miner

    Miner Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2015
    Messages:
    578
    Likes Received:
    493
    Trophy Points:
    62
    Location:
    Greater Milwaukee USA
    MAY = permitted or allowed to do something; implies discretion in actually doing something
    CAN = physically or mentally able to do something

    These are the formal definitions, which is what should be used in a standard; however, the informal definitions are interchangeable.

    For more information see 'Can' vs. 'May' Can you use 'can' or must you use 'may'?
     
    Miner, Oct 23, 2023
    #6
    Andy Nichols likes this.
  7. tony s

    tony s Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2015
    Messages:
    1,350
    Likes Received:
    1,055
    Trophy Points:
    112
    Location:
    Laguna Philippines
    CAN I ask a question? MAY I know why?
     
    tony s, Oct 24, 2023
    #7