TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Can vs. May From:Thomas Quine <thomas -dot- quine -at- NCOMPASSLABS -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 26 Jan 1999 09:50:32 -0800
Just a note on the use of the words "can" and "may".
The two words are very similar in meaning. However, the word "can"
suggests ability; the word "may" suggests permission.
A sentence like "You can change your access method using the Maintenance
Wizard" means "you are able to do so if you so desire," whereas "You may
change your access method using the Maintenance Wizard" seems to suggest
that the writer (or behind the writer, the programmer) has given you
permission to do so.
The second construction risks sounding condescending, even imperious. I
think technical documentation should use the word "may" only rarely.
- Thom Quine
Technical Documentation Manager, NCompass Labs, Inc.
"If your life seems poor, perhaps it is because you have not yet become
poet enough to bring forth its riches..."
- Rainer Maria Rilke
