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Need to solve a tough problem? A study published online February 11 in 

2 Comments

It depends. "May I help you?" is asking for permission, whereas "Can I help you?" is asking if it is possible to help regardless of the feelings of the person being helped. For example, "May I go to the bathroom?" is generally better than saying "Can I go to the bathroom?", because we all generally have the capacity to go to the bathroom unless one is physically restrained or debilitated. The former is asking for permission, while the latter is asking whether or not it is possible at all for one to relieve oneself.

In the context above, "Can I help you?" works well enough as the article is about the capacity to help, not whether it is appropriate to help.

21 months ago

that is a good idea, no harm trying

21 months ago