can I call you vs may i call you

Both 'Can I call you?' and 'May I call you?' are correct, but they have slightly different levels of formality. 'Can I call you?' is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversations, while 'May I call you?' is more formal and polite. The choice between them depends on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 3751 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal situations.

"can I call you"

This phrase is a casual way to ask for permission to make a phone call. It is commonly used in everyday conversations among friends, family, or colleagues.

Some examples from our editors:

Can I call you later?
Can I call you tomorrow?
Can I call you when I get home?
Can I call you to discuss the project?
Can I call you to catch up?

Show examples from the web [+]

So, can I call you Kerry, now?
Eleanor - can I call you that?
Mr. Evers, can I call you Byron?
Look, Judge... can I call you "Judge"?
Okay, Mae, can I call you in a few?
The thing is, Grebo - can I call you Grebo?
Snooki - can I call you "Snooki"?
Can I call you Say, this Saturday.
Can I call you tonight if I find something?
Can I call you "son" for real?
Can I call you Mi-ho from now on?
Can I call you Mom while I'm here?
Can I call you James? Or... do you prefer Jammer?
The problem that we've got Mr. Rig- Can I call you Patrick?
If I'm watching The daily show, Can I call you and repeat funny things that Jon Stewart has just said?
Can I call you, and we'll set a time?
So, can I... Can I call you if I have questions?
And I said, "Can I call you 'Andy'?"
Homer - Can I call you Homer?
I'm sorry, can I call you...

Some alternatives from our editors:

Is it okay if I call you?
Would it be alright if I called you?
Do you mind if I call you?
Could I give you a call?
Would you be available for a call?

This phrase is correct and more formal than 'Can I call you?'

"may i call you"

This phrase is a polite way to ask for permission to make a phone call. It is suitable for formal situations or when you want to show respect.

Examples:

May I call you to discuss the details?
May I call you at your convenience?
May I call you to follow up on the interview?
May I call you to schedule a meeting?
May I call you to confirm the appointment?

Show examples from the web [+]

May I call you Elvis instead of Sebastian?
Really Dr. Fletcher... may I call you Eudora?
Mr Soo, may I call you Xiao-Xian?
Mr. McCabe, may I call you John?
Please, may I call you Monty?
Ms. Bingum, may I call you a home wrecker?
Mr. Andersen, may I call you Nils?
May I call you "Joe"?
MAY I CALL YOU PRESTON? -NO.
Listen, Benjen - may I call you Benjen?
Mr. Nast... May I call you "Joe"?
May I call you "pastoress"?
May I call you "Queen" for short?
Listen, Sam... may I call you Sam?
Dad, may I call you dad?
Sue, may I call you Sue, Sue?
"Welcome, I am Amanda. You must be Vincent McAngel. May I call you Vincent?"
May I call you Papa?
May I call you derek?
Or may I call you Chauncey?

Alternatives:

Could I call you?
Might I call you?
Would it be possible for me to call you?
Is it permissible for me to call you?
Would you mind if I called you?

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