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how can i help you vs how may i help you

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They are polite ways to offer assistance to someone. The choice between 'can' and 'may' is a matter of formality, with 'may' being slightly more formal than 'can'.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 1838 views

how can i help you

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is a polite way to offer assistance to someone. 'Can' is used to express ability or permission.

Examples:

  • How can I help you with your project?
  • Can I help you find something in the store?
  • I can help you with your homework if you need assistance.
  • How Can I Help You [Sims, Laura] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. How Can I Help You.
  • Mar 22, 2017 ... So, what if you never had to ask someone "How can I help you?" because you always made it your job to answer the question before they asked? I ...
  • About How Can I Help You. A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR The New York Times Book Review • Publishers Weekly • CrimeReads • Book Riot A New York Times Book Review ...
  • Mar 14, 2017 ... How can I help you vs. How may I help you? I have been told that using "can" in this context is not proper however I have not found anything ...
  • Sep 12, 2016 ...How can I help you?” I answered automatically. It was a nurse speaking to me. Hayley was either well or she wasn't well. She was absolutely ...
  • Jan 8, 2023 ... ... How can I help you?” in Spanish or if it just sounds weird or patronizing. Archived post. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be ...
  • How Can I Help? You can send your questions anonymously to me at HowCanIHelp@senecawomen.com, and I will answer with specific advice and understanding. MORE ...
  • Mar 6, 2017 ... Or, did you mean to ask, what do I reply to a message saying, “How can I help you?” There is a huge difference between HOW and WHAT. Let us ...
  • Jun 23, 2014 ... The Absolute Worst Question To Ask: How Can I Help You? · 1. Find out what's valuable to him. · 2. Be transparent with any benefit or agenda. · 3.
  • Laura Sims is the author of HOW CAN I HELP YOU, a New York Times, Publishers Weekly, Book Riot, and CrimeReads Best Book of the Year; a LibraryReads Top Ten ...

Alternatives:

  • How can I assist you?
  • How can I be of help?
  • How can I support you?
  • How can I aid you?
  • How can I lend a hand?

how may i help you

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is a polite way to offer assistance to someone. 'May' is used to ask for permission or to offer help in a more formal way.

Examples:

  • How may I help you with your request?
  • May I help you carry those bags?
  • May I help you with your luggage?
  • May I help you find what you're looking for?
  • May I help you with your reservation?

Alternatives:

  • How may I assist you?
  • How may I be of service?
  • How may I support you?
  • How may I aid you?
  • How may I lend a hand?

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