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May I ask you a favour vs Can I ask you a favour

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They are polite ways to request something from someone. The choice between 'may' and 'can' depends on personal preference or formality, with 'may' sounding more formal than 'can'.
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Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 26, 2025 • 5436 views

This phrase is correct and polite, commonly used to ask for a favor.

"May I ask you a favour"

This phrase is a polite way to request something from someone. It shows respect and consideration.

Examples:

  • May I ask you a favor to help me with this project?
  • May I ask you a favor to lend me your book?
  • May I ask you a favor to give me some advice?
  • May I ask you a favor to pick me up from the airport?
  • May I ask you a favor to proofread my essay?
  • Apr 1, 2007 ... I don't understand :( Sorry. Not literal? Do you mean I am not saying "may I ask you a favour? If so, I understand. Giacinta. giacinta, Apr 1, 2007.
  • Browse translated example sentences. This page shows translations and information about the sentence: May I ask you to do me a favor?
  • 2009年1月30日 ... May I ask you a favour?頼んでいい?は英語として間違い? May I ask a favor of you? 日本語訳お願いします · May I ask a favor of you? という文が ...
  • A. May I ask you a favour?意思也是“我可以. 请你帮个忙吗?” V. 回到对话第一句, 句子是以I was wondering if 开始的,我们以前说过,以这样. 的结构开始提问和 ...

Alternatives:

  • Could I ask you a favor?
  • Might I ask you a favor?
  • Would you mind if I ask you a favor?
  • Could you do me a favor?
  • Would it be possible for you to do me a favor?

This phrase is correct and polite, commonly used to ask for a favor.

"Can I ask you a favour"

This phrase is a polite way to request something from someone. It is commonly used in informal situations.

Examples:

  • Can I ask you a favor to help me with this project?
  • Can I ask you a favor to lend me your book?
  • Can I ask you a favor to give me some advice?
  • Can I ask you a favor to pick me up from the airport?
  • Can I ask you a favor to proofread my essay?
  • Dec 12, 2005 ... To my own ears, "could you do me a favour" sounds equally as courteous as "can I ask you a favour." But "can I ask a favour" sounds somewhat ...
  • ask someone's permission/advice/opinion etc: I think we'd better ask your mum's opinion first. ask someone a favour: Can I ask you a favour? Synonyms and ...
  • ... for something Why don't you ask him for his advice? ask something of somebody Can I ask a favour of you? ask somebody something Can I ask you a favour?
  • David:'Can I ask you a favour?' Ian:'What is it?' David:'Could you give me a hand with this month's sales report. I need to finish it by tomorrow and I don't think I'll ...

Alternatives:

  • Could I ask you a favor?
  • Might I ask you a favor?
  • Would you mind if I ask you a favor?
  • Could you do me a favor?
  • Would it be possible for you to do me a favor?

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