may i close the door please? vs can i close the door please?

Both "May I close the door, please?" and "Can I close the door, please?" are correct and commonly used in English. They are polite ways to ask for permission to close a door. The choice between "may" and "can" depends on personal preference or formality.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 3527 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"may i close the door please?"

This is a polite way to ask for permission to close a door. It shows respect and courtesy.

Examples:

May I close the door, please?
May I open the window, please?
May I use your phone, please?
May I have a glass of water, please?
May I ask you a question, please?

Show examples from the web [+]

- Saul, could you close the door, please? - Sure.
Can you close the door, please?
Slasher, might close the door, please?
Could you close the door, please?
Now could you close the door, please?
- Saul, could you close the door, please?
Now, please, may I close the door?
One moment, please, while I close the door.
Victor, can you open the door please?
Wait a moment while I close the door.
- Should I close the door?
No. I close the door at night.
Will you close the door or kill the light please?
...I close the door, and never think about it.
Should I close the door? - That would be lovely.
Just give me a moment while I close the door.
I close the door, grab my phone, dial 9-1-1.
When I say goodbye to something I close the door, and never think about it.
After I close the door, I place a mechanical pencil lead on the hinge at an angle so that it will break if the door is opened.
Please, don't close the door.

Alternatives:

Could I close the door, please?
Would it be okay if I closed the door, please?
Is it alright if I close the door, please?
Am I allowed to close the door, please?
Might I close the door, please?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"can i close the door please?"

This is a polite way to ask for permission to close a door. It is more informal than using "may".

Examples:

Can I close the door, please?
Can I sit here, please?
Can I borrow your pen, please?
Can I have a piece of cake, please?
Can I help you with that, please?

Show examples from the web [+]

- Saul, could you close the door, please? - Sure.
Can you close the door, please?
Slasher, might close the door, please?
Could you close the door, please?
Now could you close the door, please?
- Saul, could you close the door, please?
One moment, please, while I close the door.
So, can I close the deal? Paula, I'm sorry.
Victor, can you open the door please?
Now, please, may I close the door?
Can I close them again please? Ta-dah!
Wait a moment while I close the door.
- Should I close the door?
No. I close the door at night.
Will you close the door or kill the light please?
If I get Lamby back, then can I close the deal?
...I close the door, and never think about it.
Should I close the door? - That would be lovely.
Just give me a moment while I close the door.
I close the door, grab my phone, dial 9-1-1.

Alternatives:

May I close the door, please?
Could I close the door, please?
Would it be okay if I closed the door, please?
Is it alright if I close the door, please?
Am I allowed to close the door, please?

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

may i close the door please? vs can i close the door please?

"may i close the door please?"

"can i close the door please?"

Related Comparisons