May I drink water vs May I drink some water

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. 'May I drink water?' is a more general question asking for permission to drink any water, while 'May I drink some water?' is more specific, asking for permission to drink a certain amount of water. The choice between the two depends on the context and the level of specificity desired.

Last updated: April 11, 2024 • 3384 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"May I drink water"

This phrase is a polite way to ask for permission to drink water in a general sense.

Examples:

May I drink water from the fountain?
May I drink water from the tap?
May I drink water from the bottle?

Show examples from the web [+]

In the classroom... May I drink water? Hi, everyone! I *had* a student who asked me "May I drink water, teacher?" last class. Should they ask "May I drink ...
May I drink water? Yes, small amounts. Should I take my medications? Yes, unless your doctor tells you not to. May I drink juice? No.
May I drink water while wearing tefillin? Ask Question. Asked 8 years, 8 months ago. Modified 7 years, 3 months ago. Viewed 1k times.
May I drink water? Yes, you can drink water but not other kinds of drinks. Should I continue to take my medications? Yes, unless your doctor tells you not ...
These activities may stimulate digestive system and alter test results. After specimen is drawn, you may resume your normal diet. • May I drink water? Yes, you ...

Alternatives:

Can I drink water?
Is it okay if I drink water?
Am I allowed to drink water?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"May I drink some water"

This phrase is a polite way to ask for permission to drink a specific amount of water.

Examples:

May I drink some water from the glass?
May I drink some water from the bottle?
May I drink some water from the jug?

Show examples from the web [+]

May I drink some water (If the water is available in the same room) May I go and get a drink of water? (If the water is in another room) ...
"May I drink some water?" "I had a student who asked me" I think the original statements is a bit wrong but I'm not sure how to explain them grammatically.
Sep 22, 2018 ... May I drink some water? See a translation · Report copyright infringement. Answers. Close. modal image. When you "disagree" with an answer.
Results 1 - 24 of 62 ... May I drink some water, please? May I borrow ___? May I use a dictionary? May I sharpen my pencil? May I use the I-Pad?
May I come in? Wait a minute, please! May I drink some water, please?
Match the polite expressions and the situations. (A). Excuse me. (B). May I come in? (C). May I drink some water? (D). No, thank you.
May I drink some water? Nishin na manda nbiish wii minkweyaan. Is this water safe for me to drink? Da aa gii aanjtoon na manda nbiish.
Jun 28, 2021 ... Eg: May I drink some water? To give permission. Eg: You may go out. To make requests. Eg: May I have your document? To express possibility.

Alternatives:

Can I drink some water?
Is it okay if I drink some water?
Am I allowed to drink some water?

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