TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

May you give me water? vs Could you give me some water?

Both sentences are correct, but only the second is commonly used in English. It is a polite way to ask for water. 'May you give me water?' is uncommon, while 'Could you give me some water?' is a more natural and polite way to ask for water.
Vince profile picture

Explained by Vince
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: August 18, 2024 • 29533 views

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday English. It is a formal way to ask for something.

"May you give me water?"

This phrase is a polite way to ask for water, but it is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversations.
  • May you give me water in every moment(56),. 16 nb ḫft dgȝ⸗tn ʿhʿ pn ḏr nty ỉnk šry. ʿḥʿ ỉwty wn⸗f ỉ nṯr pn špsy Mnw-Rʿ nb Ỉpw when you see(57) this stela ...
  • O you sycamore of Nut, may you give me water and the breath of air that is in you (spell 59, Allen (1974), p, 55); I live and thrive on bread (...) I eat it ...
  • Apr 6, 2019 ... 6 yrs. Roggers Businge. may you give me water for drinking coz am--- -/-//////. 6 yrs. Namuli Margie Kawuki. Ye mama. 6 yrs. Ayesiga Muzamiru.
  • ... may you give me water and the breath that is in you” (Allen 1974:55; Billing 2002:234). To give a final example, in BD. 64, the deceased declares, “I have ...

Alternatives:

  • Could you give me some water?
  • Would you mind giving me some water?
  • Might I have some water, please?
  • Can you pass me the water, please?
  • Would you be so kind as to give me some water?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is a polite and common way to ask for something.

"Could you give me some water?"

This phrase is a polite and common way to ask for water or any other item. It is widely used in everyday conversations.
  • Feb 5, 2023 ... What is the difference between "Could you give me some water" and "Can I have some water"? All related (34).
  • Mar 5, 2018 ... and could you give me some water? ? What is the difference between Would you give me some water? and Could you give me some water? ?
  • May 30, 2021 ... ... Could you give me some water?” because “bring me” implies asking ... “Could you give me some water” while not necessarily incorrect ...
  • Mar 15, 2016 ... Can I have some water please?/ Could you give me some water, please? This is more common and polite way. :) ...Read more. March 15, 2016. 0. 0 ...
  • Sep 17, 2020 ... Which sentence is more correct when I ask a barman to give me some water "Could you bring me some water" or "Could you give me some water"?
  • Dec 11, 2023 ... We just managed to teach her to ask for things politely (eg "Could you give me some water please", instead of "I want water") when we were at a playdate.
  • Jan 19, 2012 ... (2) During the meal, when your glass is empty, you could say to someone who has the water jug: 'Could you give me some water, please?' D ...
  • 18 hours ago ... Okay, could you give me some water now? — — —. It's been two weeks with no water you asshole. My leaves are about to wilt if you keep it up ...
  • May 3, 2024 ... ... could you give me some water? I will take it to the tree. The tree will give me leaves, which I will take to the goat. The goat will give me ...
  • Oct 7, 2014 ... ... [Could you give me some water?] = [mi-zu, ku-da-sa-i.] If you want to ask someone to hand something to you, you can say “so-re, ku-da-sa-i ...

Alternatives:

  • May you give me water?
  • Would you mind giving me some water?
  • Might I have some water, please?
  • Can you pass me the water, please?
  • Would you be so kind as to give me some water?

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

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

People Feedback 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 :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

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

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

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

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

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

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"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."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

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

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo