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

shall I buy vs can I buy

Both "Shall I buy?" and "Can I buy?" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "Shall I buy?" is more formal and polite, often used when seeking permission or advice. On the other hand, "Can I buy?" is more casual and straightforward, used when asking about the ability or permission to make a purchase.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1068 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal situations when seeking permission or advice.

"shall I buy"

This phrase is used to ask for permission or advice in a polite and formal manner.

Examples:

  • Shall I buy this dress?
  • Shall I buy tickets for the concert?
  • Shall I buy some groceries on the way home?
  • Shall I buy a gift for her birthday?
  • Shall I buy a new car?
  • Shall I buy you something, Father?
  • Shall I buy you a ticket for the concert?
  • By tomorrow I shall buy you a glass of the finest wine.
  • Tomorrow I shall buy you six dozen red roses.
  • If I ever come into a fortune I shall buy all little birds.
  • Once we are settled, I shall buy her a puppy.
  • I shall buy a hat and a ribbon and a frock and shoes and a petticoat.
  • I shall buy this sword, how much do you want for it?
  • And that is why we shall buy her.
  • We shall buy this place and fire you immediately.
  • We shall buy the plans if you will undertake to disengage your troops in America.
  • The intervention agency shall buy at the intervention price and at that price only.
  • The intervention agency shall buy in the sugar only if it is offered by:
  • 1. Pursuant to Article 9(1) and (2) of Regulation (EC) No 2201/96, the storage agencies shall buy in:
  • 1. The intervention agency shall buy in the sugar only if it is offered by:
  • 1. During the period from 1 April to 31 July the intervention agencies shall buy in the quantities of paddy rice which are offered to them provided the offers comply with conditions, in particular in respect of quantity and quality, to be determined.
  • Intervention agencies shall buy in at 80 % of the reference price fixed in Article 3 for the marketing year following the marketing year during which the offer is lodged.
  • Once the Commission has noted that the condition referred to in Article 2(1) is fulfilled in a Member State, the intervention agency concerned shall buy in butter in accordance with this Section.
  • During the period from 1 April to 31 July the intervention agencies shall buy in the quantities of paddy rice which are offered to them provided the offers comply with conditions, in particular in respect of quantity and quality, to be determined.
  • When shall we buy the presents?

Alternatives:

  • May I buy?
  • Could I buy?
  • Would you like me to buy?
  • Do you think I should buy?
  • Is it okay if I buy?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in casual situations when asking about permission or ability to make a purchase.

"can I buy"

This phrase is used to ask about the ability or permission to make a purchase in a more casual and straightforward manner.

Examples:

  • Can I buy this book?
  • Can I buy a coffee?
  • Can I buy a ticket for the movie?
  • Can I buy some snacks?
  • Can I buy a souvenir?
  • In which case, can I buy you two drinks?
  • Sorry, can I buy this drink for you?
  • What can I buy with gratitude?
  • Where can I buy a bouquet around here?
  • So can I buy you some ice cream?
  • - Look, can I buy you a drink, soldier?
  • How many apples and bananas can I buy with 1000yen?
  • What can I buy with 500 liras?
  • What can I buy with 20 zlotys?
  • How much can I buy from you?
  • So, can I buy you a real drink?
  • Look, can I buy you a drink after work?
  • So what can I buy you to make you happy?
  • What piece of you can I buy for a dollar?
  • Look... can I buy you breakfast somewhere or something?
  • I can't afford any of your products, but can I buy some fake white earbuds, - so people will think I have a MyPod?
  • I know you're suddenly rich and all, But can I buy you a drink?
  • Can... can I buy you a drink?
  • Just one can to drink tonight, or can I buy as much as I want and stuff it full?
  • We were sitting around on the beach and a friend of mine, a woman, who was from South Africa, but she had got married and emigrated to Los Angeles, she said to me, "Where can I buy Cold Fact in South Africa?"

Alternatives:

  • Am I allowed to buy?
  • Is it possible for me to buy?
  • Do you mind if I buy?
  • Is it okay for me to buy?
  • May I purchase?

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