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 • 933 views

shall I buy

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

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?

Show examples from the web [+]

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?

can 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.

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