this may take several minutes vs this can take several minutes

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey a similar meaning, indicating that something might require a few minutes to complete. The choice between 'may' and 'can' depends on the context and the level of certainty or possibility the speaker wants to convey.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 1735 views

this may take several minutes

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a possibility or likelihood of something taking a few minutes.

This phrase is used to suggest that something is likely to require a few minutes to complete. It implies a possibility or likelihood of the time frame.

Examples:

This may take several minutes to download.
The repair may take several minutes to complete.

Show examples from the web [+]

For example... these capacitors take several minutes to store enough power to fire the weapon and then again before it can repeat.
Furthermore, many such calls take several minutes and often include a significant time spent 'on hold', which the customer also pays for.
This may take five minutes, it may take an hour.
This may take some time, sir.
Please wait while your F-Spot gallery's database is updated. This may take some time.
Boss, this may take awhile.
This may take a couple of days.
This may take a little time, girls.
This may take years of proceedings before a complaint can be filed to the ECtHR.
This may take A little more time, tj.
Doing first sync. This may take a while.
Information: Updating search database. This may take a while...
I fear this may take some time.
It may take several days for us to complete our mission.
During antipsychotic treatment, improvement in the patient's clinical condition may take several days to some weeks.
It may take several decades to track them down.
Some reports may take several seconds to generate for large collections.
Conducting CCP default procedures may take several days or more following the trigger event.
It has spread already; This may take awhile...
All required information has now been gathered. Click "Next" button to start importing. Depending on size of the database this may take some time.

Alternatives:

this might take several minutes
this could take several minutes
this is likely to take several minutes
this is expected to take several minutes
this will probably take several minutes

this can take several minutes

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a possibility or ability for something to take a few minutes.

This phrase is used to suggest that something has the capability or possibility of taking a few minutes to complete. It implies the ability or potential for the time frame.

Examples:

This can take several minutes to process.
The task can take several minutes to finish.

Show examples from the web [+]

For example... these capacitors take several minutes to store enough power to fire the weapon and then again before it can repeat.
Furthermore, many such calls take several minutes and often include a significant time spent 'on hold', which the customer also pays for.
Large and small companies operate and journeys can take several days or just a few minutes.
This can take place by modifying Regulation No 295/91.
This can take the form of technical/economic monitoring.
Although Polish companies are working hard to build brands abroad, this can take decades.
I hope that this can take effect in July 2010.
This can take place if gas is used in the production of energy itself.
This can take place at an appropriate time.
The whole process can take several hours.
Implementation can take several forms and will reflect regional specificities.
It can take several meetings for us to have a real breakthrough.
Programmes with a focus on urban areas can take several different forms.
To obtain an interoperability certificate manufacturers need to follow an exceptional procedure which can take several months.
This can take you very mad.
We hope they will do so quickly but know from experience with other at times less complex association agreements how long this can take in practice.
It can take several years for a convention to come into effect from the time it was negotiated.
The direct costs arising from M & As can take several forms: consolidating different organisations is not an easy task and may lead to inefficiencies.
You load one and you can take several photos.
It can take several hours For symptoms like this rash to appear.

Alternatives:

this is able to take several minutes
this has the potential to take several minutes
this is capable of taking several minutes
this is possible to take several minutes
this has the capacity to take several minutes

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this may take several minutes vs this can take several minutes