This old joke plays on different interpretations of can. The student is asking for permission, whereas the teacher is talking about ability. Some people might say that the student's use of can is incorrect (i.e. the student should say May I go to the bathroom?). This view, however, is based on a very narrow understanding of modality and modal verbs in English.
in this article we take a closer look at modal verbs. We begin by looking at their function in English and exploring basic properties. We then go on to look in more detail at the most common uses of the important modal verbs can, could, will and would. In article Modal verbs 2, we complete the story by covering may, might, must, should and ought to.
Answers & Comments
Explanation:
Introduction
Student: Can I go to the bathroom, sir?
Teacher: I'm sure you can, but you may
not.
This old joke plays on different interpretations of can. The student is asking for permission, whereas the teacher is talking about ability. Some people might say that the student's use of can is incorrect (i.e. the student should say May I go to the bathroom?). This view, however, is based on a very narrow understanding of modality and modal verbs in English.
in this article we take a closer look at modal verbs. We begin by looking at their function in English and exploring basic properties. We then go on to look in more detail at the most common uses of the important modal verbs can, could, will and would. In article Modal verbs 2, we complete the story by covering may, might, must, should and ought to.