'Miss, can I go to the toilet?' or 'Miss, can I go toilet?' Don't want to discuss 'can' versus 'may'. Does this question need 'the'?
2007-03-13 21:47:37 · 4 answers · asked by chrisviolet4011 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Just wondering, cause I corrected a kid and was told that either was correct.
2007-03-14 20:25:00 · update #1
'to the'
.
2007-03-13 21:50:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If we are talking about sth in particular, we must use "the". If the noun is used in a more general way, we use 'a/an' (but only if it's countable and in the singular)
E.g. This is a nice book (general statement)
E.g. The book I read last week was amazing (a particular book)
So, to answer your question, it's "Miss, can I go to the toilet?"
'Can' can be used when we want to ask for someone's permission, but it's informal. (It's fine in your sentence.)
2007-03-13 23:55:01 · answer #2 · answered by amelie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rozzy is totally wrong. As you appear to know 'can' means 'am I able', nothing to do with seeking permission. So it is incorrect to ask Miss if you 'can' go as she is unaware of your bodily functioning (presumably). 'May' indicates seeking permission and should be used with the word 'please' if you wish to be polite. You should always use 'the'
2007-03-13 23:37:25 · answer #3 · answered by rdenig_male 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
It needs the
Both can and May can be used but not at ago
Eg
Can I please go to the toilet?
May I go to the toilet?
the only difference is that "may" is used without the word please
2007-03-13 22:04:33 · answer #4 · answered by Rozzy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋