i can versus i may

[simonwai99]

Hi again
My question is what is the difference between " you may go now" go " and " you can go now"?
Thanks
PS : words " May " and " Can " seem the same to me
Thanks a lot

[Alan]

The traditional objection to the use of 'can' for giving/requesting permission is so frequently disregarded nowadays that to insist on it is often felt pedantic.

However, 'may' is still generally regarded as the more polite of the two forms in this sense.