@McTag,
Quote:I know the terms can be, and are, used interchangeably, especially in informal situations.
However on this side of the pond, among educated people, there is a no-too-subtle difference between "Can I play the piano?" and "May I play the piano?"
You create a no context situation where potential ambiguity exists and then suggest, with no proof whatsoever that this "educated" group follows the subtle difference. Of course that's not possible because you don't even understand the subtle difference.
It's not educated to fall for and pass on nonsense about any topic and it certainly isn't educated to think that you are doing so now on this particular language issue.
I can find copious examples where 'may' suggests either permission or possibility. Why aren't you and the other prescriptivists whining about finding a better word than 'may' to make it clear whether permission or possibility is being expressed?
Because you are such a confused lot you don't know bloody well where to begin. All you can do is memorize bogus rules and when you're questioned fall into the equally bogus "well educated people ..." or "language needs clarity ... ".
As Geoffey Nunberg says;
"The linguists are at least forthright in their rejection of linguistic morality. Their opponents, the defenders of traditional values, are more deceptive. They talk a great deal about morality, but in millenarian tones, as if the rules of grammar were matters of revealed truth rather than the tentative conclusions of thoughtful argument."
That's you in a nutshell, McTag. Go back over your posts and see how often you use that imperious yet empty manner of language discussion. Look at the posts of the others who defend these dumb prescriptions. You'll find that same bone-headed pattern.
Quote:There is a distinction there, and I for one would like to keep it. In many other respects too,
You keep making these weak motions towards describing a subtle distinction that doesn't exist. When the necessary context exists, and it does in real life, there is no "subtle" distinction.
Quote:I find Merriam-Webster quite disappointing, too loose.
After all this time, you still don't understand, McTag. See what I mean about having people who know squat and are not willing to invest the time and brain effort to get up to speed.
The only reason you think M-W is "too loose" is that they illustrate clearly the lies that are prescription. This thread, among others, is testament to dispelling any notion that you understand the complexity of these subtleties of language.
You certainly could, for you're a very bright guy, but ... .
