Which one is correct? Can I help you? May I help you?
7 answers from our tutors
You can use both. "May I help you" is the more polite form, though.
Both of them are certainly correct andyou can use it. You use can I help you more because it’s informal and well suited for every situations like with your friends or relatives .
Check your English level for free
Take our quick and free test to find out your current level of English
Start testBoth are correct but “may i help you” sounds much better
In my opinion: Both "may" and "can" are used to indicate that something is allowed, but "may" is more formal. Children are often taught that only "may" is used for permission, and that "can" is used only for ability.
Both are correct however may I help you is more formal.
Both are correct. Can I help you? / How can I help you? The focus is more on the person who asks the question; do they have the ability to help you? It's mostly informal. You're friend is struggling to get the top off a jar: Can I help you? May I help you is more formal. There is less of a link between the person asking the question and the other. You would hear it more in a shop, or hotel. The relationship between the two is professional.
Hello,according to me," may I help you" is correct.