My English lesson from the Ambassador’s wife. What the British High Commissioner’s wife taught me

How high are your standards of English?
When I joined the British High Commission I was to be introduced to the High Commissioner’s wife. We had a lengthy conversation and during that introduction I used the word ‘can.’ We had a good laugh when she suggested my usage was Singlish. I took to heart what she said, so I was quite amused to see an English teacher writing to the local Singapore press to say that it is perfectly acceptable now to use the word ‘can.’

ACCEPTABLE OR NOT?
In English, we have a number of levels of English, from formal to informal English and the language of the street. There are concepts such as good English, appropriate English, the best English and the most effective communication.

NOT THE BEST ENGLISH
The word ‘can’ will not be the best English to use when a more polite word could be used such as “May’ or ‘Could.’

SOUNDING RUDE
The problem with the word ‘can’ is that it is not considered to be the most polite language and the tone used might even turn the statement into a rude statement. “Can I sit here?" may sound rude and one of the purposes of language is to communicate effectively. Another purpose is to communicate nicely. Why use language that could be misinterpreted as uneducated, pushy and rude? One of the things we are supposed to teach as part of our teaching of English is how to use English effectively for successful interactions.

INFORMAL SITUATIONS
In informal English it is possible to use the word ‘can’, but consider how good mannered are you, how educated are you and how effective your communication is? You can swear – that is available in the English language too, but what does it say about you? Good teachers will tell you – you will hear people using the word ‘can,’ but there are consequences of such usage (as outlined here) and reasons why to avoid its usage.

I was glad the High Commissioner’s wife reminded me that I should reflect before using the word ‘can’ and I share her good lesson with you.

Consider in the following situations which is the best English usage.

1. For ability
(1) I can speak English.
(2) I am able to speak English.
(3) I speak English.

2. To ask for permission or to state what is permitted.
(1) Can I sit here?

(2) Could I sit here?
(3) May I sit here?
(4) You can’t smoke on the train.
(5) You are not permitted to smoke on the train.
(6) You are not allowed to smoke on the train.
(7) Smoking is not allowed. Smoking is not permitted.
3. To make a request
(1) Can you open the window? I would never use this because it can sound rude.
(2) Please open the window.
(3) May I open the window please.
(4) Could I open the window please.

4. To speculate
(1) He is not wearing a wedding ring. He can’t be married.
(2) He is not wearing a wedding ring. I doubt if he married.
(3) He is not wearing a wedding ring. This could indicate he is not married.

5. To mean – ‘is often’
(1) It can be cold in January.
(2) January is generally cold.
(3) It is usually cold in January.

6. To mean ‘is free to’ in the future.
(1) The doctor can see you tomorrow.
(2) The doctor is able to see you tomorrow.
(3) The doctor will see you tomorrow.

SUSAN MCKENZIE
TEACHER SU
English Teacher
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