Could-May | Commonly Confused Words

Could

Expresses possibility or permission in the past, also used for polite suggestions or inquiries

She could hear a pin drop in the silent room.If we hurry, we could catch the earlier train.Could you open the window, please?

This word has no antonyms

/meɪ/

Used to express permission, possibility, or a wish; more polite or formal than ‘can’

At times, it snows even in May around here.What you are thinking of may or may not happen."May I spend the night here?"

This word has no antonyms

Could is often associated with ability or possibility, think of it as a capability you had or might have in the future.
May is linked to permission or probability, similar to asking or granting consent.
Remember that could sounds like can, indicating capability, while may is often used to ask for permission, like when you say you may proceed.
Could is used to suggest something that is less certain compared to can, which is more definite.
May is slightly more formal and carries a sense of uncertainty or politeness compared to can.