Can I not read it?

Kateryna · Post by **Kateryna** » Mon Mar 25, 2024 11:53 am

Hello! I have a question. If the person asks about a permission not to read something, he doesn't want to read this and asks not to read this. Can we use phrase Can I not read it? is it correct? Thank you for you reply.

Brave · Post by **Brave** » Thu Mar 28, 2024 1:34 pm

There is more than one possible interpretation here, but the correct interpretation would normally be clear from
a) the context
b) tone of voice and stress

1. PERMISSION
Can I not read it? = Are you (or something) not allowing me to read it?
This is the most normal interpretation and would be more clearly expressed as "May I not read it?"

Can I not read it? = I don't want to read it. Can I just skip it/avoid it?
This is less likely and would be better as something like: Can I just not do it? Can I just not read it?

2. ABILITY
This is more likely with a different subject, eg you, him, they since I already know what I am capable of. Example:
Can you not hear it? = Can't you hear it? I can hear it. Why can't you hear it?

patron · Post by **patron** » Thu Mar 28, 2024 10:57 pm

If you are asking permission to avoid reading something, then it might be more direct and natural to say:

Is it OK if I don’t read it?

Josef Essberger · Post by **Josef Essberger** » Sun Mar 31, 2024 8:16 am

patron wrote: ↑Thu Mar 28, 2024 10:57 pm If you are asking permission to avoid reading something, then it might be more direct and natural to say:

Is it OK if I don’t read it?

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