one similar meaning of can, could, may and might

"What shall we do?" "We can try asking Lucy for help."

Can I use "may" or "might" to replace this "can"?

"What shall we do tomorrow?" "Well, we could go fishing."  

Can I use "may" or "might" to replace this "could"?

Please give me your opinion about this, thank you very much!

 

 

Can, could, may and might are often misused by English leaners. One of their distinctions is that "can, could" indicate ability (i.e. After six months of lessons, she can ride a horse) and "may, might" express possibility (i.e. Are you coming to the party? Yes. I may). The two sentences above indicate possibility, so I think may and might would be more appropriate.

I wish it'd help  

vefigs

The two sentences above indicate possibility, so I think may and might would be more appropriate.

These are very deceptive.  A suggestion is being solicited in the question, so the answer must contain a suggestion. 

A "maybe" statement is not a suggestion.

Maybe we'll go fishing (= We may go fishing) is not a suggestion.

And, of course, a statement of permission is not a suggestion either.

We are permitted to go fishing (= We may go fishing) is not a suggestion. 

* * * 

To make a suggestion, a statement of ability is used.  Here's how it works:  The ability to do something is a precondition for doing it.  If you don't have the ability to do something, of course you'll never do it.  By stating the ability precondition for doing something, we invite the implication that it should or will be done without saying that it must be done, which is the essence of a suggestion.

We can go fishing is thus a suggestion.  It states the ability precondition for going fishing.  If we can't go fishing, we never will.  But if we can go fishing, we're part way to going fishing!   We simply need to use the 'going-fishing' ability that we have and there we are -- fishing!

In short, can is a typical word for making suggestions.

CJ 

Yes.  You'll note that I accepted might fully in the first example.  I find it more idiomatic with things like might try -ing, but not so much when it connects directly with the main verb.  might go, might play, might attend.  Without the extra "padding" of certain words, I don't sense that the meaning It is possible that is blocked as well as it should be.  That was the reason for my question mark on the second example.

CJ