Modal Verbs of Permission
A2 · ElementaryModal VerbsCan, could, and may let you ask whether something is allowed, give someone the green light, or politely say no.
What you'll learn
- Can + base verb for informal permission requests (Can I sit here?)
- May + base verb for more formal, polite requests and formal permission
- Could + base verb for a slightly softer, more indirect request
- Can't / may not for refusing permission
Asking, giving, and refusing permission
Can, could, and may are all used to ask whether something is allowed, to give someone permission, or to say it isn't allowed.
Choosing the right formality
Can is the everyday, informal choice. May sounds more formal and polite — common with strangers, in professional settings, or when being extra courteous. Could is a softer, slightly more indirect way to ask.
Refusing permission
Can't is the everyday way to say something isn't allowed. May not is the more formal equivalent — note that mayn't is not used in modern English, even though can't and won't are common contractions.
Real English
Watch out
Use the base form of the verb after may, not the -ing form.
May not is not contracted to mayn't in modern English — write it as two words.
Not goes directly after the modal verb, forming can't, not before can.
Real life — At the office
"May I use the meeting room this afternoon?"
"Of course, it's free until 3pm."
"Great, and can I bring a colleague along?"
"Sure, no problem at all."
Practice
Exercise 1 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence — asking permission informally.
Exercise 2 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence — a more formal permission request.
Exercise 3 · Choose the correct negative
Choose the correct negative — refusing permission.
Exercise 4 · Choose the correct answer
Which is the most formal way to ask permission?
Exercise 5 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence — giving permission.
Exercise 6 · Choose the correct answer
Which modal is used for very formal, polite permission requests?
Exercise 7 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence.
Exercise 8 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence — refusing permission formally.
Exercise 9 · Complete the sentence
Complete (informal): '___ I turn on the AC? It's hot in here.'
Exercise 10 · Complete the sentence
Complete (formal, polite): '___ I use your restroom, please?'
Exercise 11 · Sort into groups
0 / 6 sorted
Quick challenge
Five quick questions to check what stuck.
Question 1 / 5
Score: 0/0
Choose the correct sentence.
You learned
- Can is the everyday way to ask for or give permission.
- May is more formal and polite, common in professional or formal settings.
- Could offers a softer, more indirect way to ask.
- Can't and may not are used to refuse permission.
Related grammar lessons
Modal Verbs of Ability
Learn how to talk about ability in English with can, could, and be able to — in the present, past, and future.
Obligation and Prohibition
Learn how to express obligation with must and have to, and the crucial difference between mustn't (forbidden) and don't have to (not necessary).
Requests, Offers and Suggestions
Learn how to politely ask for things, offer to help, and suggest activities using modal verbs like could, would, shall, and can.
Must vs. Have To
Learn the key grammatical difference between must and have to — must never changes form, so have to fills in the past, future, and question forms it can't reach.