What does it mean?
Modals of permission help us ask if something is allowed. Use can for friendly permission, may for formal permission, and could for a very polite request. Use can't, may not, or mustn't when something is not allowed.
Can I sit here?
May I come in?
Could I borrow your pencil?
You mustn't run here.
Ask: friendly, formal, polite, or not allowed?
FriendlyCan I use your ruler?Normal and everyday.
FormalMay I leave the room?Careful and respectful.
Not allowedYou can't eat in class.No permission.
Use can for friendly permission.
Can I play outside?Ask if it is allowed.Friendly question.
You can use my eraser.Give permission.Allowed.
Can we sit together?Ask a teacher or friend.Everyday permission.
Use can't when something is not allowed.
You can't shout in the library.It is not allowed.Rule.
Students can't use phones during the test.No permission.Class rule.
I can't go out now.Someone has said no.Not allowed.
Use may for formal permission.
May I come in?Very polite and respectful.Formal question.
You may start the test.Permission is given.Formal permission.
May we ask a question?Polite in class.Respectful.
Use may not for formal refusal.
You may not leave early.Formal no.Not permitted.
Visitors may not enter this room.A formal rule.No permission.
CarefulMay not can mean not allowed.It is stricter than maybe not.
Use could for a very polite permission request.
Could I open the window?Polite and gentle.Request permission.
Could we sit here?More polite than can.Respectful question.
Could I have a minute?Careful and kind.Polite request.
Use be allowed to when you talk about rules.
We are allowed to use pencils.The rule says yes.Permission.
We aren't allowed to run inside.The rule says no.No permission.
Were you allowed to stay up late?Past permission question.Ask about a rule before.
Use the base verb after can, may, and could.
CorrectCan I go?
May I speak?
Could I sit here?Modal + base verb.
May I speak?
Could I sit here?Modal + base verb.
Not correctCan I goes?
May I to speak?
Could I sitting here?No -s. No to. No -ing.
May I to speak?
Could I sitting here?No -s. No to. No -ing.
CarefulMustn't is stronger than can't.It means it is forbidden.
Choose the correct form.
___ your ruler, please?
Choose the correct form.
You ___ in the school hallway.
Choose the formal permission word.
___ I come in, teacher?
Which sentence politely asks permission?
Choose the best sentence.
Which sentence shows a strong rule?
Choose the best sentence.
Fill five blanks.
Choose the correct form. Think about friendly permission, formal permission, polite requests, and rules.
here, please?
You your work now.
We in the computer room.
your pencil?
Students inside.
Mixed question types of 5
Answer all five. Then tap Finish test to see your result sheet.
1. Sentence completion
___ the window, please?
2. MCQ
Which sentence is formal and respectful?
3. Type the answer
You ___ touch the hot stove.
4. Type the answer
We ___ use phones during the test.
5. MCQ
Which sentence is a very polite permission request?
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