Modals for Asking Permissions

When it comes to asking for permissions in English, using modal verbs correctly is key. This reference covers essential modal verbs like “can,” “may,” and “could.” You’ll learn grammar rules and see example sentences to help you master these modals.

Modals for Asking Permissions

Modals for Asking Permissions
Modals for Asking Permissions – Created by 7ESL

1. Can

Usage: Informal or neutral situations.

Examples:

  • Can I borrow your pen?
  • Can we leave early today?

Tone: Friendly, straightforward, often used among peers or in casual settings.

2. Could

Usage: Polite or formal situations.

Examples:

  • Could I use your laptop for a moment?
  • Could you please open the window?

Tone: More polite than can; shows respect or deference.

3. May

Usage: Formal or very polite contexts.

Examples:

  • May I come in?
  • May we take a seat?

Tone: Formal, respectful, often used in professional or academic environments.

4. Might

Usage: Rare but possible for very polite or hesitant requests.

Examples:

  • Might I ask you a question?

Tone: Extremely formal or tentative.

Can and May

We use CAN to ask for permission from someone we know well.

Examples:

  • Can I speak to John Wilson, please?
  • Can I borrow your pen for a minute?

We use May as a slightly more formal way to ask for permission.

Examples:

  • May I ask a question please?
  • May we go home now?

Could and May

Could is used as a more polite way of asking for permission.

Example:

  • Could I please have a glass of beer?

(Could is the past tense of can. However, when asking for permission, could does not have a past tense meaning.)

  • Could has the same meaning as may when making requests. It is equally polite to say, “Could I open the window?” or “May I open the window?

Could is used with any subject to ask for permission.

Examples:

  • Could you open the window?

May is primarily used for formal permission or a stronger sense of possibility.

  • It may rain tomorrow. (More likely possibility)
  • May I have another slice of cake? (Formal request)