Verbs

Modals for Asking Permissions

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Published on by Grammargeek • Revised on
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A2 EnglishB1 English

When it comes to asking for permissions in English, using modal verbs correctly is key. This article 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 PermissionsPin
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)
 
A2 Knowledge Check · 5 questions

Modals For Asking Permissions Practice Quiz (A2-B1)

1 / 5
Q1

Question 1: ___ I use your phone for a minute? I need to call my mum.

Question 1 options
'Can' is correct because it is the standard informal modal verb used to ask for permission in casual, everyday situations. 'Must' expresses obligation, 'should' expresses advice, and 'will' expresses future intention — none of these ask for permission.
Q2

Question 2: A person says 'Can I sit here?' to a stranger on a bus. What does this sentence express?

Question 2 options
'Can' in this context expresses a request for permission in a neutral, everyday situation. It is not a command, a future plan, or an expression of ability in this context.
Q3

Question 3: Manager: 'This is a formal meeting room.' Employee: '___ I bring my coffee in here, or should I leave it outside?'

Question 3 options
'Could' is correct because the employee is in a formal work setting and needs to ask politely for permission. 'Can' is too informal for this professional context, 'shall' is used for offers, and 'will' does not ask for permission.
Q4

Question 4: You are at a friend's house and want to use their laptop. The best and most natural way to ask is: '___ I use your laptop?'

Question 4 options
'Can' is the best choice because you are in an informal, friendly setting among people you know well. 'Might' is extremely formal and rare, 'should' expresses advice not permission, and 'will' expresses future intention.
Q5

Question 5: Match each sentence to the correct grammar label.

Question 5 options
Can I borrow your pen?
Could I please use your phone?
May I enter the office?
Might I ask you something?
Polite permission request
Informal permission request
Very formal or hesitant permission request
Formal permission request

Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

'Can' is used for informal permission, 'could' for polite permission, 'may' for formal permission, and 'might' for very formal or hesitant permission requests.

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