Permission: May, Can and Could helps you communicate about permission in informal, polite and formal contexts. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can ask for, give and refuse permission with an appropriate level of formality.
- Recognise and build the form: can/could/may + subject + base verb.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Permission: May, Can and Could for permission in informal, polite and formal contexts. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
Can I borrow your pen?
'Can I...?' is a common neutral way to ask permission.
Could I speak to the manager, please?
'Could I...?' makes a polite request for permission.
May I come in?
'May I...?' is a formal way to request permission.
can/could/may + subject + base verbKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- 'Can I...?' is a common neutral way to ask permission.
- 'Could I...?' makes a polite request for permission.
- 'May I...?' is a formal way to request permission.
- Use 'can' to give someone permission.
- 'May not' formally states that permission is not given.
Common mistakes
Not:Must I borrow your pen?
Use:Can I borrow your pen?
'Can I...?' is a common neutral way to ask permission.
Not:Must I speak to the manager, please?
Use:Could I speak to the manager, please?
'Could I...?' makes a polite request for permission.
Not:Do I come in?
Use:May I come in?
'May I...?' is a formal way to request permission.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
You ____ use my laptop if you are careful.
can
Use 'can' to give someone permission.
Visitors ____ not enter this area.
may
'May not' formally states that permission is not given.
____ we leave a little early today?
Could
Use 'Could we...?' for a polite request for permission.