This lesson introduces Permission: May, Can and Could as a core modal verbs structure for A2 learners.
When to use it
Use Permission: May, Can and Could when you need a reliable grammar pattern for common routines, facts, descriptions or classroom communication.
- Use Permission: May, Can and Could to build clear sentences in everyday communication.
- Start with short affirmative examples, then move to negatives and questions.
- Watch how meaning changes when the verb form or word order changes.
Form guide
Break the pattern into affirmative, negative and question forms. Practise one form first, then contrast it with another form so the rule becomes easier to remember.
Affirmative
Permission: May, Can and Could in a simple positive sentence.
Negative
Permission: May, Can and Could with the correct negative support form.
Question
Permission: May, Can and Could with the correct question word order.
Common mistakes
These are the patterns learners should check before they move into timed practice.
- Learners often mix Permission: May, Can and Could with a nearby grammar pattern from Modal Verbs.
- Short forms and auxiliary choices are common sources of mistakes.
- Accuracy improves faster when you compare one correct model with one wrong model.