Asking for and giving permission
Use can, could, or may to ask if something is allowed, or to allow someone to do something. They differ in formality, not meaning.
| Modal | Register | Example |
|---|---|---|
| can | Informal — everyday permission | Can I use your phone? · You can leave early today. |
| could | More polite / tentative | Could I ask you something? · Could I possibly borrow your pen? |
| may | Formal — asking or giving official permission | May I come in? · You may now open your exam papers. |
Negative permission:
can't and may not both express that something is not allowed: "You can't park here." · "Visitors may not enter after 6pm." (more formal, e.g. on a sign)
Making requests
Use can, could, will, or would to ask someone to do something for you. As with permission, the difference is politeness, not meaning.
| Modal | Register | Example |
|---|---|---|
| can you...? | Informal, everyday request | Can you open the window? |
| could you...? | More polite | Could you speak more slowly, please? |
| will you...? | Informal, direct | Will you pass the salt? |
| would you...? | More polite / formal | Would you mind waiting a moment? |
Would you mind + -ing:
A very polite way to make a request: "Would you mind closing the door?" The expected response is "No, not at all" or "Of course not" (= yes, I'll do it) — answering "Yes" would actually mean you refuse.
Exercises
Choose the best option for the situation.
1. You're a student asking a strict teacher for something. Which is more appropriate?
2. Sign in a museum: "Visitors ___ not touch the artwork."
3. You want to be extra polite asking a stranger for directions.
4. "___ you mind turning down the music?" "Not at all!"
5. Talking to a close friend: "___ you pass me that book?"