English Modal Verbs of Permission
- We use the modal CAN to talk about permission or ask for things at present.
- We can also use COULD and MAY to talk general permission in the past. However we cannot use COUL or MAY to talk about permission for a particular action in the past.
Example Sentences
- Can I ask a question?
- Can I go outside, please?
- Can I borrow your black coat?
- Can I come in?
- Can I hand in my assignment late?
- Could my father join us tomorrow for dinner?
- Could I borrow your book?
- May I use your notebook?
- May I go to the bathroom?
- You may take this Saturday off from work.
- You can use our resources for free.
- You can come with us.
- Passengers may sit anywhere.
