Modal verbs: permission, requests and offers

 

Modal verbs ‘can’, ‘could’ and ‘may’ are used to politely ask for permission, to make a request, and to offer help to someone.

 

We often use the modal verb ‘can’ to ask for permission or to make a request:

• Can I have some cookies? – Yes, you can.
• Can I borrow your pen, please? – Sure!
• Can I use your bathroom? – Of course!

 

In more formal situations, like talking to your boss or a stranger, you can use ‘could’ instead of ‘can’:

• Excuse me, could I sit here, please? – I’m sorry,  but you can’t. This seat is taken.
• Could I have your attention, sir? – Sure.
• Could you tell me the way to the town center, please? – Of course, it’s straight ahead.

 

‘May I…’ can also be used in formal situations:

• May I make an appointment for Tuesday? – Yes, you may.
• May I begin? – Of course.
• May I have a glass of water? – Sure, here you are.

 

Note: We can give someone permission with the words ‘can’ or ‘may’, or we can say ‘yes’, ‘of course’ or ‘sure.’

 

‘Can’ and ‘may’ can also be used to offer help. ‘May’ is used in more formal situations:

• Can I help you carry those bags? – Yes, please.
• Can I get you a drink? – No, thank you.
• May I take your coat? – Of course.

 

Sometimes we can use ‘shall’ to see if someone wants you to do something. This verb is not typical for US English:

• That backpack looks heavy. Shall I carry it for you? (Do you want me to?)
• Yes, please.

 

• Shall I open the window? (Do you want me to?)
• Good idea, it’s too hot in here.