We use modal verbs when we want to ask for permission in English. Can, could, may, and might all serve this purpose, but they differ in politeness and formality. In this lesson, you’ll learn when to use each one and how to give or refuse permission.
What Are Modal Verbs for Permission?
Can, could, may, and might are modal verbs we can use to ask for permission. They are followed by the base form of the main verb. These modals express different levels of politeness and formality, which we will look at in the sections below.
Structure:
Can / Could / May / Might + subject + base verb + … ?
- Can I use your phone for a minute?
- Could I leave work a little early today?
- May I ask you a question about the application?
- Might I speak with you in private for a moment?
Can
Can is the most common and casual way to ask for permission. It’s widely used in everyday conversation with friends, family, and people you know well.
- Can I borrow your phone for a minute?
- Can we take a short break before we continue?
- Can I bring a friend to the party tonight?
- Can I use your computer to check my email?
Could
Could is a more polite and less direct way to ask for permission than can. It is a good choice when speaking to someone you do not know well or when you want to sound more respectful.
- Could I borrow your charger for a few minutes?
- Could we use this room for our meeting?
- Could I leave work a little early today?
- Could I bring someone with me to the event?
May
May is the most formal and polite way to ask for permission. It’s often used in professional settings, formal writing, or when speaking to someone in a position of authority.
- May I speak with the manager, please?
- May I leave the meeting a little early today?
- May we use this room for our presentation?
- May I take a copy of this document with me?
Might
Might is rarely used to ask for permission in modern English, but you may still hear it in very formal or old-fashioned speech.
- Might I ask you a question before we begin?
- Might I speak with you in private for a moment?
- Might I make a suggestion about the new proposal?
- Might I have a few minutes to consider your offer?
How to Give Permission
When someone asks for permission, the response can be short and direct. The best choice depends on how casual, polite, or formal the situation is.
- Sure.
- Of course.
- Yes, you can.
- Go ahead.
- No problem.
- That’s fine.
- Certainly.
- Yes, you may.
How to Refuse Permission
When refusing permission, it is usually better to sound polite rather than simply saying no. Some responses are neutral and direct, while others sound softer or more formal.
- Sorry, you can’t.
- I’m afraid not.
- Sorry, but that’s not allowed.
- Unfortunately, that isn’t possible.
- I’d rather you didn’t.
- Sorry, not right now.
- I’m sorry, but you’ll need to ask first.
- I’m afraid I can’t allow that.
