Hello students! Congratulations on completing Years 1 and 2 of American English. Now that you are better prepared and that your American English is stronger, during years 3, 4, and 5 of your American English studies with Maestro Sersea, you will receive a different English grammar lesson each week.
You are encouraged to do your best to learn from each English grammar lesson as well as do further research via the Google search engine below if you need to learn more about each grammar topic. Type the topic you’re searching for in the “Enhanced by Google” box below so you can search for more information.
Lesson 3.33.3: Year 3
Everyday Grammar:” Modals for asking permission.”
Can, Coud and May.
1. ”Can”
Usage: ability or capability: we use ”can” to express someone’s ability or capability to do something.
Example: She can swim very well. She can speak English.
Permission: we use ” can ” to ask for or informal permission
Example (asking) Can I borrow your pen?
Example (giving) Yes, you can.
2. ”May”
Usage.
Permission (formal) We use may to ask for or give formal permission.
Example (asking) May I have your pen.
Example (giving) Certainly you may.
Possibility ” May” can also express a possibility, although it is less common.
Example: It may rain later.
3. ”Could”
Possibility, Permission
It is more polite than ”can.”
Example: Could I use your pen?
Could We join you later?