What are the differences in using May can and could to ask permission?

Whether these terms are interchangeable depends on how you use them: Discussing a Possibility: “Can” suggests a strong possibility or a general truth. “May” and “could” suggest we are less certain about something. Asking for Permission: You can use all three words to ask for permission.

Can and May in a sentence?

Even the Oxford English dictionary informs us that the permission use of can is not incorrect, but it’s better and more polite to use may in formal situations. Example: He can hold his breath for 30 seconds. Meaning: He is able to hold his breath for 30 seconds. Example: He may hold his breath for 30 seconds.

What is a good sentence for permission?

Examples of permission in a Sentence They got permission from the city to build an apartment complex. The teacher gave me her permission to go home early.

Could in a sentence permission?

Could is used with any subject to ask for permission. For example “Could I open the window?” or “Could you open the window?” are both grammatical.

Can can be used to ask permission?

Can and may can both be used to ask for permission, although “may” is considered more formal. “May” is the older word and has meanings that refer to the ability to do something, the possibility of something, as well as granting permission.

Can I use the modal verb to ask for permission?

B: No, you may not! A note: Speakers of American English often prefer to use the modal verb ‘may’ (instead of ‘can’ or ‘could’) to ask permission. You can also make requests with the modals ‘may’ and ‘might’. Requests with ‘may’ or ‘might’ sound very polite and formal. In less formal or casual situations, you should use ‘can’ or ‘could’.

How do you ask for permission in a sentence?

In modern English, it is very common to use “can” to ask for permission, particularly in spoken English. Form: “ Can I ” + base form of verb. Examples: Can I have a slice of cake? Can I go to the park with my friends? “Can I” is informal. “Could I” is more formal.

What is the Chapter 2 of the request for permission about?

Chapter 2 : Making Requests, Asking for Permission and Offering Helps – English for Communication : Aj. Kade If someone is given permission to do something, they are allowed to do it; if someone is denied permission to do something, they are not allowed to do it.

Which question would be more common while asking for permission politely?

I discovered that in some cases the question “might I…” when asking for permission politely is more common than “may I”. For example “Might I join you?” Which question would be more common while asking for permission “might I?” or may I?” Of course I realize that there is also “could I?” “would you mind?”