Modals of permission

Finally, let’s look at ways to ask for and give permission.
We use may, could and can to do this.

Formality Example
formal

May I go to the bathroom?

May he use your phone?

medium formal Could I borrow your dictionary?
Could he pay you tomorrow?
casual Can I call you back later?
Can she have a cookie?


Now, look at the (main) verbs that come after the subject.
They are always in the simple form, just like after the other modal verbs.


The most polite/formal way to answer these questions is  “may.”

Examples:

 

May I go to the washroom? Yes, you may (go to the washroom)
Yes, you can
No, you may not
No, you cannot/can't
Can she have a cookie? Yes, she can No, she cannot/can’t