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 |
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 as with other modal verbs.
Again, the most polite/formal way to answer these questions is with “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 she have a cookie? | Yes, she can | No, she can’t |
Notice that we do not “contract” may + not = mayn’t. ➨ Wrong!
Can’t and couldn’t are common contractions, however.