Modals of ability, possibility and permission - 4

Modals of Permission
Finally, let’s look at ways to ask for and give permission.
We use maycould 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.