Can, Could and May

What's the best way to speak to a world-famous author?

• Can I have your autograph?

• Could I have your autograph?

• May I have your autograph?

What's an informal way to speak to your younger brother?

• Can you turn off the TV?

• Could you turn off the TV?

• May I turn off the TV?

Which of these is correct?

• "Can I" is best for semi-formal situations.

• "Could I" is best for semi-formal situations.

• "May I" is best for semi-formal situations.

Which of these is only used with the pronouns "I" and "we"?

• can

• could

• may

How would you normally talk to your best friend?

• Hey, can I borrow your car tonight?

• Hey, could I borrow your car tonight?

• Hey, may I borrow your car tonight?

How would you ask a question of the female receptionist in an office you are visiting for the first time?

• Can you direct me to the elevators, hon?

• Could you direct me to the elevators, please?

• May I be directed to the elevators, Your Excellency?

You need to take a day off to accompany your elderly aunt to the hospital. Your boss is a strict man, who demands respect from his employees. What's the best way to ask him for permission?

• Can I take the day off on Tuesday? I need to accompany my elderly aunt to the hospital.

• Could I take the day off on Tuesday? I need to accompany my elderly aunt to the hospital.

• May I take the day off on Tuesday? I need to accompany my elderly aunt to the hospital.

Which word is used in more casual and informal situations?

• can

• could

• may

Which of the following is usually considered incorrect?

• May I enter the auditorium now?

• May we enter the auditorium now?

• May they enter the auditorium now?

You work on the telephone in a customer service position. You can't hear what your customer is saying. What do you say to her?

• Can you speak a little louder, please?

• Could you speak a little louder, please?

• May you speak a little louder, please?