Permission modals (may, can)

Complete the sentence to ask for permission politely from a teacher: "Excuse me, Mrs. Chen, ___ I turn in my project tomorrow?"

• can

• may

• am I

• do I

Answer explanation

'May' is used to ask for permission in more formal or polite situations, such as when speaking to a teacher. 'Can' is more informal and better suited for friends.

Complete the sentence with the word that shows permission is being given: "Since you finished your chores, you ___ watch a movie."

• can

• cans

• to can

• canning

Answer explanation

The modal verb 'can' is used to give permission. Modal verbs like 'can' are followed by the base form of a verb ('watch') and do not change form for the subject.

A friend asks, "Can I borrow your bike?" and you reply, "Sure, you can." What does this exchange show about the use of 'can' for permission?

• It is only used for asking about ability.

• It is a formal way to ask for and give permission.

• It is a common, informal way to ask for and give permission.

• It is grammatically incorrect to use 'can' for permission.

Answer explanation

While 'may' is more formal, 'can' is widely used and accepted for asking and granting permission in everyday, informal conversations between friends or family.

Which sentence best paraphrases the idea "You have permission to start the project" using a permission modal?

• You should start the project.

• You must start the project.

• You may start the project.

• You will start the project.

Answer explanation

The phrase 'have permission' is directly expressed by the modal verb 'may' (or 'can' in less formal contexts). The other modals express advice, obligation, or future tense, not permission.

True or False: The contraction 'mayn't' is a common and acceptable way to say 'may not' in everyday American English.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The contraction 'mayn't' is extremely rare and sounds unnatural in modern American English. The proper way to deny permission formally is to use the full form, 'may not'.

Select the sentence that correctly forms a question to ask for permission.

• I may use your charger?

• Use your charger may I?

• May I use your charger?

• I can to use your charger?

Answer explanation

To ask for permission, the modal verb ('may' or 'can') is placed before the subject ('I'). This is called subject-auxiliary inversion.

Your friend asks you to hang out, but you have a big test tomorrow. How could you politely refuse permission for yourself to go out, explaining the reason?

• I may not go out; I have to study.

• I can't go out. I need to study for my history test.

• You can't go out with me.

• I will not go out.

Answer explanation

'Can't' is a natural way to express that you are not able to do something due to a rule or circumstance. It functions as refusing permission for oneself in an informal context.

A tour guide says, "You may not want to stand too close to the edge." What is the guide most likely expressing?

• A strict rule that you are forbidden from standing near the edge.

• A suggestion that it's possibly not a good idea to stand near the edge.

• A fact about your ability to stand near the edge.

• A formal command that you must obey immediately.

Answer explanation

In this context, 'may not' is used to express possibility ('it is possible you will not want to...'). It is a polite way of warning someone, not a strict prohibition.

In which sentence is the word 'can' used to grant permission, not to describe an ability?

• My brother can lift over 100 pounds.

• Yes, you can have the last slice of pizza.

• I can see the stage clearly from here.

• She can speak Spanish fluently.

Answer explanation

In this sentence, 'can' gives someone permission to do something. The other sentences use 'can' to describe a physical, sensory, or mental ability.

True or False: The sentence "You may not be on the list" has only one possible meaning: you are forbidden from being on the list.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The phrase 'may not' can be ambiguous. It can mean prohibition ("You are not allowed to be on the list") or possibility ("It is possible that you are not on the list").