✨ Lesson 2: Modal "can/can't" (Asking for & Giving Permission)
In our last lesson, we learned to use 'can' for ability (I can swim) and possibility (We can buy tickets). Today, we will learn another very important use for 'can': asking for and giving permission1.
We use 'can' to check if it is okay to do something.
Asking for Permission
To ask for permission politely, we use the question form "Can I...?" or "Can we...?".
Can + I / we + [Base Verb]...?
- Can I sit here?
- Can I borrow your pen, please?
- Can we take a photo?
Giving Permission (Saying "Yes")
To give permission, you can use a few common phrases.
You: Can I have a glass of water, please?
Friend: Yes, of course you can. / Sure. / Of course. / No problem.
Refusing Permission (Saying "No")
To refuse permission politely, it's best to use "I'm sorry, but..." or to give a reason.
Tourist: Can I park my bicycle here?
Staff: I'm sorry, you can't. This area is for staff only.
Being More Formal: Using 'May'
'Can' is very common and friendly. If you want to be extra polite or are in a very formal2 situation, you can use 'may'.
- May I see your ticket, please? (very polite)
- Can I see your ticket, please? (normal and friendly)
🧠 Practice Quiz: What would you say?
Choose the best question for each situation.
- You are in a shop and want to try on a shirt.
→ Can I try this on? - You are at a restaurant and are ready to pay.
→ Can I have the bill, please? - Your phone battery is dead and you need to make a call.
→ Can I use your phone for a minute?
📝 Homework: Role-Play Dialogue
Write a short, 4-line dialogue between two people. Person A asks for permission to do something, and Person B gives or refuses permission politely.
Example:
A: Excuse me, can I take a picture here?
B: I'm sorry, you can't. There's no photography allowed inside.
A: Oh, I see. Thank you.
B: You're welcome.
A: ___________________________________?
B: ___________________________________.
A: ___________________________________.
B: ___________________________________.