Use can for informal permission, could for a more polite general request, and may for the most formal situations, as in can I use your phone, could you help me with this, or may I come in. The verb after all three always stays in the base form.
Grammar Rule
These three modals ask for or give permission with different levels of formality; the verb after them always stays in the base form.
Can, Could, May for Permission: Rules and Examples
| Modal | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| can | informal | Can I use your phone? You can borrow my book. |
| could | polite, general use | Could you help me with this, please? |
| may | most formal | May I come in? May I speak to the manager, please? |
Remember: choose the modal based on how formal the situation is; the verb always goes in the base form.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing the correct modal for the level of formality described. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Can, Could, May – Permission and Requests
No necesitas registrarte para empezar. Al finalizar verás tu calificación de inmediato, y si quieres podrás agregar tu nombre para personalizar y descargar tu resultado.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between can, could, and may for permission?
Can is informal, could is more polite and generally used, and may is the most formal, though all three ask for or give permission.
When should you use may instead of can?
Use may in formal situations, such as speaking to a stranger, a manager, or in professional writing, as in may I speak to the manager, please.
Does the verb form change after can, could, or may?
No, the verb after all three modals always stays in the base form, regardless of the subject.
Can could be used for both permission and past ability?
Yes, could can express both a polite request for permission and a general ability in the past, depending on the context.