Use can for informal permission or requests, as in can I use your phone, could for a more polite general request, as in could you pass me the salt, and may for the most formal permission, as in may I come in. Would you mind is the most polite option, followed by the gerund or if plus the past simple.
Grammar Rule
These modals express permission and requests at different levels of formality; would you mind uses the gerund or if + past simple.
Modals of Permission and Requests: Rules and Examples
| Modal | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| can | informal | Can I use your phone? |
| could | polite, general use | Could you pass me the salt, please? |
| may | most formal | May I come in? |
| would you mind | very polite | Would you mind closing the window? Would you mind if I opened the window? |
Remember: can (informal), could (polite), may (formal), would you mind + -ing/if + past.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing the correct modal for permission or requests. 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.
Modals of 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 most informal way to ask for permission?
Can, as in can I use your phone, is the most informal option.
What is the most formal way to ask for permission?
May, as in may I come in, is the most formal choice.
How do you make a very polite request?
Use would you mind plus the gerund, as in would you mind closing the window, or would you mind if plus the past simple.
Is could more or less polite than can?
Could is generally considered more polite than can, and it can be used in both formal and informal situations.