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Permission, requests, and offers MAKING OFFERS FURTHER EXAMPLES

“Can” and “may” can also be used to offer
to do something for someone.
“Can,” “could,” and “may” are used to ask permission See also:
to do something, or to ask someone to do something Types of verbs 49
for you. They can also be used to offer to help someone. Modal verbs 56

ASKING PERMISSION AND MAKING REQUESTS Informal answers
“Can” is the most common use “can” as well.
modal verb used to ask
permission or to make
a request.

Negative answers can be
more polite by adding
“Could” replaces “can” for “I’m sorry” or “I’m afraid.” “May” is only used for
more formal situations, formal situations.
such as in business or
to talk to strangers.
“Please” is used in
polite requests.

“May” can also be used
in formal situations.

SHALL FOR OFFERS AND SUGGESTIONS
FURTHER EXAMPLES “Shall” is used to find out if someone thinks a certain
suggestion is a good idea. This is not often used in US English.

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