All about modals of permission

In informal conversations, we often use can to ask for permission. However, this verb actually refers to physical or mental ability to do something. A more accurate and polite way to ask is to use other expressions. It’s the perfect time to get familiar with modals of permission — the words we use for polite and respectful communication. 

Contents

1. Modals of permission: meaning and examples
2. Key modals of permission
3. Useful phrases for asking permission
4. How to give or deny permission in English
5. Practice exercise
6. FAQs

Modals of permission: meaning and examples

Modals of permission are modal verbs used to express permission, make a request, or give someone the right or opportunity to do something. Let’s imagine a situation: you’re sitting in an office with your colleagues, the air conditioner isn’t working, and you really want to open the window.

What would you say in English?

• Can I open the window, please? — as an option.
• May I open the window? — the same meaning, but said more politely and formally.

Let’s go over the main modal verbs of permission and the differences between them, so you won’t get confused and can feel confident in what you say.

Key modals of permission

1. Can
Can I borrow your pen?

• Commonly used in everyday, informal communication.
• Typical for situations with friends or colleagues.
• Frequently used in spoken language.

2. Could
Could I use your phone?

• A more polite and softer form of can.
• Often used when we want to sound more courteous or when speaking to someone we don’t know well.
• A universal modal verb — suitable for both informal and more formal situations.

3. May
May I come in?

• A formal and polite modal verb.
• Often used in official or academic contexts, in exams, or business correspondence.
• Less common in everyday conversation, but sounds very proper and respectful.

4. Might 

Might I ask you something?

• An even more cautious and polite form than may or could.
• Used very rarely in modern everyday speech.
• More commonly found in formal letters, old-fashioned, or highly formal situations.

5. Shall I…
Shall I close the door?

• Not a request for permission, but a polite offer to do something.
• Sounds a bit formal or British, but is quite commonly used in customer service, business settings, and meetings.

Let’s summarize:

Useful phrases for asking permission

English isn’t just about modals. Here are a few more interesting and very natural constructions used to ask for permission — perfect for official or formal communication:

How to give or deny permission in English

When someone asks you for permission, it’s important not just to say yes, you can or no, you can’t, but to respond politely and naturally. Here’s how to do it:

• Sure, go ahead!
• Yes, of course.
• No problem!
• Feel free.
• That's fine with me.
• Absolutely!
• You may. (formal option)

— Can I borrow your charger?
— Sure, go ahead!

— Would you mind if I opened the window?
— Not at all. Go ahead!

When refusing permission, try to avoid a harsh no — even if you really want to say it. It’s important to stay polite and consider the context. Even a refusal can sound friendly.

• I'm afraid not.
• Sorry, but that's not possible.
• I'd rather you didn't.
• Unfortunately, no.
• That might not be a good idea.
• I’m not comfortable with that.

— Is it okay if I bring a friend to the meeting?
— I’m afraid not, it’s a private session.

— Do you mind if I use your phone?
— I’d rather you didn’t. It’s my work phone.

Modals of permission are the key to polite, proper, and elegant English speech.

And if you want to delve deeper into the topic of modal verbs, we recommend reading our other articles:

• Modals of willingness
• Modals of probability
• Modals of obligation
• Modals of deduction
• Modals of ability
• Modals of advice
• Modals of necessity

Practice exercise

So, you now know how to ask for permission, give it, and even how to refuse politely. Now it’s time to practice! Ask someone today: Would you mind if I practiced my English with you?

In each example, choose the correct answer. Pay attention to sentence structure, politeness, and appropriateness for the situation.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between can and may?

The difference lies in the situation and who you’re speaking to. In a friendly setting with colleagues, you can use can, but when talking to someone like your manager or boss, it’s better to use may.

• Can – informal, used among friends or in casual situations.
• May — more formal, used in professional or academic contexts.

2. Can I use Could I… instead of Can I…?

Yes! Could I… sounds softer and more polite. Since it’s technically the past form of the verb, it adds a more hypothetical tone, making the request feel less direct and more formal (like Could I possibly… instead of just Can I…).

3. What should I say after yes if I want to give permission?

Yes, you can is a bit too direct and might sound harsh in some situations. It’s better to use softer and more polite options like:

• Sure, go ahead!
• Of course!

4. Is it correct to say Can I able to…?

No, that’s incorrect. Can and be able to have similar meanings (both express ability), but they cannot be used together in the same phrase. Correct options:

• Can I use your phone?
• Am I able to use your phone?