1. How to use modal verbs CAN, COULD & MAY?
We use CAN, COULD, MAY for asking or giving permission, making requests and to offer help to someone.
Note!
In English Grammar modal verbs are used in many different situations e.g. making requests, permission, suggestions, advice etc.
Grammar Point!
How to use modal verbs + Example sentence
2. What's the Difference CAN, COULD, MAY - Uses & Examples
a) 'can' for asking / giving permissions & requests
How to form modal verbs in a sentence:
- Can + I / you / We / They / He / She / It + verb (base form) + object?
-I / you / We / They / He / She / It + can + verb (base form) + object
Example Sentence
1) Can I see your ID please?
2) Ladies & gentlemen, can I have your attention please?
3) Can he have more coffee please?
- Of course he can.
4) You can leave your bags in the storage area.
5) Zoe, you can use the bathroom upstairs. And, can you fill the bathtub after you're done?
Vocabulary Check!
Meaning
ID (noun) = short form for identification
identification = document with your name & photo
UK vs US Difference
Meaning:
(UK) bathroom - a room with shower/bath & toilet
(US) bathroom - a room with a toilet
b) 'may' for asking / giving permission & making requests - Example Sentence:
e.g.
1) May I see your passport please?
- Yes, here you go.
2) May I make a ticket booking for 3 people?
- Sure. Online booking is available on our website.
3) May we visit the rooms upstairs?
- Sure, you're welcome to look around.
4) May we join the city tour that starts at 2pm?
- Sure, you may wait at the lobby for the tour bus.
5) Excuse me, when can I make an appointment for the next visit?
- You may do so now. Let me check for you.
c) 'cannot', 'can't' to refuse permission or requests - Example Sentence
e.g.
1) Can I have more wine?
- I'm afraid you can't.
2) Brad, you can't have ice-cream before dinner.
-Mum, can I have it after dinner?
Of course you can, darling.
3) Sir, you cannot park your car on this street.
4) We can't go in without a valid ticket.
5) I'm sorry, but you can't sit here. It's reserved for guests.
Grammar Point!
We usually add 'I'm sorry', 'I'm afraid' for negative answers to sound more polite.
d) 'could' to ask / give permission & make requests - Example Sentence
Grammar Point!
'could' is more polite and formal
e.g.
1) Could you show me the way to the nearest station?
2) You could use the headphones for a small fee.
3) Could you wait at the lobby? Someone will attend to you shortly.
4) Alistair, could you lend me a hand?
5) Could you hold the bags while I look for my key?
Vocabulary Check!
Meaning:
(Idiom)lend a hand = to help someone
e) Difference:'can' & 'may' for making offers
Grammar Point!
'may' is more polite and formal
e.g.
1) Auntie Alice, can I help you with the household chores?
- Oh, thank you.
2) Paul, I can come in earlier tomorrow if you like.
- That'd be a great help, thanks.
3) I can come back later if you're busy now.
- It's OK, I can talk now.
4) Ma'am, may I help you with your bags?
- Yes, please.
5) May I show you to your table, sir?
- Thank you.
f) 'can' 'could' 'may' - Uses + Conversation Example
Beth is looking at some neckties at a shop ...
Staff: Hello. May I help you?
Beth: Hello, I'm looking for a necktie for my husband. May I look at some other designs or colours that you have?
Staff: Sure. These are the latest designs that we have. May I know if it's for everyday or formal wear?
Beth: I'm looking for something formal.
Staff: We have a few bestsellers this month. Can I show you the collection?
Beth: Oh, could you?
Staff: Sure. Could you wait a moment? I'll be back shortly.
(a few minutes later)
This range is very popular right now.
Beth: Oh, I love the vibrant colours. Can I take a closer look at them?
Staff: Please do. There's a 20% discount for these ties.
Beth: I think my husband will love it. OK. I'll take the blue and green ones, then. Could you gift-wrap them for me please?
Staff: Sure. Can I offer you a drink while you wait?
Beth: Yes, please. Thank you.
Vocabulary Check!
Meaning:
bestseller = popular & sells well
gift-wrap (verb) = to wrap nicely as a gift
3. Let's Recap!
-English Modal Verbs have many different uses.
We also use modal verbs 'can', 'could' 'may' for asking / giving permission, requests & offers.
Note:
i. 'could' & 'may' can be used in formal situations
ii. we say 'I'm sorry / I'm afraid + can't' to sound more polite when refusing a permission
Example Sentence:
-Can I sit here? - Yes, you may.
-Could you help me with the books?
-You may wait here.
-May I see the manager please?
-May I help you?
-I'm sorry but you cannot enter without a ticket.
4. Let's Practise!
Fill in the blanks with 'can' 'could' 'may'. (More than 1 answer may be possible for some sentences.)
i) Request
Brad: Mum, ........ you help me organise my desk?
Mum: Ok. When do you want to do it?
Brad: ......... we start now?
Mum: Sure, ............ you help me make dinner afterwards?
Brad: Of course.
ii) Offer/ Request
The phone rings....
Clinic: Smiley Dental Clinic. How .......... I help you?
Caller: .......... I book an appointment to see the dentist tomorrow?
Clinic: Yes, sure. Is this your first time here?
Caller: Yes.
Clinic: ........... you hold on? Let me check. Is 10am tomorrow a good time for you?
Caller: Oh yes.
Clinic: ........... I have your name & contact number?
Caller: It's Minami.
Clinic: ............... you spell out your name for me please?
Caller: It's M-i-n-a-m-i.
Clinic: ............. I have your contact number?
Caller: Yes. It's 899-431.
Clinic: ............... you repeat that please?
Caller: Yes, sure...
Do check out other grammar related posts below:
>>The English Imperative Form
>>How to Use 'Wish' to talk about Present, Past, Future Wishes
>>Imperative Verbs for Cooking
Thank you so much for reading & Happy Speaking!
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