Key Concept: Using “Can” for Permission

When you use “can” to ask for permission, you’re essentially checking if the other person will allow you to do something. It’s a very common way to ask, especially in informal situations, like when speaking to friends, classmates, or people you know well.

For example:

• “Can I borrow your pen?”
• “Can we go outside now?”

1. Structure of Using “Can” for Permission

To ask for permission, the basic structure is: Can + subject + base verb + object?

Let’s break that down:

• Can: The modal verb that indicates you’re asking if something is allowed.
• Subject: This is usually “I” or “we” if you’re asking for yourself or a group.
• Base verb: The main action word, like “borrow” or “go.”
• Object: Sometimes you include what you’re asking about, like “your pen.”

So, a typical permission question looks like this:

• “Can I use your phone?”
• “Can we leave early?”

2. Examples of “Can” for Permission

Here are a few more ways to use “can” for permission in different contexts:

• At school:
  • “Can I go to the bathroom?”
  • “Can we work together on this project?”
• At home:
  • “Mom, can I stay up late tonight?”
  • “Can I invite a friend over?”
• With friends:
  • “Can I borrow your jacket?”
  • “Can we watch a movie together?”

3. Using “Can” vs. “May”

While “can” is very common in everyday language, “may” is sometimes used when we want to be extra polite or formal. “May” sounds slightly more formal and respectful. For instance:

• Informal: “Can I sit here?”
• Formal: “May I sit here?”

In spoken English today, “can” is widely accepted, even in polite company, so don’t worry too much about switching to “may” unless you want to sound especially formal.

4. Common Mistakes

1. Using “Can” in the Wrong Context:
   • ❌ Incorrect: “Can you give me this?” (This sounds more like a command than a request!)
   • ✅ Correct: “Can you give me this, please?” (Adding “please” makes it more polite!)
2. Forgetting to Use “Can” with a Question Structure:
   • ❌ Incorrect: “You can give me the book?”
   • ✅ Correct: “Can you give me the book?”

Practice Time! 🎉

Fill in the blanks with “can” to ask for permission politely:

1. ______ I have a piece of cake?
2. ______ we go outside for a bit?
3. ______ you help me with my homework?

Answers:

1. Can I have a piece of cake?
2. Can we go outside for a bit?
3. Can you help me with my homework?