11 Modal auxiliarles and related verbs
11.3 Uses of modals (etc.) to express permission and prohibition
11 .ЗА Asking for permission with 'can', 'could', 'may' and 'might' [> LEG I I .20-22]
We use can, could, may and might to ask for permission, depending on the situation.
1 Can is the commonest and most informal: Can I borrow your umbrella (please)?2 Could is more polite than can: Could I borrow your umbrella (please)?3 May is more 'respectful' than can and could: May I borrow your umbrella (please)?4 Might is the most polite but the least common: Might I borrow your umbrella (please)?
5 We can add possibly and use expressions like Do you think and I wonder if to make requests
even more polite:
Can/Could/May/Might I possibly borrow your umbrella?
Do you think I could/Do you think I might (possibly) borrow your umbrella?
I wonder if I could/1 wonder if I might (possibly) borrow your umbrella?Write: Make suitable requests for permission in these situations.1 You are visiting a close friend and you want to make yourself some coffee.
Çqai. 1..ШХМ&. ГЩ&^.ЖОШЬ. С/Ш&Ш. I
2 You are visiting an acquaintance and want to use the lavatory.3 You are at a party given by people you hardly know. You want to see their garden.4 You are visiting people you know reasonably well. You want to make a phone call.5 You are visiting a close friend and want to borrow his new car.11.3B Giving and refusing permission/Expressing prohibition [> LEG 11.19,11.23]
We personally give or refuse permission in everyday situations in the following ways:
can (not)) t ,-r,/f , n (Not 'could*)
You may' (not) i / / ) a watch TV for as long as J you like. (Not 'might")We refer to 'some other authority' that gives/refuses permission like this [> 11.10A, 16.5A5]:
You can/cannot or You're allowed to/not allowed to )
You can/cannot or You're permitted to/not permitted to > smoke here.
You mustn't or You're forbidden to )Write: Rephrase these notices to give or refuse permission. Begin each sentence with You...1 Thank you for not smoking
2 No camping or picnicking
3 Fishing strictly forbidden
4 Campers welcome
5 Private - Keep Out
6 Do not lean out of the window
7 Leave your litter here
8 No stopping