Modal Verbs of Permission (may, can, could) grammar Exercise

Practise choosing “may”, “can”, or “could” to ask for permission, give consent, or describe rules politely.

Exercise Guide

How to complete:

Read each paragraph and decide which modal verb best fits each blank based on the formality and time of the situation.

  • Use “may” for formal permission, “can” for informal permission, and “could” for polite or tentative requests.
  • Notice whether the speaker is asking, granting, or denying permission.
  • Look for context clues such as workplace rules, polite language, or casual conversations.

Success tips:

  • Questions in formal settings often use “may” or “could”, while friends often choose “can”.
  • “May” sounds official or authoritative; “could” softens the request.
  • Use “may not” for formal refusals and “cannot” or “can’t” for firm, informal rules.
  • Imagine the tone of voice—polite, casual, or strict—to guide your choice.

Knowledge:

English offers several modal verbs to manage permission. “May” carries a formal, official tone, “can” sounds direct and casual, while “could” strikes a polite, softer balance. Mastering these choices helps you sound respectful in any context.

In meetings, classrooms, or emails, subtle differences matter. These exercises highlight when a request should be tentative, when a rule needs to sound firm, and how you can vary your language to match the situation.

Complete the Exercise

Paragraph 1

0/3 completed
Students not use phones during the exam, but invigilators call parents if necessary, and students step outside once permission is granted.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 2

0/3 completed
Employees request remote days through the portal, interns ask HR for temporary logins, and managers approve the requests before Friday.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 3

0/3 completed
Visitors not bring large backpacks inside, but they carry small purses, and security inspect bags at the door.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 4

0/3 completed
Excuse me, I speak with the registrar now, or I schedule a meeting for tomorrow so we complete the paperwork together?
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 5

0/3 completed
Club members invite a guest to meetings, but guests not vote on decisions, although they stay for discussions after the presentation.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 6

0/3 completed
During tours, you take photos in the lobby, but you not use flash inside galleries, and guides answer questions during breaks.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 7

0/3 completed
we borrow the conference room at noon, or we start later so another team finish their session?
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 8

0/3 completed
Residents request parking permits online, guests stay overnight without one, and the office issue temporary passes at reception.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 9

0/3 completed
Children borrow board games from the community centre, but they take them home, and staff ask for identification when games are returned.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 10

0/3 completed
Before the performance, musicians warm up backstage, but they not rehearse on the main stage, and volunteers help move equipment.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 11

0/3 completed
May I join your study group today, or I wait until next week, so you discuss it with your teammates before answering, and I check back tomorrow?
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 12

0/3 completed
Teachers excuse late submissions with a note, but students rely on that every week, and parents request extensions in writing.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 13

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Patients request a private room, family members stay overnight without approval, and nurses arrange visitor passes in advance.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 14

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Event organisers close registration early, volunteers invite extra guests, and sponsors access the VIP lounge with badges.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 15

0/3 completed
Library patrons renew books online, but they renew reference materials, and librarians extend deadlines during holidays.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 16

0/3 completed
Guests arrive fifteen minutes early, but they enter the hall before staff open the doors, and ushers guide everyone to their seats.
0 of 3 blanks filled

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