Writing

Modal Verbs of Permission

In this set of rules, a modal verb for formally giving permission is used.

Identify the verb that gives a polite but serious mood or feeling in rules A through D. The answers will turn blue when you click them.

  1. Anyone may ask a question.
  2. You may use any one of the three microphones.
  3. You may not give a long explanation.
  4. You may sit down while Gilles and the reeve are answering your question.

In informal or close relationships, people often ask for, give, or refuse permission using the modal verb CAN. Positive permissions with MAY or CAN show that there is a choice. MAY NOT or CANNOT reduce choice. For example, Rule C means it is okay or permissible to give a short explanation. A person also has the choice not to give an explanation. However, if a person’s explanation goes on and on, he or she will be stopped.

Five examples of giving or refusing permission are listed below.

5
  1. Roshan says to his friend, “Nick, you can’t borrow my jacket and tie to wear to dinner with Daniel’s family.”
  2. Leela says to her husband, “Dev, you may withdraw your money from the bank.”
  3. Priya says to her mother, “Mom, you may send me recipes for cooking the best dishes.”
  4. Oksana says to her husband, “Ivan, you may not tell the reeve that we both want the festival cancelled.”
  5. Gilles says to his friend, “Claire, you may leave communication with the musicians to me.”

That's correct!

The “permissions” that are not possible are the following:

  1. Not possible because Leela doesn’t have the power or status to disallow her husband from withdrawing his money.
  2. Not possible because Priya doesn’t have the power or status to give her mother permission to send recipes to her.

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