EC 2 & 3 Modals — Can, Could & May
From — How is it formed?
Can, could & may are modal verbs. A modal verb is not the main verb. A modal verb "modifies" or adds meaning to a main verb.
Grammar Form — Asking for Permission
Modal + subject + predicate
| Pattern | Sentence | Degree of Politeness |
|---|---|---|
|
Can + subject + predicate |
Can I see the book? |
less polite |
|
Could + subject + predicate |
Could I see the book? |
polite |
|
May + subject + predicate |
May I see the book? |
more polite |
*Use the subject "I" with may. Don't use the subject you.
Grammar Form - Polite Requests
Add PLEASE to make your request polite.
| Please + modal + subject + predicate | Please can I see the book? Please could I see the book? Please may I see the book? |
| modal + subject + please + predicate | Can I please see the book? Could I please see the book? May I please see the book? |
| modal + subject + predicate + please | Can I see the book please? Could I see the book please? May I see the book please? |
Grammar Form - Giving Permission
Can & May
Subject+ modal + predicate
| Pattern | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Subject + can + predicate | You can see the book |
| Subject + may + predicate | You may see the book. |
| Subject+ could + predicate = conditional statement | I said that you could see the book. Correct |
Grammar Form - Not Giving Permission
Can't and May Not
Subject+ modal + not + predicate
| Pattern | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Subject + can + not + predicate | You can not see the book. You can't see the book. |
| Subject + may + not + predicate | You may not see the book. |
Use the base form of a verb after a modal.
He can visit our house. Correct
He can visits our house. Incorrect
He cans visit our house. Incorrect
She may not do that. Correct
She may not does that. Incorrect
She mays not do that. Incorrect
Meaning - what does it mean?
Can means to be able to or be permitted to. Could is the past tense of can and is more formal than can. May is the most formal and polite.
Can and could also mean ability - a person's skill or general ability. This can be the ability to do something in the present or the future.
General abilities:
I can play the piano well.
He can't ride a bik.e
Ability to do something in the present or future:
He can go to Hawaii if he saves his money.
He can't travel by himself.
We use could to talk about the past.
I could speak French when I was in high school.
She couldn't pass the test.
Use - when.why is it used?
Use may, can, and could to ask for permission. Also use can and could to talk about abilities.
For more information on modals and practice exercises, go to http://www.englishpage.com/modals/modalintro.html