Can and Could — Permission

Hook

“Can I use your phone?” “Could I ask you a question?” Both are asking for permission — but one sounds a little more polite.

Notice

“Can I open the window?” — “Could I leave early today?” — “You can’t park here.” — “Students can’t use phones during the exam.”

Rule

Can asks for or gives permission in everyday situations. Could is a more polite way to ask (not past tense here — it’s about politeness). Can’t means something isn’t allowed. Rules are often expressed this way: “You can’t smoke here” / “Visitors can park in the front lot.”

Practice

  1. ______ I borrow your pen, please? (polite) Answer: Could
  2. You ______ (can’t) use your phone during the test. Answer: can’t
  3. ______ I sit here? Answer: Can
  4. Visitors ______ (can) park in the front lot. Answer: can
  5. You ______ (can’t) enter without a ticket. Answer: can’t

Connect

Practice more permission and rule sentences with our Grammar Quiz.

Try our Grammar Quiz →

This lesson supports: I can understand and give simple instructions and rules.

Azizul Hakim
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