Permission (can/may/could) Exercises PDFSet 2: Could & May: Polite Permission
20 questions·12 min·Answers included·Explanations included
Preview: Questions
Fill in the blank with the correct option.
1.___ I use your phone? I need to make a quick call.
a) Couldb) Didc) Wouldd) Had
2.The teacher said, 'You ___ leave the classroom now.'
a) willb) mayc) mightd) shall
3.'___ I come in?' the visitor asked politely.
a) Dob) Willc) Mayd) Must
4.I wonder if I ___ borrow your dictionary for a moment.
a) didb) willc) shalld) could
5.You ___ not take any books out of this room.
a) mayb) arec) dod) have
... and 15 more questions in the PDF
Preview: Answers
1.Could
2.may
3.May
4.could
5.may
... and 15 more answers in the PDF
Preview: Explanations
1."Could"(a)
'Could I...?' is a polite way to ask for permission. It is more formal and polite than 'Can I...?'.
2."may"(b)
'You may...' is used by someone in authority to formally give permission. Teachers, officials, and managers often use 'may'.
3."May"(c)
'May I...?' is the most formal and polite way to ask for permission. It is suitable for formal situations.
4."could"(d)
'I wonder if I could...' is a very polite way to ask for permission. The past tense 'could' makes the request more tentative and respectful.
5."may"(a)
'You may not...' is a formal way to refuse permission or state a prohibition. It is common in libraries and official notices.
... and 15 more explanations in the PDF
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