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Permission (can/may/could) Exercises PDFSet 3: Choosing the Right Modal: Can, Could, or May

20 questions·14 min·Answers included·Explanations included

Preview: Questions

Fill in the blank with the correct option.

1.You're at a friend's house. You say: '___ I use your Wi-Fi?'

a) Canb) Mayc) Mightd) Shall

2.In a job interview, the candidate asked: '___ I take a moment to think about that?'

a) Canb) Couldc) Willd) Shall

3.At a formal dinner, a guest said to the host: '___ I propose a toast?'

a) Canb) Willc) Mayd) Shall

4.Two colleagues are chatting in the break room: '___ I have one of your crisps?'

a) Mayb) Shallc) Mightd) Can

5.The chairman opened the meeting: '___ I have your attention, please?'

a) Mayb) Canc) Willd) Shall

... and 15 more questions in the PDF

Preview: Answers

1.Can

2.Could

3.May

4.Can

5.May

... and 15 more answers in the PDF

Preview: Explanations

1."Can"(a)

With friends, 'Can I...?' is natural and appropriate. 'May I...?' would sound too formal in this casual setting.

2."Could"(b)

'Could I...?' shows politeness and professionalism. 'Can I' would be too informal for a job interview.

3."May"(c)

'May I...?' is the most appropriate choice for a formal social occasion such as a dinner party.

4."Can"(d)

'Can I...?' is suitable between colleagues in an informal setting like a break room.

5."May"(a)

'May I...?' is used in formal meetings and official occasions to make polite, authoritative requests.

... and 15 more explanations in the PDF

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