Grammar: Can – Permission or Request

Grammar Foundations – Level 2 Unit 5 – Part 1- Can Grammar: Can – Permission or Request

Lesson Progress

0% Complete

Permission asks if the listener will allow the speaker to do something. Request asks if the listener can do something for the speaker.

Permission:

Can I open the window? It’s hot in here.
meaning: Is it okay with you if I open the window?

Request:

Can you open the window? It’s hot in here. meaning: Will you open the window for me?

Note: When we don’t have permission to do something or someone is refusing our request, he/she usually gives a reason why the action cannot be done. It can be very rude to only say something can’t be done without giving a reason why.

Polite:

A: “Can you open the window, please?”

B: “No, sorry. It’s too cold in here.”

Rude:

A: “Can you open the window, please?”

B: “No.”