Introduction
Today's Goals
Permission & Ability
Use "can" and "could" for asking permission and expressing ability
Possibility & Uncertainty
Express likelihood with "may" and "might" in professional contexts
Warm-up Practice
Click to hear examples:
Why Learn These Modal Verbs?
These four modals are essential for professional communication: "Can I schedule a meeting?", "Could you review this document?", "The project may be delayed", "We might consider other options". Mastering these will make your English sound more natural and polite in business settings.
Basic Modals
Core Modal Patterns
| Modal | Primary Use | Example | Formality Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can | Ability, permission (informal) | I can speak three languages | Informal |
| Could | Polite requests, past ability | Could you please send me the file? | Polite |
| May | Formal permission, possibility | May I leave early today? | Formal |
| Might | Uncertainty, less likely possibility | The meeting might be postponed | Neutral |
Role-Play Scenarios
Asking for Help - Office Scenario (A2 Level)
Scenario: Requesting Assistance at Work
Practice using "can" and "could" to ask for help politely in a professional setting.
Helpful Phrases for Requests
Informal Requests
Polite Requests
Responses
Client Meeting Scenario (B1 Level)
Scenario: Negotiating with a Client
Practice using "may" and "might" to discuss possibilities and make professional suggestions.
Professional Discussion Phrases
Possibilities
Suggestions
Requests
Practice Tip: Click on any dialogue line to hear the pronunciation. Use the sentence starters to create your own professional conversations. Pay attention to the formality level of each modal!
Speaking Practice
Real Conversation Practice
Apply modal verbs in practical speaking situations with these scenario cards!
How would you ask for help in these situations?
Practice making polite requests using "can" and "could"
Common Situations
1. At a Store: You need help finding an item
"Could you tell me where the notebooks are?"
"Can you help me find the dairy section?"
2. In Class: You didn't understand the instructions
"Could you repeat that more slowly?"
"Can you explain this part again?"
3. At Work: You need information from a colleague
"Could you send me that file again?"
"Can I ask you about the meeting schedule?"
4. With Friends: You want to borrow something
"Can I use your phone charger?"
"Could you lend me a pen?"
Request Patterns
Request Phrases
How would you handle these work situations?
Use "may" and "might" to discuss possibilities professionally
Professional Scenarios
1. Project Delay: Explain to your manager
"We might need more time for quality testing"
"The delivery may be delayed by 2 days"
2. Client Meeting: Suggest alternatives
"We could reschedule, or we might do it online"
"May I propose a different approach?"
3. Budget Issues: Present options
"We may need to adjust our budget expectations"
"This might require additional funding"
4. New Opportunity: Express interest
"I might be available to lead that project"
"May I be considered for the position?"
Professional Language
Professional Phrases
Quiz
Which is the most polite way to ask your manager for permission?
You need to leave work early for a doctor's appointment.
Which modal shows the least certainty about a future event?
Talking about potential delays in a project timeline.
What's the best way to ask a client for documents in an email?
You need financial reports by Friday for an audit.
In the office scenario, what was the BEST response when Mark suggested checking with Sarah?
Referring back to Module 3's role-play about deadlines.
Which phrase would be appropriate when suggesting options to a client?
Presenting different solutions to a business problem.
Mastery Achieved: You can now use can, could, may, and might appropriately for permissions, requests, and expressing possibilities. Review any incorrect answers and practice the role-play scenarios again for fluency!