Modals and permission
Looking at our diagram we can see that to ask for permission in the present or future we have four options; can, could, may or might. Could is a little more polite than can, and may or might are very formal, so choose the correct model for your situation.
Present
Can I open this window shade?
Could I open this window shade?
May I open this window shade?
Might I open this window shade?
Future
Can I use the jumpseat on the next flight?
Could I use the jumpseat on the next flight?
May I use the jumpseat on the next flight?
Might I use the jumpseat on the next flight?
To refer to permission in the past use ‘allow sb to’ (which is not a modal verb).
eg The company allowed me to continue flying 48 hours after the incident.
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