Can & Can't: Asking for Permission

A simple lesson for beginners

Read this classroom story!

Oumaima is in class and needs to go to the bathroom. She raises her hand and asks her teacher, "Can I go to the bathroom, please?" The teacher smiles and says, "Yes, you can." A few minutes later, her friend asks to get a drink of water, but it is not break time yet. The teacher says, "You can't get water now. Please wait until break."

We've learned that can and can't are used for ability. But as you can see from the story, we also use them to ask for permission, give permission, and deny permission! It's a very useful and common way to make a request.

Illustration of asking a question with a question mark

Asking for Permission

To ask someone if you can do something, you start your question with Can I...?

  • Can I go outside?
  • Can I have a cookie?
  • Can I borrow your pen?
Illustration of a checkmark for permission

Giving Permission

To say "yes," you can say You can... or simply "Yes."

  • You want to go outside? You can!
  • You can have a cookie after dinner.
  • You can borrow my pen.
Illustration of a cross mark for denying permission

Denying Permission

To say "no," you use You can't... or simply "No."

  • You can't go outside now.
  • You can't have a cookie before dinner.
  • No, you can't borrow my pen.

Mini Quiz!

Choose 'can' or 'can't' to complete each sentence.

1. ______ I please use your phone?

2. You ______ eat all the chocolate before your brother gets home.

3. Yes, you ______ watch TV for one hour.