Chapter 14 — Using Can, May, and Should | Unnati Classes
Chapter 14

Using “Can,” “May,” and “Should” for Permission and Advice

14.1 Introduction

The words Can, May, and Should are modal verbs. They help us ask for permission, give advice, make suggestions, and talk politely in English.

Can and May are mostly used to ask or give permission, while Should is used to give advice or suggestions. Learning how to use them correctly makes your English sound polite and natural.

14.2 Basic Rules

  • Can → Used for permission (informal): Can I go out?
  • May → Used for permission (formal): May I come in?
  • Should → Used for advice or suggestion: You should study regularly.

14.3 50 Common Sentences Using Can, May, and Should

  1. 1. Can I go to the washroom?
  2. 2. Can I borrow your pen?
  3. 3. Can I sit here?
  4. 4. Can you help me?
  5. 5. Can we start the class?
  6. 6. May I come in, sir?
  7. 7. May I ask a question?
  8. 8. May I leave early today?
  9. 9. May I use your phone?
  10. 10. May I sit down?
  11. 11. You should respect your elders.
  12. 12. You should complete your homework.
  13. 13. You should eat healthy food.
  14. 14. You should sleep early.
  15. 15. You should drink enough water.
  16. 16. Can she join the class?
  17. 17. Can they play outside?
  18. 18. Can we use this room?
  19. 19. Can I open the window?
  20. 20. Can you explain this topic?
  21. 21. May we start the meeting?
  22. 22. May I know your name?
  23. 23. May she enter the room?
  24. 24. May I speak to you?
  25. 25. May I take a day off?
  26. 26. You should follow the rules.
  27. 27. You should listen carefully.
  28. 28. You should practice English daily.
  29. 29. You should be polite.
  30. 30. You should help others.
  31. 31. Can I drink water?
  32. 32. Can we go now?
  33. 33. Can you repeat the question?
  34. 34. Can he answer this?
  35. 35. Can I use the computer?
  36. 36. May I close the door?
  37. 37. May I take your permission?
  38. 38. May we sit together?
  39. 39. May I borrow your book?
  40. 40. May I help you?
  41. 41. You should not waste time.
  42. 42. You should not be late.
  43. 43. You should take rest.
  44. 44. You should try again.
  45. 45. You should believe in yourself.
  46. 46. Can I answer now?
  47. 47. May I submit my work?
  48. 48. You should revise before exams.
  49. 49. You should keep your room clean.
  50. 50. You should always speak politely.

14.4 Worksheet — Practice Can, May, and Should

Section 1 — Fill in the Blanks

  1. ______ I come in?
  2. ______ you help me?
  3. You ______ complete your homework.
  4. ______ I borrow your pen?
  5. You ______ respect your teachers.
  1. May
  2. Can
  3. should
  4. Can / May
  5. should

Section 2 — Choose the Correct Option

  1. (Can / Should) I sit here?
  2. You (may / should) eat healthy food.
  3. (Can / Should) you pass me the book?
  4. You (can / should) not be late.
  1. Can
  2. should
  3. Can
  4. should

Section 3 — Rewrite Using Should

  1. Eat healthy food.
  2. Study regularly.
  3. Be polite.
  4. Drink water.
  1. You should eat healthy food.
  2. You should study regularly.
  3. You should be polite.
  4. You should drink water.

Section 4 — True or False

  1. “May” is used for polite permission. (True / False)
  2. “Should” is used for advice. (True / False)
  3. “Can” is never used for permission. (True / False)
  4. “Should” is a command. (True / False)
  1. True
  2. True
  3. False
  4. False
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