📝 Created by: El Arby Ameur | 📅 August 2026 | 🌐 lesson.tn
📊 Can vs Could vs May vs Be Able To: Complete Comparison
Level: A2-B1 | Topic: Choosing the correct modal verb
GrammarComparisoncomparison chartpoliteness
Quick Comparison Table
Modal Verb
Use
Politeness Level
Example
CAN
Ability, Permission, Request
Informal
Can you help me?
COULD
Past ability, Polite request
Polite / Formal
Could you help me?
MAY
Permission (formal), Possibility
Very Formal
May I come in?
BE ABLE TO
Future ability, Specific achievement
Neutral
I will be able to come.
📌 Politeness Levels for Requests
Informal → Formal:
• "Can you pass the salt?" (Informal - with friends)
• "Could you pass the salt?" (Polite - standard)
• "Would you be able to pass the salt?" (Very polite)
• "May I have the salt?" (Very formal)
📌 Permission Levels
Asking for permission:
• "Can I leave early?" (Informal)
• "Could I leave early?" (Polite)
• "May I leave early?" (Very formal)
Giving permission:
• "You can leave." (Common)
• "You may leave." (Formal)
💡 Pro Tip: In everyday conversation, 'can' and 'could' are most common. 'May' is rarely used in spoken English except in very formal situations.