![students speaking](https://s3.amazonaws.com/smrtenglish.com/core/ENGL110B/Unit%2011/11-2g1.jpg)
A: Mom, may I watch TV?
B: Sure, but could you help me with the housework after?
A: Okay.
Can / Could / May + I + Base Verb ?
- Jeff, can I borrow your cell phone?
- Mom, could I go to bed late tonight?
- May I turn on the lights?
Use
Can I...? / Could I...? / May I...? = Is it okay if I...?
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/smrtenglish.com/core/ENGL110B/Unit%2011/sitwithyou.jpg)
Could I sit with you?
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/smrtenglish.com/core/ENGL110B/Unit%2011/gotothemovies.jpg)
Can we go to the movies this evening?
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/smrtenglish.com/core/ENGL110B/Unit%2011/bathroom.jpg)
May I go to the bathroom?
Can / Could + You + Base Verb ?
- Can you help me, please? I don't understand.
- Could you lend me two dollars? I want to buy a drink.
- Could you open the window? It's so hot in here.
Use
Can you...? / Could you...? = Please ... for me.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/smrtenglish.com/core/ENGL110B/Unit%2011/comewithme.jpg)
Peter, could you come with me?
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/smrtenglish.com/core/ENGL110B/Unit%2011/turnoffmusic.jpg)
Could you turn off the music?
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/smrtenglish.com/core/ENGL110B/Unit%2011/takephoto.jpg)
Could you take a photo for me?
Answers
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