How do we use modal verbs to ask for permission?

Today, let's talk about how we use modal verbs to ask for permission.

It's normal to use 'can' and 'could' to ask for permission. 'Could' is more polite and it very commonly used between adults.

• Can I sit here?
• Could I sit here?

'May' is mostly used between children and parents or teachers. When it's used between adults, it's quite formal.

• May I sit here?

'Be allowed to' is mostly used between children and adults. If it's used between adults, it's often asking about an outside rule.

• Am I allowed to sit here?

It's possible to use 'can't' and 'couldn't' as negative questions. Normally here we mean 'isn't it allowed?' – we are asking the same thing as the normal question, but we are expressing surprise.

• Can't I sit here?
• Couldn't I sit here?

However, if we use 'not' separately and stress it, it's possible to ask for permission not to do something.

• Can I NOT do the report? = is it okay if I don't do the report?
• Could we NOT meet tonight? I'm really tired
   

Let's review!
 

1. We normally use __________ and __________ to ask for permission.
2. Which two modals are mostly used by children when they asking adults for permission?
3. What do we usually mean when we use 'can't' or 'couldn't as part of a negative question?
4. What do we need to do to the sentence to ask for permission not to do something?