Fill in the blank with an appropriate modal to ask for permission in the following sentence.
_______ I make a suggestion?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → can
Complete sentence: Can I make a suggestion? "Can I make a suggestion?" asks whether the listener allows the speaker to make a suggestion.
| Option | Meaning and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) can (answer) | Can is used to ask for permission ("May I" is more formal). | Can I borrow your book for a day? |
| (2) would | "Would you ...?" makes a polite request to someone else. "Would I ...?" asks about a possible action, not for permission. | Would you open the window, please? |
| (3) should | "Should I ...?" asks for advice (whether it is the right thing to do), not for permission. | Should I call the doctor? |
| (4) must | "Must" expresses necessity or obligation. "Must I ...?" asks whether something is compulsory. | You must wear a helmet while riding. |