VOA慢速英语:Modals for Asking Permission

modal verb - a verb (such as can, could, shall, should, ought to, will, or would) that is usually used with another verb to express ideas such as possibility, necessity, and permission

permission - n. the right or ability to do something that is given by someone who has the power to decide if it will be allowed or permitted

distinction – n. the separation of people or things into different groups

privacy – n. the state of being away from public attention

pop-up – adj. computers : appearing on the screen over another window or document

allow - v. to permit (something) : to regard or treat (something) as acceptable

formal - adj. of language: suitable for serious or official speech and writing

A Game to Learn "May"

A traditional children's game is called "Mother, May I?" One child plays the mother or father at one end of a room or a yard. The other children start on the opposite side in a line. The goal of the game is to get to the place where the mother or father stands. The mother/father player gives one player instructions, such as "Take three giant steps." The player must ask for permission to move forward by saying, "Mother, may I?" The mother/ father says, "Yes, you may" or "No, you may not." If the player moves without asking for permission, that player has to go back to the starting line. This game helps children to remember two things -- to ask permission and to be polite.