Czasownika must, który oznaczaja "musieć", używa się:
1. do wyrażenia konieczności i obligacji w teraźniejszości:
You must complete this assignement on time. (Musisz ukończyć to zadanie na czas).
She must study for the exam. (Ona musi uczyc się do egzaminu).
2. do wyrażenia stanowczych rad i zaproszeń:
You must come and vist us. (Musisz odwiedzić nas.)
He must see the Tower when he is in London. (Musi odwiedzić Tower kiedy jest w Londynie)
3. do wyrażenia prawdopodobieństwa w teraźniejszości:
She must be at home at this time of the day. (O tej może powinna [musi] być w domu)
They must be crazy. (Oni muszą byc stuknięci).
MUSTN'T, czyli MUST NOT
Mustn't nie znaczy "nie musieć" ale "nie wolno". Czasnownik MUSN'T = BE NOT ALLOWED TO.
She mustn't interupt other students. (Nie wolno jej przerywać innym studentom.)
You musn't smoke here! (Nie wolno tu palić).
Can I ask you a question?
May I have a piece of cake?
Could I get you to turn off the lights
Some other common phrases are
Do you mind if I open the window?
Would you mind if I asked you something?
Is it okay if I sit here?
Would it be all right if I borrowed your lawn mower?
Giving Permission
Sure.
Go ahead.
No problem
To ask permission Possible responses
Is it OK if . . . I really wish you wouldn't.
Do you mind if . . . No, I don't mind. Go ahead
May I . . . Sure, no problem.
Would it be a problem if . . . No problem at all.
Would it be OK if . . . No, please don't
I would prefer that you didn't.
"Can I do this, in this way?" - is about ability of the person asking
"Can you show me the way to the bus stop?" - is about ability (as in knowledge & ability of giving directions) of person being asked
"Can I borrow your pen?" - is a question of ownership.
Therefore the correct form would be:
"May I borrow your pen?"
"Can we have a party here?", the teenager asked his parents. - is a question of authority.
Therefore the correct form would be:
"May we have a party here?"