This document discusses the use of modal verbs like can, could, and may. It explains that they are used to ask for permission and lists the word order as modal + subject + verb. It notes the differences between can, may, and could - with can and may expressing present permission and could expressing potential past permission. Examples are provided asking for a cookie or going somewhere with different modal verbs. The document concludes that only can and may are used to give direct permission in responses, while could implies potential past ability rather than present permission.