Can we play tag in the backyard?

Meaning: This sentence asks if it's okay to play a game where one person chases and tries to touch others in the area behind the house.

Choice of Words: Tag is a game where one person chases and tries to touch the others. Backyard is the area behind a house. The sentence asks if it's possible to play tag in the backyard.

Alternative Expressions

May we engage in a game of tag in the backyard?

Meaning: This question is more polite and formal way of asking if the speaker and at least one other person can play tag in the backyard. It's like saying, Would you give us permission to participate in the game of tag in the area behind our house?

Choice of Words: May is a more formal modal verb that also expresses permission. We still refers to the speaker and at least one other person. Engage is a more formal verb that means to participate in. A game of tag is a more specific way of referring to the game. In is still a preposition that shows location. The is still a definite article that refers to a specific backyard. Backyard is still a noun that refers to the area behind a house.

Could we possibly partake in a game of tag in the backyard?

Meaning: This question is the most tentative and polite way of asking if the speaker and at least one other person can play tag in the backyard. It's like saying, Is there a chance that we might be able to participate in the game of tag in the area behind our house?

Choice of Words: Could is another modal verb that expresses possibility. We still refers to the speaker and at least one other person. Possibly is an adverb that means maybe. Partake is a more formal verb that means to participate in. A game of tag is still a more specific way of referring to the game. In is still a preposition that shows location. The is still a definite article that refers to a specific backyard. Backyard is still a noun that refers to the area behind a house.

Related Expressions