Introduction
Some of the following materials are designed specifically for persons whose native language is Chinese.
Lesson 5
Section 1
How to ask for, grant and Refuse Permission
Asking for permission to do something takes many different forms. Perhaps you need to get permission to do something at work, or perhaps you need to ask a friend for permission to use something.
Remember to use polite forms when asking for permission to do something or use an object as you are asking a favor of that person.
How to Ask for Permission in English:
Section 2
For a very informal question use:
“Can I” + “verb”:
“Can I go out tonight?”
“Can he have dinner with us?”
The use of "Can I do something?" is very informal, and considered incorrect by some. However, it is used in everyday speech.
Section 3
“May I” + “verb”:
“May I have another piece of pie?”
“May we go out with our friends tonight?”
Traditionally, the use of "May I do something?" has been used for asking permission. Today, this form is considered more formal and is often replaced with forms such as "Can I..." and "Could I ..." Many argue that "Can I ..." is incorrect because it refers to ability. However, this form is common in everyday, spoken situations.
Section 4
“Could I please” + “verb”:
“Could I please go with Tom to the movie?”
“Could we please go on a trip this weekend?”
“Do you think I could” + “verb”:
“Do you think I could use your cell phone?”
“Do you think I could borrow your car?”
Section 5
“Would it be possible for me” + “infinitive”:
The infinitive form of a verb is usually preceded by "to", for example, "to run," "to dance," "to think."
“Would it be possible for me to use your computer for a few minutes?”
“Would it be possible for me to study in this room?”
Section 6
“Would you mind if I” + “verb in the past”:
“Would you mind if I stayed a few more minutes?”
“Would you mind if I took a five minute break?”
Section 7
“Would you mind my” + “verb + ing” + “your” + “object”:
“Would you mind my using your cell phone?”
“Would you mind my playing your piano?”
Section 8
How to Grant Permission in English
If you would like to say "yes" to someone who asks permission, you can give permission using these phrases. The first three are more informal, while the fourth is formal.
“Sure.”
“No problem.”
“Go right ahead.”
“Please feel free to contact me.”
Section 9
How to Politely Refuse a Favor or Deny Permission
Saying 'no', is never fun, but sometimes it's necessary. See the conversations below for some examples.
“I'm afraid I'd prefer if you didn't” or “I'm afraid I'd prefer if you don’t.”
“Sorry, but I'd rather you not do that.”
“Unfortunately, I need to say no.”
“I'm afraid that's not possible.”
When denying permission, people will sometimes instead offer to help in other ways, using the words “but”, "how about" or "instead" to offer alternatives.
“I'm afraid I can't let you borrow my car, but I could drive you instead.”
“I can't babysit your daughter. How about I call my sitter for you instead?”
“I wish I could help out; maybe another time.”
Section 10
Sample Dialogues for Practice: Asking for Permission Which Is Given
Sample 1:
A: “Hi Sam, do you think I could use your cell phone for a moment?”
B: “Sure, no problem. Here you are.”
A: “Thanks buddy. It will only be a minute or two.”
B: “Take your time. No rush.”
A: “Thanks!”
Now listen the the conversation without interruption.
Sample 2
A: “Would it be possible for me to have a few minutes to review before the quiz?”
B: “Please feel free to study for a few more minutes.”
A: “Thank you very much.”
B: “No problem. Do you have any questions in particular?”
A: “Uh, no. I just need to review things quickly.”
B: “OK. We'll begin in five minutes.”
B: “Thank you.”
Now listen to the conversation without interruption.
Section 11
Example Situations: Asking for Permission Which Is Denied
Sample 1
A: “Would you mind if I came in late to work tomorrow?”
B: “I'm afraid I'd prefer if you didn't.”
A: “Hmmm. What if I work overtime tonight?”
B: “Well, I really need you for the meeting tomorrow. Is there any way you can do whatever it is you need to do later?”
A: “If you put it that way, I'm sure I can figure something out.”
B: “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
Now listen to the conversation without interruption.
Sample 2
A: “Dad, can I go out tonight?”
B: “It's a school night! I'm afraid that's not possible.”
A: “Dad, all my friends are going to the game!”
B: “I'm sorry. Your grades haven't been the best recently. I'm going to have to say no.”
A: “Ah, Dad, come on! Let me go!”
B: “Sorry, but no.”
Now listen to the entire conversation without interruption.
Section 12
Practice Situations
Work with a classmate and use the suggested topics below to practice asking for permission, as well as giving and denying permission as shown in the above examples.
Make sure to vary the language you use when practicing rather than using the same phrase over and over again.
You will be asked questions on these dialogues in class.
Suggested dialogue topics:
Go out on a weekday evening with friends.
Use someone's car for the day.
Use someone's cell or smartphone.
Take a day or two off work.
Skip ESL for a day.
Play someone's piano.
Use someone's computer.
Make a copy of an article in a magazine.
Beginner Dialogues - Giving and Requesting Personal Information
Use this role play to practice asking about personal information. Personal information includes information about a person's job, marital status, address, phone number, etc. these questions are important when providing information at banks, schools, stores, when taking surveys and more.
Key Vocabulary
Surname, family name, first name
Numbers
Address
Telephone number.
Married, single, engaged, divorced, separated
Hobbies