Different Ways of Asking For Permission and Responding

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Asking For Permission and Responding in English. When you ask for permission to use something that belongs to someone else you have to do your best to be polite. It is desirable to use the word “please.”

Learn how to make suggestions and give advice to people.

Asking For Permission and Responding

Asking for Permission

• Can I go out, please?
• May I open the window, please?
• Please, can I have a look at your photo album?
• Please, may I taste that hot spicy couscous dish?
• Do you mind if I smoke?
• Would you mind if I asked you something?
• Is it okay if I sit here?
• Would it be all right if I borrowed your mobile Phone?

Giving Permission

• Yes, please do.
• Sure, go ahead.
• Sure.
• No problem.
• Please feel free.

Refusing to give permission

• No, please don’t.
• I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.
• I’m afraid, but you can’t.

Dialogue Examples

Liza, eight years old, is asking her mother for permission to use the computer…

Liza: Please mum, can I use the computer?
Her mother: No, dear you can’t. It’s time to go to bed.
Liza: May I read a story before I sleep?
Her mother: Sure! But try to sleep early.
Liza: Thanks a lots mummy.

Asking for and Giving Permission | Infographic