The document provides various phrases for apologizing, expressing regret, and asking for permission in different contexts, emphasizing the importance of formality and politeness in communication. It categorizes phrases by their level of formality and specific situations, such as small accidents, serious mistakes, and requesting permission. Examples illustrate informal and formal variations, with a focus on usage in everyday and business interactions.

2. Say these phrases for very small accidents and mistakes,
like when you step on someone’s foot.

3. Say these phrases to apologize for specific bad things you
did. The last one is more formal.

4. Say this phrase to accept your responsibility for the
mistake.

5. These phrases express stronger regret for a more serious
mistake.

6. Use these phrases to say what you wish you had done
differently in the past.
“I’m sorry – I should have called and told you I’d be late.”

7. These phrases are more formal, and are typically used in
business letters.
“Please accept our apologies for the delay in delivering
your order.”

8. 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 one of her possessions, or maybe you
need to ask the teacher if you can leave room the for a
moment or two. 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.

9. Can I + verb - VERY INFORMAL
Can I go out tonight?
Can he have dinner with us?
NOTE: The use of "Can I do something?" is very informal,
and considered incorrect by many. However, it is used in
everyday informal speech and for that reason has been
included.

10. May I + verb
May I have another piece of pie?
May we go out with our friends tonight?
NOTE: Traditionally, the use of "May I do something?" has
been used for asking permission. In modern society, this
form has become a little more formal and is often replaced
with other forms such as "Can I..." and "Could I ..." Many
argue that "Can I ..." is incorrect because it refers to ability.

11. Could I please + verb
 Could I please go with Tom to the movie?
 Could we please go on 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?
Would it be possible for me + infinitive
 Would it be possible for me to use your computer for a few minutes?
 Would it be possible for to study in this room?

12. Would you mind if I + verb in past
 Would you mind if I stayed a few more minutes?
 Would you mind if I took a five minute break?
Would you mind my + verb + ing + your + object
 Would you mind my using your cellphone?
 Would you mind my playing your piano?