This document discusses ways to ask for permission, request something, and respond to requests in English. It provides examples of how to: 1) Politely ask for permission using "can", "could", or "may" followed by a question (e.g. "Can I ask a question?"). 2) Ask for permission more politely using "do you think I could" or "is it OK if I". 3) Give permission by saying "Yes, of course" or "Sure, go ahead". 4) Refuse permission politely by giving a reason and using "sorry" or "actually". 5) Make requests using "can you" or "will you

1. REQUESTS AND
PERMISSION IN ENGLISH

2. PERMISSION: Asking for
permission
We use can to ask for permission to do something:
Eg, Can I ask a question, please?
Could and may can also be used (more polite than
can)
Eg, Could I download some photos onto your
computer?
May I make myself a sandwich?

3. PERMISSION: Asking for
permission, more polite ways
 Do you think I could (send a few e-mails)?
 Is it OK if I (make a phone call)?
 Do you mind if I (turn on the TV)?
 Would you mind if I (gave my boyfriend a call)?
*After would you mind if….? the Past Simple is used.
Eg, Would you mind if I used your computer?

4. GIVING PERMISSION
We normally give
permission by
saying: To give permission with
*Yes, of course (you
Do you mind if I…?
can/could/may; it
Would you mind if I ….
is, etc);
*Sure, go ahead; Help We usually say:
yourself, etc No, not at all
Eg A: Is it OK if I Eg: A: Would you mind
borrow a pen? if I closed the window?
B: Of course it is/ B: No, not at all
Sure….

5. REFUSING PERMISSION
•We don’t usually say no to refuse permission because
it isn’t polite
•Instead of saying no, we usually give a reason to say
why we refuse permission.
•When we refuse permission, we often use Sorry,….or
Actually at the beginning of the sentence to be polite.
eg; A: Would you mind If I used your computer?
B: Actually I’m going to work with it.

6. REQUESTS: asking someone to
do something
 We use can you and will you to make requests:
Can you take a message please?
Will you carry this for me please
 could you and would you (more formal than can and
will)
Would you carry this for me please?
Could I have my bill please?

7. REQUESTS: asking someone to
do something more politely
 Do you think you could (send me the requests by e-
mail)?
 Would you mind (opening the door for me, please)?
 Do you mind (sitting at the back)?
*The verbs after Would you mind…/Do you mind….take
the
–ing form

8. REQUESTS: Responses
Yes, of course
Sure
*With Would you mind…./ do you mind…?
Of course not

9. Practice
 Click here and here
to do some
exercises.