Speaking Lessons: Permission
Table of Contents
Why Learn Asking for and Giving Permission?
In everyday conversations, it’s common to ask for permission politely or to give it to others. Whether you’re in class, at work, or with friends, knowing the right expressions will help you sound polite and confident.
A. Asking for and giving permission:
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.”
1. 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?
2. Giving Permission:
- Yes, please do.
- Sure, go ahead.
- Sure.
- No problem.
- Please feel free.
3. Refusing to give permission:
- No, please don’t.
- I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.
- I’m afraid, but you can’t.
B. Example Dialogue
Liza, eight years old, is asking her mother for permission to use the computer…
| Liza: | No, dear, you can’t. It’s time to go to bed. |
| Her mother: | Please, Mum, can I use the computer? |
| Liza: | May I read a story before I sleep? |
| Her mother: | Sure! But try to sleep early. |
| Liza: | Please, mum, can I use the computer? |
C. Worksheet: Asking and Giving Permission
Section 1: Matching
Match the questions (Column A) with the correct responses (Column B). Write the letter of the correct response next to the number.
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. Can I borrow your notebook? | A. Sure, go ahead. |
| 2. May I sit here? | B. I’d rather you didn’t. I feel cold. |
| 3. Do you mind if I open the window? | C. Please feel free. |
| 4. Could I use your phone for a moment? | D. Of course, you can. |
| 5. Is it okay if I take this pen? | E. Yes, that’s fine. It’s a free seat. |
2 → E
3 → B
4 → C
5 → A
Section 2: Multiple Choice Quiz
Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.
- “________ I borrow your pen, please?”
- A) Must
- B) Can
- C) Will
- D) Do
- “Do you mind ________ I sit here?”
- A) can
- B) I
- C) me
- D) if
- “Teacher, ________ go to the toilet?”
- A) can I
- B) I can
- C) may me
- D) do I
- “Sure, ________ ahead.”
- A) goes
- B) going
- C) go
- D) go to
- “I’m sorry, but that’s not ________.”
- A) possible
- B) possible to
- C) possibly
- D) possibility
2 → D
3 → A
4 → C
5 → A
Section 3: Gap Fill
Complete the sentences with the correct phrase.
- ________ I borrow your pen, please?
- Do you mind ________ I sit here?
- Teacher, ________ I go to the toilet?
- Sure, ________ ahead.
- I’m sorry, but that’s not ________.
2. if
3. may/can/could
4. go
5. possible
FAQs About Asking for and Giving Permission
How to ask for and give permission?
To ask for permission, use polite questions such as:
– Can I…?
– May I…?
– Do you mind if I…?
To give permission, respond positively:
– Sure, go ahead.
– No problem.
– Please feel free.
How do you politely ask for permission?
Use “please” and modal verbs like may or could. For example:
– May I borrow your dictionary, please?
– Could I use your charger, please?
Can “be” be used to give or ask for permission?
No, the verb “be” by itself is not used to ask for or give permission in English.
To ask for or give permission, you should use modal verbs like can, may, could, or polite expressions such as Would you mind if…?
Examples:
❌ Be I borrow your book? → Incorrect
✅ Can I borrow your book? → Correct
✅ May I borrow your book? → Correct
✅ Would you mind if I borrowed your book? → Correct
Tip: Modal verbs are the standard way to ask for permission politely. Using “be” alone will sound incorrect to native speakers.
What are 5 example sentences for asking permission in English
1. May I use your dictionary, please?
2. Can I join your group?
3. Is it okay if I borrow your bike?
4. Would you mind if I opened the window?
5. Please, may I have a glass of water?
What are 10 sentences for asking permission in English?
Can I close the door, please?
May I sit here?
Do you mind if I ask a question?
Could I have a look at your notes?
Is it all right if I borrow your car?
Can I help myself to some cake?
May I leave the room for a moment?
Please, can I use your pen?
Would you mind if I turned on the light?
Is it okay if I call you later?
