REQUESTS AND PERMISSION IN ENGLISH

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?

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?

GIVING PERMISSIONWe normally give permission by saying:

*Yes, of course (you can/could/may; it is, etc);

*Sure, go ahead; Help yourself, etc

Eg A: Is it OK if I borrow a pen?

B: Of course it is/ Sure….

To give permission with Do you mind if I…? Would you mind if I ….

We usually say:No, not at all

Eg: A: Would you mind if I closed the window?B: No, not at all

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.

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?

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

REQUESTS: ResponsesYes, of course Sure

*With Would you mind…./ do you mind…? Of course not

PracticeClick here and

here to do some exercises.