Asking and giving permission
Asking and giving permission, accepting and permission refusing (declining)
Liza 8 years old is asking her mother for permission to use the computer:
Liza: Please mum, can I use the computer?
Mother: No, dear you can’t. It’s time to go to bed.
Liza: may I read a story before I sleep?
Mother: sure! But try to sleep early.
Liza: Thanks a lot, mummy.
When you ask for permission to use something that belongs to someone else to do your best to be polite. It is desirable to use the word “please”. This word can be put at the start or the end of the sentence or before a verb
Asking for permission
- Can I use your pen, please?
- May I open the window, please?
- Please, could I borrow your car?
Can / could / may + I + verb (base form)…+, Please?
Or
Please, can / could / may + I + verb (base form)…?
“ May“ and ”could” are more formal than “can”
Accepting and refusing permission:
Accepting permission | Giving permission |
Yes, please do. Sure, go ahead sure No, problem at all |
I’m sorry, but it’ not possible I’m afraid, but you…. No, please …… |