ESL How to Ask for, Grant and Refuse Permission

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 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.​ How to Ask for Permission in English 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. 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. However, this form is quite common in everyday, spoken situations. 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? 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? How to Grant Permission in English If you would like to say yes to someone who asks permission, you can give permission using these phrases. The first three are more informal, while the fourth is formal. Sure.No problem.Go right ahead.Please feel free infinitive How to Politely Refuse a Favor/Deny Permission Saying no, is never fun, but sometimes its necessary. See the  conversations below for some examples. Im afraid Id prefer if you didnt / dont.Sorry, but Id rather you not do that.Unfortunately, I need to say no.Im afraid thats not possible. When denying permission, people will sometimes instead  offer to help in other ways, using the words how about and instead to offer alternatives. Im afraid I cant let you borrow my car, but I could drive you instead.I cant babysit your daughter. How about I call my sitter for you instead?  I wish I could help out; maybe another time. Sample Dialogues for Practice: Asking for Permission Which Is Given Jack: Hi Sam, do you think I could use your cell phone for a moment?Sam: Sure, no problem. Here you are.Jack: Thanks buddy. It will only be a minute or two.Sam: Take your time. No rush.Jack: Thanks!Student: Would it be possible for me to have a few more minutes to review before the quiz?Teacher: Please feel free to study for a few more minutes.Student: Thank you very much.Teacher: No problem. Do you have any questions in particular?Student: Uh, no. I just need to review things quickly.Teacher: OK. Well begin in five minutes.Student: Thank you. Example Situations: Asking for Permission Which Is Denied In this example, an employee is asking for time away from work. Employee: Would you mind if I came in late to work tomorrow?Boss: Im afraid Id prefer if you didnt.Employee: Hmmm. What if I work overtime tonight?Boss: Well, I really need you for the meeting tomorrow. Is there any way you can do whatever it is you need to do later.Employee: If you put it that way, Im sure I can figure something out.Boss: Thanks, I appreciate it. This example shows a father telling his son that he cant go out because of his recent academic performance. Son: Dad, can I go out tonight?Father: Its a school night! Im afraid thats not possible.Son: Dad, all my friends are going to the game!Father: Im sorry, son. Your grades havent been the best recently. Im going to have to say no.Son: Ah, Dad, come on! Let me go!Father: Sorry son, no is no. Practice Situations Find a partner and use these suggestions to practice asking for permission, as well as giving and denying permission as shown in the examples. Make sure to vary the language you use when practicing rather than using the same phrase over and over again. Go out on a weekday evening with friends.Use someones car for the day.Use someones cell or smartphone.Take a day or two off work.Skip school for a day.Play someones piano.Use someones computer.Make a copy of an article in a magazine.