Asking for and giving permission expression

Asking For Permission

For example:

• Can I use your phone?
• May I use your phone?
• Do you mind if I sit here?
• Is it okay if I use this?
• Is it all right if I leave early?
• Is it okay if Bill comes along?
• Is it okay if I drink my tea here?
• Can I borrow your pen a minute?

more polite:
- Could I use your phone?

more colloquial:
- is it ok if I use your phone?
- is it alright if I use your phone?

Giving Permission

For example:

• Yes, of course
• Of course you can
• Of course you may
• No, go ahead.
• Yes, no problem

more polite:
- Of course, please do.

more colloquial:
- Yes, sure
- Sure!

Refusing Permission

For example:

• Sorry, you can't
• No, I'm afraid it's not allowed.
• Yes, I do mind, actually.

more polite:
- I'm very sorry but...

more colloquial:
- No, sorry
- Nope!

rude:
- No way!

Dialog

At the Library

Dona : Good afternoon, Madam?
Librarian : Good afternoon, Dona. What can I do for you?

Dona : I need to get some information on animal cells.
Librarian : What is it for, Dona?

Dona : I have to make a presentation of animal cells in the seminar next week.
Librarian : That’s fine

Dona : Could you tell me where I can get it, Madam?
Librarian : Look at that last cupboard. It’s marked

Dona : Oh, I see. May I borrow it for a day or two?
Librarian : Sorry, the reference books are not for lending.

Dona : There is no place around. May I sit here and take notes?
Librarian : Yes, you may.

Dona : Thank you, Madam.
Librarian : You’re welcome.


At the Classroom

Hery : Hi Dhea, what are doing now?
Dhea : Hi, Hery. I’m reading a novel.

Hery : What novel?
Dhea : It’s Harry Potter.

Hery : Wow, It’s awesome. May I borrow your novel after you finish reading?
Dhea : Sorry, I have to take back this novel to the library this afternoon.

Hery : Oh, never mind. Do you have another novel?
Dhea : No, I don’t have. But I have some comics.

Hery : Can I borrow your comic?
Dhea : Yes, of course.

Hery : Thank you
Dhea : you’re welcome.