Hello everyone! Welcome to our English lesson about asking permission. If you are just starting to learn English (A1 level), this lesson is perfect for you! Learning how to ask permission is super important for everyday conversations. It helps you be polite and get what you need in a friendly way. Let’s learn some basic English phrases to help you ask for permission easily.

Why is Asking Permission Important?

Imagine you are in a classroom and you need to go to the restroom. Or maybe you want to borrow a pen from your friend. In these situations, you need to ask permission. Asking permission shows respect and good manners. It’s a key part of polite English and helps you communicate effectively in everyday English situations.

When you learn to ask for permission correctly, people will understand you better and be more willing to help you. It’s a fantastic skill to have as an English for beginners learner!

Basic Phrases for Asking Permission

Let’s look at some simple and useful phrases you can use to ask permission. These are great for spoken English practice and will make you sound more confident.

1. “Can I…?”

This is a very common and easy way to ask permission. You can use “Can I…?” in many situations. It’s informal but perfectly okay to use with friends, family, and in casual situations.

• Can I open the window, please?
• Can I borrow your pen?
• Can I have some water?
• Can I sit here?

Remember to say “please” to be even more polite!

2. “May I…?”

“May I…?” is a bit more formal than “Can I…?”. It’s also a good way to ask permission, especially when you are talking to someone you don’t know very well, or someone in authority, like a teacher or a boss. Using “May I…?” shows extra politeness.

• May I come in? (Knocking on a door)
• May I ask a question? (In class or a meeting)
• May I leave early today?
• May I use your phone, please?

3. “Could I…?”

“Could I…?” is also a polite way to ask permission. It’s similar to “May I…?” in formality and is often used in similar situations. It’s another excellent phrase for improving English vocabulary related to politeness.

• Could I have your attention, please?
• Could I speak to you for a moment?
• Could I get a glass of juice?
• Could I see that book, please?

4. “Is it okay if I…?”

This phrase is a bit longer, but it’s also very useful. “Is it okay if I…?” directly asks if something is acceptable to the other person. It’s good for checking if your action will cause any problems.

• Is it okay if I use your computer?
• Is it okay if I turn on the TV?
• Is it okay if I bring a friend?
• Is it okay if I park my car here?

How to Ask Permission in Different Situations

Let’s see how you can use these phrases in different everyday English situations. This will help you understand the practical usage of asking permission in English.

Asking Permission in the Classroom

In the classroom, you need to be polite to your teacher. Here are some examples:

• To go to the restroom: “Excuse me, may I go to the restroom, please?” or “Teacher, can I go to the toilet, please?”
• To ask a question: “May I ask a question?” or “Could I ask something?”
• To borrow a pen: “Can I borrow a pen, please?” or “Could I borrow your pen?”
• To open the window: “Can I open the window? It’s hot in here.”

Asking Permission at Home

At home, you can use “Can I…?” with your family members. You can also use “Could I…?” or “Is it okay if I…?” to be a little more polite, especially when asking for something special.

• To watch TV: “Mom, can I watch TV now?” or “Dad, is it okay if I watch TV after I finish my homework?”
• To go out with friends: “Mom, can I go out with my friends tonight?” or “Dad, could I go to the park with my friends?”
• To eat something: “Can I have a snack?” or “May I have an apple, please?”
• To use the computer: “Can I use the computer for a bit?” or “Is it okay if I use the computer to do my homework?”

Asking Permission in a Shop or Restaurant

When you are in a shop or restaurant, it’s important to be polite to the staff. Using “May I…?” and “Could I…?” is a good idea here.

• To ask for help: “Excuse me, could I ask for some help?” or “May I ask you something?”
• To try something on in a shop: “May I try this on, please?” (Holding up clothes)
• To ask for the menu: “May I see the menu, please?”
• To ask for the bill: “Excuse me, could I have the bill, please?”

Let’s Practice!

Now it’s your turn to practice! Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase to ask permission. Choose from: Can I, May I, Could I, Is it okay if I.

1. Excuse me, _______ ask you a question?
2. _______ borrow your book for a day?
3. _______ sit here, please?
4. _______ open the door? It’s hot.
5. _______ have a glass of water, please?
6. _______ use your phone to make a call?
7. _______ take a picture of you?
8. _______ leave early today? I don’t feel well.
9. _______ bring my dog to your house?
10. _______ turn off the lights? I’m going to sleep.

Answer Key

1. Excuse me, May I ask you a question?
2. Can I borrow your book for a day?
3. Can I sit here, please?
4. Can I open the door? It’s hot.
5. Can I have a glass of water, please?
6. Could I use your phone to make a call? (More polite in this situation)
7. Is it okay if I take a picture of you? (Checking if it’s acceptable)
8. May I leave early today? I don’t feel well. (More formal, suitable for work/school)
9. Is it okay if I bring my dog to your house? (Checking for potential issues)
10. Can I turn off the lights? I’m going to sleep.

Practice Speaking with Lingofrnd

Great job practicing asking permission in English! Now, to really improve your spoken English practice and build confidence, you need to speak! Lingofrnd.com is your AI spoken English teacher. You can practice these phrases and many more in real conversations. Lingofrnd helps you improve English vocabulary, practice English pronunciation tips, and become more fluent.

Don’t just read about it, speak it! Download App Download App today and start practicing asking permission and other basic English phrases with Lingofrnd. It’s the perfect way to boost your English for beginners journey and gain confidence in speaking English.

Keep practicing, and you’ll become a master of asking permission in English!