Lesson07
【Lesson 7】
◆How to ask for permission politely
◆How to give and refuse permission
◆Key Expressions for Lesson 7
Can I 〜? / Could I 〜? / May I 〜?
Would you mind if I〜? / Would it be all right if I 〜?
Sure, go ahead. / No, not at all.
Actually, I’d rather you didn’t.
◆Let’s try the following exercises.
Q: How would you ask for permission to pull down the shade?
A: Could I pull down the shade?
A: Would you mind if I pulled down the shade?
Or, you could say,
Q: How would you ask for permission to put the heating on?
A:
May I put the heating on? Or, you could say,
A:
Would it be all right if I put the heating on?
Q: How would you ask for permission to turn off the radio?
A:
May I turn off the radio? Or, you could say,
A:
Would you mind if I turned off the radio?
Q: How would you ask for permission to take the day off tomorrow?
A:
Could I take the day off tomorrow? Or, you could say,
A:
Would it be all right if I took the day off tomorrow?
Q: How would you ask for permission to close the window?
A:
Could I close the window? Or, you could say,
A:
Would you mind if I closed the window?
◆Let’s try the following exercises.
Q: Would it be all right if I left my luggage here for a few minutes? Please give me permission to do so.
A: Sure, go ahead. I’ll keep an eye on it.
Q: May I open the window? Please give me permission to do so.
A: Sure, why not? We really need some fresh air.
Q: Would you mind if I turned on the TV? Please don’t give me permission to do so.
A: Actually, I’d rather you didn’t. Could you wait 20 minutes or so?
Q: Would it be all right if I copied your homework? Please don’t give me permission to do so.
A: No Way! You should do it yourself.
Q: Would you mind if I left work early? Please give me permission to do so.
A: No problem at all. I’ve got it covered.