Requesting Permission Expressions

There are many ways of requesting permission in English. However, knowing when to use the right request formula or structure is a bit tricky. This can be determined by asking yourself these questions:

• Does the other person have higher status than you? (e.g. more authority or older)?
• Is the other person a stranger, an acquaintance, a colleague, a friend or a relative? (You don’t need polite formulas with people you know well – it sounds sarcastic.)
• Is your request going to cause the other person trouble or extra work?
• Is the other person in a good mood or a bad mood?

 

Requesting permission Audio Jukebox

• …Could I use your phone?
• …Might I possibly use your phone?
• …Sorry to trouble you, but do you mind if I use your phone?
• …Would you mind if I used your phone?
• …May I use your phone?
• …Can I use your phone?
• …I wonder if I could use your phone.

To teach and practice spoken English, we offer commonly used English Expressions for daily communication & dialogues We also provide pronunciation materials which help in the teaching and learning of a standard English pronunciation.We provide exercises to study or teach them, like mp3 audio downloads, printable worksheets and self-grading exercises.

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