Lesson

Asking for permission, giving permission

Permission expressions

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Asking for permission, giving permission

Learn common expressions to politely ask for permission and to grant or refuse it in professional and everyday contexts.

  • How to ask politely (modal verbs and set phrases)
  • How to give permission politely or refuse with tact
  • Choosing the right tone: formal vs informal

Table

Common Phrases for Asking/Giving Permission

Function Phrase Formality
Asking (informal) Can I use your phone? Informal
Asking (formal/polite) May I leave the meeting early? Formal/Polite
Asking (very polite/requesting consent) Do you mind if I open the window? Polite
Giving permission (informal) Sure — go ahead. Informal
Giving permission (neutral) You can send the report now. Neutral
Giving permission (formal) You are permitted to access the files. Formal
Refusing politely I'm afraid that's not possible. Polite

Tip

Key rule: Match formality to context

Choose your phrase based on who you speak to and how polite you need to be.

  • Use 'Can I' in casual situations with colleagues you know well.
  • Use 'May I' or 'Could I' for formal or polite requests.
  • Use 'Do you mind if I...' to ask indirectly and politely (followed by a gerund).
  • To give permission, use short, clear phrases: 'Yes, go ahead.' or 'You can...'

When in doubt, choose a more polite form in professional settings.

Example

Examples in context

May I borrow your laptop for a moment?

Do you mind if I present first?

Can I take a day off next Friday?

Yes, of course. Feel free to send the file.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid these universal errors when asking for or giving permission.

  • Using question word order incorrectly (e.g., 'I can leave?' instead of 'Can I leave?').
  • Mixing levels of formality in the same interaction (e.g., very casual phrasing in a formal meeting).
  • Forgetting that 'Do you mind if I...' requires a gerund (not an infinitive): 'Do you mind if I open the window?' not 'to open'.
  • Giving unclear permission: avoid vague responses like 'Maybe' when you intend to allow the action.

Focus on word order and consistency of tone.

Quiz

Choose the most polite way to ask to leave a meeting early:

Hint: Consider formality when choosing modal verbs.

Quiz

Complete: _____ I open the window?

Hint: Think about a polite modal verb used for requests.

Quiz

Which response politely gives permission?

Hint: Look for phrases that explicitly allow the action.

Key Points

Expression

May I

modal phrase CEFR B1 //meɪ aɪ//

A polite modal expression used to ask for permission.

May I speak with the manager?

Expression

Can I

modal phrase CEFR A2 //kæn aɪ//

A common, less formal way to ask for permission.

Can I borrow your pen?

Expression

Could I

modal phrase CEFR B1 //kʊd aɪ//

A polite modal used to request permission; slightly more tentative than 'can'.

Could I ask a question at the end?

Expression

Do you mind if I...?

phrase CEFR B2 //duː juː maɪnd ɪf aɪ//

A polite indirect way to ask for permission; followed by a gerund.

Do you mind if I join the meeting remotely?

Expression

Feel free to

phrase CEFR B1 //fiːl friː tuː//

A friendly way to give permission and encourage action.

Feel free to contact me if you have questions.

Expression

By all means

expression CEFR B2 //baɪ ɔːl miːnz//

An emphatic phrase granting permission enthusiastically.

By all means, take any materials you need.