Asking for and Giving Permission in English

Asking for and giving permission in English is an important part of everyday communication. We need these phrases at home, at work, at school, while travelling, and in many social situations. In this lesson, you will learn natural and polite ways of asking for and giving permission in English, with clear explanations and useful example sentences.

In this lesson, you will learn common ways to ask for permission, give permission, and refuse permission politely in English.

Modal verbs for asking permission

We often use can, could, and may when asking for permission.

Can

We usually use can in everyday informal situations.

• Can I borrow your phone?
• Can I sit here?
• Can we leave early today?

Could

Could is usually more polite than can, so it is often a better choice when you want to sound more respectful.

• Could I use your pen for a moment?
• Could I ask you a question?
• Could we open the window?

May

May is more formal and is often used in polite or professional situations.

• May I come in?
• May I ask your name?
• May I use your toilet, please?

In modern everyday English, may is less common than can and could, but it is still useful in formal contexts.

Asking for permission directly

The simplest way to ask for permission is to ask directly.

Examples:

• Can I borrow your phone? I need to call my parents.
• Could I have another piece of cake? It’s delicious.
• May I use your laptop for a moment?
• Can I speak to Jack, please?
• Could I make myself a sandwich, please?
• May I turn on the heating? It’s freezing in here.

Adding please makes your request sound more polite.

Asking for permission indirectly

In many situations, especially when you want to sound more polite, it is better to ask indirectly.

These phrases are very common and very useful.

Common indirect questions:

• Would you mind if I…?
• Do you mind if I…?
• Is it alright if…?
• Is it OK if…?
• I was wondering if…
• Do you think I could…?
• Could you possibly…?

Examples:

• Would you mind if I left now? I’ve got a terrible headache.
• Do you mind if I open the window?
• Is it alright if I stay here for a few more minutes?
• Is it OK if we stay the night? It’s too late to drive home.
• Could you possibly hold my bag while I go to the loo?
• I was wondering if Jacob could stay for dinner.
• Do you think I could use your car on Saturday morning?

These expressions sound softer, which often makes them more polite.

How to give permission

When someone asks for permission, there are many natural ways to say yes.

Common phrases for giving permission

• Yes, of course.
• Yes, sure.
• Certainly.
• No problem.
• Go ahead.
• By all means.
• Help yourself.
• Feel free.
• Not at all.

Examples:

• “Can I borrow some money? I left my wallet at home.”
  “Yes, of course. How much do you need?”
• “Could I skip this class? I’m not feeling very well.”
  “Yes, sure. I hope you feel better soon.”
• “Do you mind if I use your phone?”
  “No, not at all. Here you are.”
• “Do you think I could take a week off work?”
  “No problem. Just let me know the dates.”
• “Would you mind if I had a shower here? The plumbers are working in our flat.”
  “Certainly. Go ahead. Do you need a towel?”
• “Could I have another helping of risotto?”
  “Yes, of course. Help yourself.”
• “Would you mind if I borrowed your book?”
  “By all means.”

How to refuse permission politely

Sometimes, of course, you need to say no. When refusing permission, it is important to sound polite. English speakers often soften a refusal by giving a reason.

Common phrases for refusing permission

• Sorry…
• Sorry, but…
• I’m afraid…
• Actually…
• Unfortunately…
• I’d rather you didn’t.
• I don’t mean to be rude, but…

Examples:

• “Do you think I could borrow your bicycle on Sunday?”
  “Sorry, but I’ve already promised it to my son.”
• “May I take a look at your newspaper?”
  “I’m afraid not — I’m still reading it.”
• “I was wondering if I could borrow your phone charger.”
  “Actually, I need it myself at the moment.”
• “Do you mind if I sit here?”
  “I’m afraid that seat is taken.”
• “Can I have one of your apples?”
  “Sorry, I was planning to eat it later.”
• “Do you mind if I smoke?”
  “I’d rather you didn’t.”
• “Can I pay by card?”
  “Unfortunately, we only accept cash.”
• “Would you mind looking after our cats while we’re away?”
  “I’m really sorry, but my husband is allergic to cats.”

Giving a short explanation usually makes the refusal sound kinder and more natural.

A note on Do you mind…? and Would you mind…?

These questions can be tricky because the answer form is different from what many learners expect.

If someone asks:

Do you mind if I open the window?

and you want to give permission, you can say:

• No, not at all.
• No, go ahead.
• No, of course not.

Why? Because No means No, I do not mind.

That little detail catches many learners out, and rather rudely too if one is not careful.

Useful mini-dialogues

Here are some short examples you can learn as whole chunks.

At home

• Can I use the bathroom first?
  Yes, of course.
• Would you mind if I turned the TV down?
  No, not at all.

At work

• Could I leave a bit early today?
  Yes, that’s fine.
• Do you think I could take Friday off?
  I’m afraid that won’t be possible this week.

In a shop or café

• May I pay by card?
  Certainly.
• Could I sit by the window, please?
  I’m sorry, that table is reserved.

With friends

• Is it OK if I bring Sam to the party?
  Yes, sure.
• Would you mind if I stayed a bit longer?
  Not at all.

Useful tips for learners

1. Use can for everyday informal English

This is the most common option in casual speech.

2. Use could to sound more polite

This is often the safest choice.

3. Use may in formal situations

It is more formal and less common in everyday conversation.

4. Give a reason when refusing permission

This helps you sound polite and considerate.

5. Be careful with Do you mind…?

Remember:

• No = permission granted
• Yes = refusal

Final thoughts

Learning asking for and giving permission in English will help you sound more polite, natural, and confident in everyday situations. The more you practise asking for and giving permission in English, the easier it becomes to communicate clearly and politely.

Related posts:

Asking for, Giving and Responding to Advice

Asking People to Do Things in English

Modal Verbs of Permission

Asking for and Giving Recommendations in English

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