200-044

When we ask for permission, we are asking someone to allow us to do something. This is also a type of Request. A request for permission is usually more formal than other kinds of Requests and becomes even more formal if:

The more we ask for, the more work we have to do with the language. Often when we ask permission, we also give a reason:

		Using a yes/no interrogative with the modal verb can: Kitty, can* I use your pen?*
		Using a yes/no interrogative with the modal verb may: Kitty, may* I borrow a hundred dollars please? My Octopus card has run out of money and I can't get home.*
		Miss Lee. I've finished my work. May* I go outside to play now please?*
		Beginning with a thinking clause and a modal verb: Hello Miss Lee. This is Mrs Gong. Would you mind if Kitty and Dotty left school early on Thursday afternoon. They have a dental appointment.
		Using a declarative clause with a thinking clause: I was wondering if Naomi and Clare could go with me bowling at the Club House. Adding the word just: I was just wondering if Naomi and Clare could go with me bowling at the Club House.

There are different ways of giving permission. Usually we use a formulaic expression, eg OK, Sure, That's fine, Yes of course, Yes certainly. Sometimes we also clarify the request and ask for more information:

		Kitty, can I use your pen? - OK
		Kitty, may I borrow a hundred dollars please? My Octopus card has run out of money and I can't get home. - Yes of course.
		Miss Lee. I've finished my work. May I go outside to play now please? - Let me see it first. This looks good so yes you may go outside.
		Hello Miss Lee. This is Mrs Gong. Would you mind if Kitty and Dotty left school early on Thursday afternoon. They have a dental appointment. - What time would they leave? I'll pick them up at two thirty. - That's fine. We have Reading Club on Thursday afternoon. They can read their books at home instead.
		Mrs Gong, would you mind if Kitty joined the school choir? She sings very well. - I wouldn't mind at all.* In fact I'd be very pleased.*

In this example from a telephone conversation, the mother asks for more information before she gives permission:

	I was just wondering if Naomi and Clare could go with me bowling at the Club House.
	Oh! Bowling at the Club House! Um well when were you thinking of going?
	Well maybe on Friday.
	Friday. Ah yeah I think they're free on Friday.

		Kitty, can I use your pen? - No, not now. I'm using it.
		Kitty, may I borrow a hundred dollars please? My Octopus card has run out of money and I can't get home. - Sorry. I don't have any money left.
		Miss Lee. I've finished my work. May I go outside to play now please? - Let me see it first. No I'm sorry. This isn't finished yet.
		Hello Miss Lee. This is Mrs Gong. Would you mind if Kitty and Dotty left school early on Thursday afternoon. They have a dental appointment. - What time would they leave? I'll pick them up at two thirty. - I'm very sorry Mrs Gong. Students are not allowed to leave class before three. Can you rearrange the appointment?

	the person is not a family member or friend
	the person is more senior, eg older, higher in status at work
	you are asking permission for something that is valuable or risky in some way

Teaching activities