Module 9

Module 9

Asking Permission

Let’s think about a familiar classroom situation. Imagine that your teacher is in the middle of the class discussion. He/She is explaining something really important. However, you badly feel the need to use the comfort room. What would you do in this scenario? Would you just leave without saying a word? 

Asking permission is to seek approval from someone who is in authority. This person has the power to decide or is responsible in deciding whether it is possible or acceptable to do something or not.

Usually, we ask permission from someone who is older than us or from someone who has the right to permit us before we can act something out. In other words, we get the approval of somebody when asking permission. 

We do not only ask permission because we have to. We do it because it is the right thing to do. This shows respect to the individual. 

Daryl: Is it okay to borrow this book for a day? Librarian: Yes, you have my permission. I’m glad you’re interested in reading books. Most children prefer watching videos online.

Daryl: May I borrow two books instead?

Librarian: By all means. Just take good care of them. I trust that you can do that for me.

Daryl: Thank you, ma’am. I’ll keep that in mind

Did you notice the sentences Daryl used to ask permission? What are they? Is it okay to borrow this book for a day? May I borrow two books instead? 

_{There are numerous ways to ask permission. Let’s study some commonly-used sentence patterns when asking permission. They are the following:} 

1. May + subject + verb…?

Example: May I borrow your notebook? May we visit our friend’s house this weekend? 

2. Could + subject + verb…? OR Could + subject + please + verb…?

Example: Could I use your calculator for a few minutes? Could you please lend me your ears?

3. Do you think + subject + could + verb…?

Example: Do you think I could use your computer this afternoon? Do you think we could play board games tonight? 

4. Would you mind if + subject + verb in the past form…?

Example: Would you mind if I finished my task late? Would you mind if Jane asked help from you

5. Would it be possible for me + infinitive (to + base form of the verb)…?

Example: Would it be possible for me to ride your car? Would it be possible for me to take classes online?

6. Is it okay if + subject + verb…? Example: Is it okay if I invite you to go to church on Sunday? Is it okay if we meet at one in the afternoon?

7. Can + subject + verb…? (informal) Example: Can I switch the TV on? Can you accompany me to the marketplace?

Whenever we are denied permission, we must not take it against the person. Let’s try to be open-minded and consider his/her reasons. In cases when you also have to deny permission to someone, do your best to say it nicely. You could also offer the person alternative ways or solutions he/she may consider doing. 

Giving Permission (Yes Response) •

Yes, you may. • No problem. • Sure thing. • By all means. • You have my permission. • Certainly! • Why not? • It's okay with me. • Sure, go ahead. • No worries. • No, I don't mind. 

Denying Permission (No Response) •

No, you may not. • I'm afraid I would have to say no. • I don't think that is a good idea. • No, it is not okay with me. • I'm not allowing you. • You're not allowed to do that. • You're not permitted to do that. • I'm sorry I can't help you with that. • I cannot commit to that. • Yes, I do mind. 

Guided Practice: Compose a sentence that asks permission. Use the situation provided in each picture. Follow also the sentence pattern suggested for each number.

1. Situation: Ask permission to go swimming on a weekend. 

2. Situation: Ask permission to borrow someone else’s crayons.

3. Situation: Ask permission to use the bathroom first.

Open Ended

1. Situation: Ask permission to borrow somebody else’s smartphone.

Sentence pattern: Could + subject + verb…? __________________________________

Open Ended

Situation: Ask permission from your parents to buy a new pair of boots and an umbrella.

Sentence pattern: Would it be possible for me + infinitive (to + base form of the verb)…? __________________________________

Open Ended

Ask permission to watch the news instead of action movies.

Sentence pattern: Would you mind if + subject + verb in the past form…?

Open Ended

Ask permission to use your friend’s bicycle.

Sentence pattern: Is it okay if + subject + verb…?

Open Ended

Ask permission from your sibling to help you with your schoolwork.

Sentence pattern: Can + subject + verb…?

Multiple Choice

Situation: Ask permission to switch to another channel.

• A. Which channel should I switch to?

• B. How do you switch to another channel?

• C. Is it okay if I switch to another channel?

• D. Why don’t we switch to another channel?

Multiple Choice

Situation: Ask permission to turn down the volume.

• A. Are you turning down the volume?

• B. How do we turn down the volume?

• C. Who should turn down the volume?

• D. Would it be possible for me to turn down the volume?

Multiple Choice

Situation: Ask permission to borrow someone else’s marker.

• Who has a marker?

• Is this marker yours?

• May I borrow your marker?

• How many markers do you have?

Multiple Choice

Situation: Ask permission on celebrating your birthday with your friends.

• How should I celebrate my birthday with my friends?

• Where would I celebrate my birthday with my friends?

• What should I prepare for my birthday with my friends?

• Would you mind if I celebrate my birthday with my friends?

Multiple Choice

Situation: Ask permission to play video games.

• Who should I play these video games with?

• Is playing video games after my classes helpful?

• What video games should I play after my classes?

• Do you think I could play video games after my classes?