Asking for Permission English Expressions, Phrases & Dialogues

If you want to learn how to ask permission to do something in English, then you’ll want to check out these common phrases and dialogues. Plus, keep on going to see the dialogues for how these expressions are used in real-life situations.

Asking for permission is an important example of functional language.

Ask Permission English Phrases and Expressions

Here are some asking permission sentences to try out.

Can I turn the TV on?

• Oh sure, no problem.
• Actually, I’d rather listen to music I think.

Do you mind if I turn up the music?

• No, go ahead.
• It’s already quite loud!

Is it okay if I take the car to school tomorrow?

• No, sorry. I need it for work.
• Sure, no problem.

I’m planning on staying at my friend’s house tonight? What do you think?

• That’s fine.
• Don’t you have school tomorrow?

 

Can I turn in my assignment three days late?

• No, the deadline can’t be changed.
• Maybe, why do you need to?

Would it be all right if I took a look at your notes?

• Sure, no problem.
• Oh, they’re so messy.

Do you have any asking permission sentences that you’d like to add? Please comment below. If you’re a doctor or nurse, you may want to check this out: learn medical English.

Asking for Permission Dialogue #1:

Tom wants to ask permission to turn up the music.

Tom: Do you mind if I turn up the music? I can’t hear that well in my old age!
Jenny: No, go ahead. It’s fine with me.
Tom: And, I’d love to turn the heat up a bit too. It’s freezing in here.
Jenny: Oh Tom, so many problems!

Ask for Permission Dialogue #2:

Tim wants to ask for permission to have a sleepover.

Tim: Hey Mom, can I stay at Tony’s house tonight?
Carrie: Are his parents going to be home?
Tim: Of course.
Carrie: It is a school night though, right?
Tim: No, remember it’s a holiday tomorrow.
Carrie: Oh, that’s right. Sure, you can. I’ll just give his parents a quick call first though.

Printable Lesson Plan for How to Ask for Permission

If you want the printable version of this, have a look here:

English Expressions and Phrases

Sentences for Giving Permission

Here are some sentences you can use to give permission:

1. You can go ahead and use my laptop for your presentation.
2. Feel free to take an extra break if you need it.
3. Sure, you’re welcome to borrow my umbrella if it’s raining outside.
4. Of course, you have my permission to share those photos.
5. No problem, you can go to the event if you’d like.
6. Yes, you’re allowed to leave work a bit early today.
7. You have my blessing to use the conference room for your meeting.
8. Absolutely, you can bring your friend to the party.
9. It’s fine with me if you want to rearrange the furniture in your room.
10. By all means, you can stay at my place while you’re in town.

More English Expressions and Phrases

Like what you see with these sentences? There’s a book with more than 1,000 common English expressions and phrases that are useful for a wide variety of real-life situations. You can find everything you need for travelling, meeting friends or coworkers, dining out, emergencies, and a whole lot more.

You can find the book in both digital and print formats. Keep a copy on your bookshelf to use as a handy reference guide. Or, take the digital version with you wherever you go in case you get into a situation where you need some help.

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Ask for Permission FAQs

There are a number of common questions that people have about how to ask for permission. Here are some of the most popular ones.

How do I politely ask for permission politely?

There are a number of ways you can ask for permission politely. They include:

• May I _____?
• Can I _____?
• Is it okay if I ______?
• Do you mind if I _____?
• May I _____?

What is the meaning of asking permission?

The meaning of asking permission is when you request to do something you aren’t sure is okay or possible. For example, leave early from work. Or, smoke inside someone’s car.

Can Could Asking for Permission?

Can and could function in the same way when asking for permission. These two sentences have the same meaning:

• Can I leave early today?
• Could I leave early today?

What is the verb of permission?

There are a number of verbs that can be used with permission. Some of them include the following:

• Ask
• Give
• Grant

Have your say about these English Expressions

Do you have any English expressions that you like to use when asking permission to do something? Or, some slang or idioms that you’ve love to learn about? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

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Are you a teacher looking for some ideas? Check this out: ESL Speaking Class Tips.

 

Last update on 2025-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API