Asking for and giving permission expression

ASKING FOR AND GIVING PERMISSION EXPRESSION

A.    Asking For Permission

For example:

-        Can I use your phone?

-        May I use your phone?

-        Do you mind if I sit here?

-        Is it okay if I use this?

-        Is it all right if I leave early?

-        Is it okay if Bill comes along?

-        Is it okay if I drink my tea here?

-        Can I borrow your pen a minute?

more polite:
- Could I use your phone?

more colloquial:
- is it ok if I use your phone?
- is it alright if I use your phone?

B.     Giving Permission

For example:

-        Yes, of course

-        Of course you can

-        Of course you may

-        No, go ahead.

-        Yes, no problem

more polite:
- Of course, please do.

more colloquial:
- Yes, sure  
- Sure!

C.     Refusing Permission

For example:

-        Sorry, you can't

-        No, I'm afraid it's not allowed.

-        Yes, I do mind, actually.

more polite:
- I'm very sorry but...

more colloquial:
- No, sorry
- Nope!

rude:
- No way!

Dialog

At the Library
Dona             : Good afternoon, Madam?
Librarian        : Good afternoon, Dona. What can I do for you?
Dona             : I need to get some information on animal cells.
Librarian        : What is it for, Dona?
Dona             : I have to make a presentation of animal cells in the seminar next week.
Librarian        : That’s fine
Dona             : Could you tell me where I can get it, Madam?
Librarian        : Look at that last cupboard. It’s marked
Dona             : Oh, I see. May I borrow it for a day or two?
Librarian        : Sorry, the reference books are not for lending.
Dona             : There is no place around. May I sit here and take notes?
Librarian        : Yes, you may.
Dona             : Thank you, Madam.
Librarian        : You’re welcome.

At the Classroom

Hery              : Hi Dhea, what are doing now?

Dhea              : Hi, Hery. I’m reading a novel.

Hery              : What novel?

Dhea              : It’s Harry Potter.

Hery              : Wow, It’s awesome. May I borrow your novel after you finish reading?

Dhea              : Sorry, I have to take back this novel to the library this afternoon.

Hery              : Oh, never mind. Do you have another novel?

Dhea              : No, I don’t have. But I have some comics.

Hery              : Can I borrow your comic?

Dhea              : Yes, of course.

Hery              : Thank you

Dhea              : you’re welcome.