ASKING PERMISSIONS (FAVORS)
May I…? – formal. Can I..? – semi-formal, informal. Could I…? – more polite
Could I possibly…? - emphasizes that one is asking a favour
Do you think I could…? I wonder if I could.. – tentative
Do you mind if I…? Is it all right if I..?Is it all right (for me) to…?
To grant permission the following forms are used:
(yes,) certainly. – formal
(yes,) of course. – semi-formal, informal
Go ahead. – informal
If you like. – often implies an element of reluctance
Not at all. – in reply to Do you mind…?
No, that’s all right – in reply to Do you mind…?
Permissions may be granted on a certain condition, using: providing…As long as…But only if…
To refuse permission we use: (No,) I’m afraid not. (No,) I’m sorry. You can’t. No, of course not.
I’d rather you didn’t. – tactful. Yes, I would mind. No, it isn’t all right – abrupt, possibly rude.
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