Seeking and Giving
Informal Permissions
Sentence Structures, Patterns, and Conversations
1. Seeking Informal Permission –
Sentence Structures
• Can I + base verb…? (e.g., Can I use your phone?)
• Could I + base verb…? (e.g., Could I borrow your
notebook?)
• Is it okay if I + verb…? (e.g., Is it okay if I sit here?)
• Do you mind if I + verb (present tense)…?
• Would it be alright if I + past verb…?
• Mind if I + base verb…? (very casual)
2. Giving Informal Permission –
Sentence Structures
• Sure, go ahead.
• Yeah, no problem.
• Of course!
• Feel free to… (e.g., Feel free to use my charger.)
• I don’t mind.
• That’s fine with me.
• No worries!
• Absolutely!
3. Common Informal Conversations
(Examples)
• A: Can I use your laptop for a second?
• B: Sure, go ahead.
• A: Is it okay if I bring a friend to the party?
• B: Yeah, no problem!
• A: Do you mind if I play some music?
• B: Not at all. Go ahead!
• A: Mind if I grab a coffee before we start?
• B: No worries! Take your time.
4. Tips for Informal Contexts
• Use contractions: Can’t, I’m, It’s okay
• Use casual tone: “No worries” instead of “It’s not a
problem”
• Be polite even if informal
• Tone and facial expressions matter
5. More Ways to Ask for Informal
Permission
• Is it cool if I + verb…? (e.g., Is it cool if I leave early?)
• Can I just + verb…?
• You okay with me + verb-ing…?
• Think I could + base verb…?
• Would you mind if I + past verb…?
• Is there any chance I could + verb…?
6. More Casual Responses (Giving
Permission)
• Yeah, go for it!
• Totally fine.
• Sure thing!
• Yep, all yours.
• Knock yourself out! (very informal)
• Be my guest.
• Go on then. (British informal)
• Fine by me.
7. Informal Expressions (Idioms &
Phrases)
• No biggie.
• Go right ahead.
• Not a problem at all.
• That’s chill. (slang)
• Whatever works for you.
• All good!
8. Mini Dialogues for Practice
• A: Mind if I crash at your place tonight?
• B: Sure thing. You’re always welcome.
• A: Can I skip today’s meeting?
• B: Yeah, no biggie. Just send a quick update.
• A: Is it okay if I eat here?
• B: Go ahead. Make yourself at home.
9. Contextual Use: Where You Hear
These
• Among friends: casual conversations
• In classrooms: between students
• At home: family members
• In workspaces: colleagues on friendly terms
• On social media/chat: texting or casual online chats
10. Tone & Body Language Matter
• Use friendly tone
• Smile when asking/giving permission
• Maintain eye contact (if in person)
• Be respectful even when informal
11. Role-play Situations for Practice
• Situation 1: Asking a classmate to borrow a pen.
• Situation 2: Requesting to leave a group chat temporarily.
• Situation 3: Asking your sibling to use their headphones.
• Situation 4: Requesting your roommate to turn down the
volume.
• Situation 5: Asking your teacher to submit an assignment
late.
12. Softening Permission Requests
• Would you be okay if I…?
• I was wondering if I could…
• I hope it’s okay if I…
• If you don’t mind, can I…?
• I’d like to…, if that’s alright with you.
13. Responding Politely When
Denying Permission
• I’m really sorry, but I need it right now.
• I’d rather you didn’t.
• Actually, I’m not comfortable with that.
• Maybe another time?
• I wish I could, but it’s not possible.
14. Visual Cues and Tone
• Use friendly facial expressions.
• Keep your tone light and positive.
• Avoid sounding demanding or forceful.
• Use polite gestures (e.g., nodding, smiling).
• Stay calm and respectful even when saying 'no'.
15. Summary: Key Takeaways
• Use simple, polite language when asking or giving
permission.
• Adjust your tone based on how familiar you are with the
person.
• Respect the other person’s response—yes or no.
• Informal doesn’t mean impolite—always be courteous.
• Practice common patterns to sound natural and confident.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZL70RNLy
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxNJXwLdwa
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