How to ask for PERMISSION - English speaking and conversation

In this English speaking lesson, you will learn several ways to ask for permission:

“May I” is the most correct way to ask for permission in traditional English.

In theory, in strict English, we do NOT use “can” for permission. Normally, we use “can” to describe ability and opportunity.
However, in practice, in modern English, people use the modal "can" to ask for and describe permission.

“Could I” is more formal than “Can I”

We also have the following structures: "Do you mind if" and "Is it alright if?"

In this English class, you will also learn how to reply to requests for permission. You will learn several expressions to say yes, to say no politely and also to say no reluctantly.

There are many examples in the video with a very detailed explanation of each one. I advise you to watch it, listen to the pronunciation and take notes.

This lesson will help you with your English speaking and conversation skills.

More English video lessons:

Andrew,
Crown Academy of English

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[RahulKumar-txuy]

Hello, Andrew sir, you are one of the best teachers.

[Bouchka]

It's always a pleasure to follow your videos, clear and precise.
Thanks Andrew.😀👍🏻

[ecktogamut]

Thank you, Andrew. I just remembered Harry Potter after 15 years. - Yes, Potter, if you must. Now I understood that "must". doesn't mean "must". Thank you once again.

[hamidha]

Thank you so much, l, ve Never heard such way of explaining things. I like your method

[donelmbazoa]

Thank you so much Andrew, you always publish an interesting video each Tuesday without fail. You are the best teacher!

[abdoulayebalde]

thank you Andrew your videos is very helpful

[Tech-nivl]

this is the best video that discuss permission in a good way

[waleedwaleed]

Thank you so much for this fantastic video.

[juniorkottymillimouno]

Thanks for your teaching a nice lesson, because his from you I'm good in English today.

[shararehsedighi]

Dear Andrew,
Please, you describe:

what difference is between may and might ?
what kind of sentence can I use may or might ?
Your lessons are perfect, Thank you so much .

[hassanechetouane]

Here's another idiom Andrew.Be on the crest of a wave.It means to be very successfull so that many good things happen to you very quickly.Andrew your lessons are so successfull so that you are going to be on the crest of a wave.

[Gauthier]

Thank you so much Mr. Andrew. I always wach your videos. This is really good video and content. Greatings from Perú.

[aliadam]

Thanks Mr Andrew 'may I go to England to see you? really when I watch your videos I feel comfortable long life God bless you .

[loreyoungtech]

Thank you so much for teaching, I learnet a lot for you

[fazilpeerally]

Dear Teacher Andrew,

The video lesson about asking permission in English is pretty much informative. It helps me in my business Corporate environment of how to ask and refuse permission in a polite way. Is it aright if I say you are an ingenious teacher ? Cheers !

Thank you as always for all your hard work.

All the best,
Fazil

[dimaluchka]

Could you make a video about future perfect tense?

[monicadelcarmenaracenadura]

The slight difference between “may” and “might” is that “may” implies strong certainty about hypothetical events and “might” expresses a lesser degree of certainty. “Might” is a stronger word choice than “may” when describing past hypotheticals.

[ranjeetverma]

"It may rain today.", " It can rain today." What is the difference between both sentences ? We can use both may and can for possibility or not ?

[jumbo]

Which one i can use if i am asking permission to be more polite?

[Milkieroll]

1.Can I go to the party?
Mom, could I go to the party of my friend?
May I go out ?
May I borrow your pen ?