A Guide to Asking for and Giving Permission in English
Whether in casual or formal settings, knowing how to ask for and give permission is something that all English speakers should know.
We've prepared a simple guide to the different ways to talk about permission in English. Each way is demonstrated with example sentences that show you how it can be used. Be sure to choose the words and phrases that are appropriate for your situation.
Asking for Permission
We'll begin with a list of basic words and phrases for asking for permission.
Can
Can I pet your dog?
Is it OK if … ?
Is it OK if we turn the music up a little louder?
May … ?
May I have your name, please?
Do/Would you mind if … ?
Do you mind if I sit here?
Would you mind if we shared your picture on our social media channel?
Would it be possible for … ? [formal]
Would it be possible for me to interview you for my school assignment?
Could I possibly … ? [very formal]
Could I possibly borrow your pen for a moment?
Might I … ? [very formal]
Might I ask you for restaurant recommendations near here?
Verbs for Giving Permission
Instead of simply asking for permission, the following words can be used to talk about permission in a variety of ways.
- Let
- Allow
- Permit
- Grant
These words all have the same general meaning of giving someone permission to do something. The only difference between them is the level of formality, with "let" being the least formal and "permit" and "grant" being the most formal.
My parents won't let me drive the family car until I pass my driver's test.
The old man doesn't allow anyone to enter his private property.
Smoking is permitted only in special areas.
A gold membership grants access to exclusive privileges.
Extra points related to “let”
"Let" is also used for non-living things such as machines and tools.
The program won't let me print the document. What's wrong?
These special glasses let you look at the eclipse without damaging your eyes.
While it's often followed by an action, "let" can also be followed by a pronoun if it comes at the end of a sentence.
Jane can't come out tonight because her mom won't let her.
With and without an apostrophe
Pay special attention to the differences below:
Lets (no apostrophe) = Present simple form of "let"
This pass lets you ride the bus as many times as you want in one week.
Let's (with apostrophe) = "Let us," as used in invitations and suggestions
Let's go out for dinner tonight.
More Formal Terms for Permission
Authorize
Meaning: give permission to do or access something
Only senior members are authorized to enter this part of the building.
The junior employee was not authorized to speak to journalists about the matter.
Agree to / Consent to
Meaning: to accept or allow
The client agreed to our price, so we have a deal.
The actor consented to his image being used in the ad campaign.
We can also say "have someone's consent."
Do I have your consent to begin the project?
Get (someone’s) approval
Meaning: to be told that it's OK to do something
We need to get our supervisor's approval of this budget before we can spend any money.
I want to get my partner's approval before I make a decision.
Idioms for Permission
Give the OK
"Giving the OK" is telling someone that they have permission to do something.
Has the head office given us the OK to start construction?
(Get) the green light
This is a reference to traffic signals. Since green means “go,” "getting the green light" means getting the signal that it's OK to perform an action.
We're just waiting for the green light from the boss before we get started.
It can also be used as a verb.
The project's been green lit, so let's begin.
Blessing
This is a slightly formal term for permission. Someone’s blessing can be either given or received.
I know it's old-fashioned, but I want to get your father's blessing before we get married.
Max has given us his blessing to use his equipment as long as necessary.
Wrap-up
Understanding the different nuances of permission can help you communicate more effectively in both formal and informal settings.
Simple phrases like "May I" and "Would you mind" are great to start with, but you should aim to master the verbs and idioms that are common in higher levels of communication in order to speak confidently in a wide variety of situations.
Why not practice using what you've learned here in a one-on-one lesson with an Engoo tutor? Thousands of tutors from around the world are waiting to help you 24 hours a day. Give it a try!
