How to ask for permission in English? | Study English advanced level

Summary

In this English lesson, teacher Harry focuses on the nuances of asking for, giving, and refusing permission in both formal and informal contexts. He provides examples of polite requests and formal replies, as well as informal requests and their corresponding responses. Harry also explains the subtleties of using 'no' in English, where 'No, not at all' can actually mean 'I don't mind.' The lesson aims to help learners navigate social and professional situations with confidence by understanding and using appropriate language for permission.

Takeaways

• 📚 The lesson is focused on teaching English language skills, including business English, conversational English, job interview techniques, and grammar.
• 🙏 Polite and formal requests are emphasized in British English, with examples provided such as asking to switch on the light or borrow an item.
• 🗣️ The script provides examples of polite formal replies to requests, including phrases like 'No, not at all' which may seem negative but are actually positive responses.
• 👍 The use of 'no, not at all' is highlighted as a positive response in British English, which can be confusing but is a polite way to show no objection.
• 🤔 The importance of being careful with the word 'no' in responses is stressed, as it can be misleading due to its usual negative connotation.
• 🙋‍♂️ Asking for permission is demonstrated with phrases like 'Do you mind if...', which is a common and polite way to seek approval in English.
• 🙅‍♀️ Refusing requests politely is also covered, with examples of phrases that are polite yet firm, such as 'I'm afraid that's out of the question'.
• 🍰 Informal requests and replies are discussed, with a comparison to more formal language and the use of 'can' versus 'may' for politeness.
• 🚫 Informal refusals are presented, using phrases like 'Not a chance' or 'Go away, no', which can range from informal to slightly rude.
• 💻 The teacher invites learners to contact them for further lessons and provides a website for more English learning resources.
• 🔄 The script concludes with an encouragement for learners to subscribe to the channel, listen to podcasts, and explore the webpage for English courses.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this English lesson by teacher Harry?

The main focus of this lesson is on asking for, giving, and refusing permission in English, with an emphasis on politeness and formality in requests and responses.

How does teacher Harry suggest making a polite formal request in English?

Teacher Harry suggests using phrases like 'Do you mind if...', 'May I...', 'Could I possibly...' for making polite formal requests.

What is the significance of the phrase 'No, not at all' in British English?

In British English, 'No, not at all' is a polite way to express that one does not mind something, which might be mistakenly interpreted as negative due to the use of the word 'No'.

What are some examples of polite formal replies to requests given in the script?

Examples include 'Yes, you may', 'Of course, be my guest', 'I'd be very happy to act as a reference', and 'Yes, it's my pleasure to help you'.

How can one politely refuse a request in English without being rude?

One can politely refuse by using phrases like 'I'm sorry, that won't be possible', 'I'm afraid that's out of the question', 'I'd rather that you didn't', or 'I'm afraid not'.

What is the difference between formal and informal requests in English according to the script?

Formal requests are more polite and often use 'may' or 'could I possibly', while informal requests are more direct and commonly use 'can I' or 'can you'.

How should one respond to a polite request for permission to take off their coat?

A polite response could be 'No, not at all. Please take your coat off. Make yourself comfortable.'

What is the appropriate response if someone asks to borrow your car and you are okay with it?

An appropriate response would be 'No, not at all.' which means 'I don't mind if you borrow my car.'

How can one ask for permission to move a meeting to another day due to being busy?

One could ask, 'Is it possible to move our meeting to another day, I'm a little bit busy today?'

What is the teacher's advice for using the word 'no' in responses to requests?

The teacher advises to be careful with the word 'no' in responses because it can be misinterpreted as negative, but in certain contexts like 'No, not at all', it actually means 'I don't mind'.

How can someone ask for permission to leave early from work due to a dental appointment?

One could ask, 'Is it possible to leave early today? I've got an appointment with the dentist at four o'clock.'

What is the teacher's suggestion for informal ways to grant permission?

The teacher suggests informal ways such as 'Yeah, sure', 'Go ahead', 'Why not?', and 'Not a problem' to grant permission.