Ask for permission
1.The ways of asking for permission
I'm going to ……
Is it all right if I ……
I thought I'd……
Would it be OK if I……
I'd like to……
Would you mind if ……
2.More polite ways
I wonder if I could possibly……？
Anybody mind if I……？
I hope you don't mind,but would it be possible for me to ……？
Do you mind if I……？
3.Responses
1)Positive responses
OK.
Yes,I guess so.
Sure,go ahead.
All right.
2)Negative responses
That's not a very good idea.
I'd rather you didn't.
No,please don't.
I'm sorry,but that's not possible.
4.Giving reasons
Well,you see……
……and that's my reason for asking if I am……
The reason is……
It's because……
……and that's why I'd like to……
5.Example
(Anne invited Ted to her apartment for dinner.They have just finished the meal.)
T:Well,that was delicious!Thanks very much.I didn't know,you're really a good cook,aren't you?
A:Thank you.
T:If you like I could do the washing-up.
A:No,don't bother,I can do it myself later.
T:All right……er……do you mind if I smoke?
A:No,go ahead.
T:Oh,I've left my cigarettes in the hall.
A:Shall I get them for you?
T:Er……no,no……oh,look,it's all right—I've got another packet here.
A:Let me get you an ashtray.
T:Thanks.
A:Shall I make some coffee for you?
T:Yes,thanks.But I wonder if I could possibly use your phone?
A:I'm sorry,that's not possible.It doesn't work now.
T:Oh,you see I promised to call a friend before nine and now it's almost.Would you mind if I went down to the phone box?
A:It's about ten minutes'walk away.If you like I could drive you there.
T:Really?Thanks.
A:That's all right.Let's go.
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