ENGLSIH FOR SMK "EXPRESSION ASKING AND GIVING PERMISSION"

When you ask for permission to use something that belongs to someone else you have to do your best to be polite. It is desirable to use the word "please."

Asking for Permission:

• Can I go out, please?
• May I open the window, please?
• Please, can I have a look at your photo album?
• Please, may I taste that hot spicy couscous dish?
• Do you mind if I smoke?
• Would you mind if I asked you something?
• Is it okay if I sit here?
• Would it be all right if I borrowed your mobile Phone?
• Do you mind if I leave now
• May I come in ?
• Could I ………, please ?
• Excuse me, could I try to turn on the computer ?
• I wonder if I could borrow your camera?
• Etc.

Giving permission (positive response):

-By all means                -Yes, of course Not at all

-Go ahead                     -Yes that’s fine

-Yes, why not                -Yes certainly

-All right please do       - Etc.

Refusing permission  (negative response):

-I’m afraid you can’t do that

-You’re not allowed to…..

-You should not……

-No, I am sorry you can’t

Examples of English Conversations:

On the Train

Armand   : Excuse me. Would you mind my opening that window?

Bryan      : Not at all, please go ahead.

Armand   : Thank you. It’s very hot here.

Bryan      : True. Can I take some water from your pitcher?

Armand   : Certainly. Can I have that magazine for a while?

Bryan      : I’m sorry, I haven’t finished reading it. I’ll give it to you as soon as I've finished.

Armand   : Thank you.

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ENGLISH FOR SMK "MAKING INVITATION"

Making invitations

Do you know how to invite someone to your house for dinner or to go to the movies?
What do you say in English when someone invites you? 

Here are some common expressions you can use when making or responding to invitations

Inviting:

• Do you want to go to the movies tonight?
• Would you like to go to the theater tomorrow?
• Would you be interested in going to the the stadium next Sunday?
• How do you fancy going to the the restaurant for dinner?
• How about going to the movies?
• Care to come over for lunch?
• I was just wondering if you would like to come over for a drink.
• We'd be delighted to have you over for my birthday party.

Accepting invitations:

• Sure. What time?
• I'd love to, thanks.
• That's very kind of you, thanks.
• That sounds lovely, thank you.
• What a great idea, thank you.
• Sure. When should I be there?

Declining invitations:

• I can't.  I have to work.
• This evening is no good.  I have an appointment.
• I'm busy tomorrow.  Can I take a rain check* on that? 
• That's very kind of you, but actually I'm doing something else this afternoon.
• Well, I'd love to, but I'm already going out to the restaurant.
• I'm really sorry, but I've got something else on.
• I really don't think I can - I'm supposed to be doing something else

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