This lesson focuses on how to ask for permission to borrow or use something that belongs to someone else. Students will learn how to politely ask for permission, respond to requests, and offer alternatives. The topic will cover essential grammar related to modal verbs like "can" and "may," vocabulary for common objects, and useful phrases for everyday situations.
Grammar:
Modal Verb: "Can" for Permission
- Can I use...? / Can I borrow...?
Example: "Can I use your phone?"
- Can I use...? / Can I borrow...?
Modal Verb: "May" for Formal Permission
- May I use...? (more polite)
Example: "May I use your laptop?"
- May I use...? (more polite)
Possessive Adjectives
- Your, His, Her, My, Our, Their
Example: "Can I use your car?"
- Your, His, Her, My, Our, Their
Responses to Permission Requests
- Yes, you can. / Sure, go ahead.
- Sorry, you can’t. / I’m afraid not.
Vocabulary:
- Phone – A device used for communication.
- Laptop – A portable computer.
- Pen – A tool used for writing.
- Book – A written or printed work.
- Car – A vehicle for transportation.
- Charger – A device for charging electronics.
- Umbrella – A device used to protect from rain.
- Key – A tool used to lock or unlock something.
- Backpack – A bag carried on the back.
- Bicycle – A two-wheeled vehicle for transportation.
Useful Expressions:
- "Can I use your phone for a second?"
- "May I borrow your book for class?"
- "Do you mind if I use your laptop?"
- "Would it be okay if I borrowed your charger?"
- "Could I use your car tomorrow?"
- "Is it alright if I take your pen?"
- "Can I have your keys for a minute?"
- "Would you mind if I borrowed your umbrella?"
- "I need to borrow your bike, can I?"
- "Could you lend me your backpack?"
Sentences:
- "Can I use your pen? I forgot mine at home."
- "May I borrow your charger? My phone is dead."
- "Do you mind if I use your laptop for my presentation?"
- "I need to borrow your car for the weekend. Is that okay?"
- "Can I use your book to study for the exam?"
- "Could I use your bicycle to get to work?"
- "I forgot my umbrella. May I use yours?"
- "Can I borrow your phone to make a quick call?"
- "May I have your keys to lock the door?"
- "Do you mind if I borrow your backpack for the trip?"
Questions and Answers:
Q: Can I use your phone?
A: Sure, go ahead.Q: May I borrow your laptop?
A: I’m sorry, I need it right now.Q: Do you mind if I take your car?
A: No, I don’t mind. Just be careful.Q: Could I use your pen for a moment?
A: Of course, here you go.Q: Can I borrow your charger?
A: I’m afraid I’m using it right now.Q: May I use your umbrella?
A: Yes, sure. Just bring it back when you’re done.Q: Can I use your backpack for school?
A: Yes, you can. I’m not using it.Q: Could I borrow your book?
A: Sure, take it.Q: Is it okay if I use your bike?
A: I’m sorry, but I’ll need it later.Q: May I have your keys to lock the house?
A: Yes, here they are.
Conversation:
Tom: Hey, Sarah. Can I borrow your laptop for a minute? I need to check something online.
Sarah: Sure, just give me a second to finish this email.
Tom: No problem. Also, do you mind if I take your pen? I forgot mine.
Sarah: Go ahead. It’s in my bag.
Tom: Thanks! Oh, and one last thing—could I use your charger? My phone is about to die.
Sarah: I’m afraid I’m using it right now.
Tom: That’s okay, I’ll borrow one from someone else. Thanks for your help!
Reading:
"Asking for Permission at Work"
At work, it’s common to ask colleagues if you can borrow their things. For example, if you need to use a pen or a laptop, it's polite to ask for permission first. A typical request might sound like, "Can I use your laptop to finish this report?" or "May I borrow your pen for a second?"
Sometimes, your colleague might agree immediately, saying, "Sure, go ahead." Other times, they might need the item and say, "Sorry, I’m using it right now." Knowing how to ask and respond to such requests is important in maintaining good relationships at work.
For instance, imagine you forgot your phone charger, and your phone is about to die. You could politely ask, "Could I use your charger for a while?" Your colleague might say, "Yes, of course!" Or if they need the charger, they might respond, "I’m afraid not, I need it."
Asking for permission shows respect and helps create a friendly atmosphere in the workplace. Remember, always return the borrowed items in the same condition and thank the person for helping you!
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