Ever wanted to ask your boss for a day off but didn’t know how to phrase it politely? Or maybe you’ve been in a situation where you wanted to borrow someone’s pen, but you didn’t want to sound too demanding?
Making requests, asking for permission, and giving suggestions are essential skills in English. Whether you’re asking someone to pass the salt or subtly suggesting that your friend should probably not wear socks with sandals, knowing the right phrases makes conversations smoother and more polite.
This lesson will help you master the art of asking and suggesting like a pro, ensuring you sound polite, natural, and not like a robot reading from a phrasebook. Let’s dive in!
Vocabulary List: Requests, Permission, and Suggestions
Requests (Asking for Something Politely)
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Can you…? | A casual way to ask someone to do something. | Can you help me move this table? |
| Could you…? | A slightly more polite way to make a request. | Could you send me the report by Monday? |
| Would you mind…? | A very polite way to ask for something. | Would you mind opening the window? |
| May I…? | A formal way to ask for permission. | May I borrow your book for a day? |
| I’d like… | A polite way to request something, often used in restaurants. | I’d like a cup of coffee, please. |
| Do you think you could…? | A soft way to make a request. | Do you think you could help me with this math problem? |
| Would it be possible to…? | A very polite and formal request. | Would it be possible to reschedule our meeting? |
| Can I have…? | A casual way to ask for something. | Can I have another slice of cake? |
Permission (Asking if You’re Allowed to Do Something)
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Can I…? | A casual way to ask for permission. | Can I use your phone for a second? |
| May I…? | A more formal way to ask for permission. | May I leave early today? |
| Would it be okay if…? | A polite way to ask for permission. | Would it be okay if I brought a friend? |
| Is it all right if…? | A friendly and neutral way to ask. | Is it all right if I park my car here? |
| Do you mind if…? | A polite way to ask permission. | Do you mind if I sit here? |
| Am I allowed to…? | A way to ask if something is permitted. | Am I allowed to bring my own snacks? |
| Would you be okay with…? | A soft way to ask for permission. | Would you be okay with me taking the last slice of pizza? |
Suggestions (Giving Advice or Ideas in a Polite Way)
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| You should… | A direct way to give advice. | You should drink more water. |
| Why don’t you…? | A friendly way to suggest something. | Why don’t you take a break? |
| I think you should… | A polite way to offer advice. | I think you should apply for that job. |
| Have you thought about…? | A subtle way to suggest something. | Have you thought about learning a new language? |
| Maybe you could… | A gentle way to make a suggestion. | Maybe you could try a different approach. |
| If I were you, I’d… | A way to give advice based on personal experience. | If I were you, I’d take the earlier train. |
| It might be a good idea to… | A polite way to suggest something. | It might be a good idea to double-check your work. |
| You could always… | A casual way to offer an alternative. | You could always call customer service for help. |
Key Phrases Using Requests, Permission, and Suggestions
- “Would it be okay if I left early today?”
- Example: “Would it be okay if I left early? I have a dentist appointment.”
- Example: “Would it be okay if I took the last cookie?”
- “Can you help me with this?”
- Example: “Can you help me carry these bags?”
- Example: “Can you explain this to me again?”
- “I think you should take a break.”
- Example: “You’ve been working too hard. I think you should take a break.”
- Example: “I think you should try talking to your boss about the problem.”
- “Do you mind if I borrow your pen?”
- Example: “Do you mind if I borrow your car for the weekend?”
- Example: “Do you mind if I turn the music down?”
- “Maybe you could try a different method.”
- Example: “Maybe you could try practicing English with a friend.”
- Example: “Maybe you could ask for help from a tutor.”
Example Paragraph Using Requests, Permission, and Suggestions
“Yesterday, I was at a café with my friend. I was feeling cold, so I asked, ‘Would you mind closing the window?’ She nodded and said, ‘No problem!’ Then, I remembered I had forgotten my wallet. ‘Can you lend me some money for coffee?’ She laughed and said, ‘Sure, but you should start carrying cash!’ I replied, ‘Maybe you could remind me next time? Also, would it be okay if I paid you back tomorrow?’ She rolled her eyes but agreed. Good friends always help out!”
Common Questions About Requests, Permission, and Suggestions
- What’s the difference between “Can you” and “Could you”?
- Example: “Can you” is more casual, while “Could you” is slightly more polite.
- How do I politely ask for permission?
- Example: Use “May I” for formal situations, or “Would it be okay if” for everyday use.
- How do I suggest something without sounding rude?
- Example: Use “Maybe you could…” or “Have you thought about…” instead of direct orders.
- Can I use “Do you mind if” for requests?
- Example: Yes! “Do you mind if I use your phone?” is a polite way to ask.
- What’s a polite way to refuse a request?
- Example: “I’m really sorry, but I can’t.” or “I’d love to help, but I’m busy.”
Invitation to Practice
Think of a real-life situation where you needed to make a request, ask for permission, or give a suggestion. Write a short conversation using at least one phrase from each category and share it in a study group or in the comments!