T2Functions Practice
F
Page F

Functions: Asking and giving / refusing permission

Start
Warm-up

Which ones are OK to ask?
Which ones may be refused?

有些事情不能直接做，需要先问对方可不可以。英语里这种表达通常要比中文更明确、更礼貌。

Note
Culture Note

中文和英文的差别

中文里，有时候我们会说得比较直接：“我用一下你的电脑。”“我借一下你的车。”

但英语里，尤其是在英国学校、寄宿家庭或朋友家里，最好先用一个完整的请求句。

Can I ...?Can I use your laptop?

Could I ...?Could I borrow your bike, please?

Is it OK if I ...?Is it OK if I come with you?

Would it be alright if I ...?Would it be alright if I used your tablet?

Important point

英语里的礼貌感不只来自 please，也来自句型本身。

AP
Function Board

先看清楚三种功能

AP = Asking permission 请求许可

说明你想做什么，问对方可不可以。

GP = Giving permission 同意许可

可以直接同意，也可以加条件。

RP = Refusing permission 拒绝许可

用 sorry / I’m afraid 开头，再说明理由，听起来更自然。

Bank
Useful Expressions

常用请求句 Useful Permission Phrases

AP 请求许可

Can I borrow your bike? = 我可以借你的自行车吗？

Can I use your laptop? = 我可以用你的电脑吗？

Could I borrow your bike, please? = 请问我可以借你的自行车吗？

Is it OK if I use your laptop? = 我可以用你的电脑吗？

Would it be alright if I came with you? = 我可以和你一起去吗？

GP 同意许可

Yes, of course. = 当然可以。

Yeah, sure. = 可以呀。

Go ahead. = 用吧 / 去做吧。

No problem. = 没问题。

Yes, but please give it back later. = 可以，但请稍后还给我。

RP 拒绝许可

Sorry, I need it. = 不好意思，我要用。

I’m afraid I need to use it. = 恐怕我也需要用。

Not right now, sorry. = 现在不行，不好意思。

I’d rather you didn’t. = 我希望你还是不要这样。

Sorry, that’s not a good idea. = 不好意思，这个主意不太好。

13
Dialogue Ordering

Exercise 13

Put the dialogues in the correct order. Write the numbers 1–4.

How to order a permission dialogue 1. Start by getting attention: Dad? / Mum?
2. Then ask if you can ask: Can I ask you something?
3. Then make the request: Can I ...? / Will you let me ...?
4. Then hear the answer: Yes / No / I’m afraid ...

Dialogue 1

Dad: Yes?
Dad: I’m afraid I need to use it, too.
Nick: Will you let me use your laptop?
Nick: Dad?

Dialogue 2

Annie: Can I watch the football match tonight?
Annie: Can I ask you something, Mum?
Mum: Yes, of course you can.
Mum: Go ahead.
14
Function Labelling

Exercise 14

Mark the sentences AP (asking permission), GP (giving permission) or RP (refusing permission).

AP = Asking permission 请求许可 GP = Giving permission 同意许可 RP = Refusing permission 拒绝许可
1

Will you let me use your mobile?

1

Yeah, sure. Of course I will.

2

Can I borrow your bike, please?

2

No, sorry. I need it.

3

Can I use your laptop, please?

3

Yes, you can, but I want it back tomorrow.

4

Is it OK if I borrow this necklace?

4

Yeah, but be really careful with it, OK?

Play
Role Play

Role Play Builder

Work in pairs. Act out short conversations. Ask each other for permission. Use the ideas below, or come up with your own idea.

Selected situation: Draw a situation to start.

Useful request:

Can I ...?

Is it OK if I ...?

Could I ...?

Give permission:

Yeah, sure.

No problem.

OK, but be careful with it.

Refuse permission:

Sorry, I need it.

Not right now, sorry.

I’m afraid I need to use it.

Dialogue:

Model
Useful Examples

Useful Examples 这样说更自然

Question: You want to use your friend’s tablet. How can you ask?

参考表达 A: Can I ask you something?
B: Sure. What is it?
A: Is it OK if I use your tablet for a minute?
B: Yeah, sure, but please be careful with it.
A: Thanks. I’ll give it back soon.

Question: You want to borrow your friend’s bike, but they need it. What might happen?

参考表达 A: Can I borrow your bike, please?
B: Sorry, I need it this afternoon.
A: OK, no problem. Maybe next time.

Question: You need help with homework. How can you ask in a better way?

参考表达 A: Could you help me with my homework?
B: Sure. Which question is difficult?
A: This one. I don’t understand it.
B: OK, let’s look at it together.