Could I, Please?
Discuss with your partner.
- What is the phrase “Could I ...?” used for in English?
- Which do you prefer: playing on your own device or someone else’s? Why?
Listen and read.
Mum, can I go to Jane’s[explanation: to Jane’s [tu dʒeɪnz] – Jane'i juurde] to play a video game?
It’s a bit late, and you have to get up at seven tomorrow. Perhaps some other day?
Could I then play on your laptop, please?
I’m afraid[explanation: I’m afraid [aɪm əˈfreɪd] – kardan, et...] I have to pay the bills[explanation: bill [bɪl] – arve (BrE), rahatäht (AmE)] today, and I need the laptop for that.
Do you mind[explanation: do you mind if [du jʊ maɪnd] – kas sa paned pahaks, kui...] if I play on your mobile phone then?
Yes, I do, actually. You can play on your own mobile phone.
But yours is better! Would it be okay if I bought a new phone?
Yes, it would, as long as[explanation: as long as [əz lɒŋ əz] – kui] you have the money for it.
Well, there’s the problem. Would it be possible for you to buy me a new one? Then you wouldn’t have to lend[explanation: lend*, lent, lent [lend, lent, lent] – laenama, laenuks andma] me your phone all the time.
I wonder if it might be possible to have this conversation[explanation: conversation [ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃ(ə)n] – vestlus] later...
- Jackson wants Jane to come over[explanation: come* over [kʌm ˈəʊvə(r)] – läbi tulema] to play a video game.
- True
- False
- Jackson’s mother cannot lend her laptop to him.
- True
- False
- Jackson thinks his phone isn’t as good as his mother’s.
- True
- False
- Jackson has enough money to buy himself a new phone.
- True
- False
- Jackson’s mother immediately[explanation: immediately [ɪˈmiːdiətli] – kohe, viivitamatult] agrees to get him a new phone.
- True
- False
Pairwork 1
Read the dialogue with your partner. Replace the underlined phrases and sentences with your own ideas. Switch roles.
- Perhaps some other day? =
- Could I then play on your laptop, please? =
- Do you mind if I play on your mobile phone then? =
- Yes, I do, actually. =
- Would it be okay if I bought a new phone? =
- Yes, it would, as long as you have the money for it.
- Would it be possible for you to buy me a new one? =
- I wonder if it might be possible to have this conversation later… =
- perhaps
- actually
- as long as
- conversation
- maybe
- in fact
- if
- talk
Pairwork 2
Make the conversation between Jackson and his mother less formal by using the sentences from Exercise 2 or your own ideas. Act the dialogue out.
Asking and Giving Permission
We use can to ask for permission[explanation: permission [pəˈmɪʃ(ə)n] – luba]. Could and may are more formal and polite alternatives to can.
Do you mind if ... is another way to ask for permission politely.
I wonder if it would be possible to ... |  |
- Yes, you may.
- I’d rather you didn’t.
- I’m afraid not.
- No, you may not.
- Sure, no problem.
- I’m afraid that’s not possible.
- No problem at all.
- Be my guest.
- Unfortunately, I have to say no.
- Of course.
- Feel free.
- Absolutely not.
- That’s out of the question.
- Go ahead!
Pairwork 3
Ask your partner questions using the boxes below. Then your partner answers. Switch roles.
Can I
May I
Could I
Do you mind if
Do you think I could
Would it be possible to
borrow your phone?
walk your dog?
go home now?
eat chocolate at school?
take a sip[explanation: sip [sɪp] – lonks, sõõm] of your soda?
take a nap[explanation: take* a nap [teɪk ə næp] – uinakut tegema]?
Add your own examples.
Sample answers
Go ahead![explanation: Go ahead! [ɡəʊ əˈhed] – Lase käia!]
Sure, no problem.
No problem at all.
I’m afraid that’s not possible.
Unfortunately[explanation: unfortunately [ʌnˈfɔːtʃ(ə)nətli] – kahjuks], I have to say no.
Pairwork 4
You and your partner each choose a role and act out the following situations in English:
How Am I Doing?
I can name ... |
3 phrases to ask for permission: |
3 phrases to give permission: |
3 phrases to refuse permission: |
