Example Situations - Asking for Permission which is Given

Jack: Hi Sam, do you think I could use your cellphone for a moment?
Sam: Sure, no problem. Here you are.
Jack: Thanks buddy. It will only be a minute or two.
Sam: Take your time. No rush.
Jack: Thanks!
Student: Would it be possible for me to have a few more minutes to review before the
quiz?
Teacher: Please feel free to study for a few more minutes.
Student: Thank you very much.
Teacher: No problem. Do you have any questions in particular?
Student: Uh, no. I just need to review things quickly.
Teacher: OK. We'll begin in five minutes.
Student: Thank you.
Example Situations - Asking for Permission which is Denied
Employee: Would you mind if I came in late to work tomorrow?
Boss: I'm afraid I'd prefer if you didn't.
Employee: Hmmm. What if I work overtime tonight?
Boss: Well, I really need you for the meeting tomorrow. Is there any way you can do
whatever it is you need to do later.
Employee: If you put it that way, I'm sure I can figure something out.
Boss: Thanks, I appreciate it.
Son: Dad, can I go out tonight?
Father: It's a school night! I'm afraid that's not possible.
Son: Dad, all my friends are going to the game!
Father: I'm sorry son. Your grades haven't been the best recently. I'm going to have to
say no.
Son: Ah, Dad, come on! Let me go!
Father: Sorry son, no is no.
Liza, eight years old, is asking her mother for permission to use the computer...

Liza:

Please mum, can I use the computer?

Her mother:
Liza:
Her mother:
Liza:

No, dear you can't. It's time to go to bed.

May I read a story before I sleep?
Sure! But try to sleep early.
Thanks a lot mummy.

Prohobiting
The security agent:

Hey, you. What are you doing here? You aren't allowed to enter this
building.

Mr O'Brian:

Sorry, but I have an appointment with Dr Leila O'Biran. She's my

daughter.

The security agent:

Show me your ID card please.

Mr O'Brian:

Here you are, sir.

The security agent:

Well...That sounds OK. Dr Leila O'Brian is in the 3rd floor. You can
take the lift sir.

Instructing
Question: How do you operate (this camera)?
Instruction: First, you look through the view finder and the push the red button to take
the picture.
Question: Can you show me how to (use the FAX machine)?
Instruction: After entering the phone number put the document in this slot and then
press sent.
Question: Do you know how to ( save a PDF file on a computer)?
Instruction: Sure, click the file menu and select save. Select the folder you want to
save it in, give the file a name and then click save.
Question: How do I go about ( making an omelet)?
Instruction: First crack two egss and put them in s bowl. After beating the eggs add
other desired ingredients such as peppers, onions mushrooms, etc. After that, put a
little oil in a pan and pour the egss into the pan. Cook for one minute and then turn the
egg over and cook another minute.

Dialogues for Giving Instructions

Guest: How do you operate this tread mill?
Staff: First, turn it on then set the controls for speed, distance, or time. Last, press the start button.
Guest: Can you show me how to hold the putter?
Staff: First, grasp the club with your left hand. Your thumb should be pointing down and parallel to
the shaft. Next, put your right hand below your left hand, with your right pinkie finger touching
your left index finger. Grip the shaft by placing the palm of your right hand over your left thumb.
Your right thumb should also be pointing down and parallel to the shaft.
Guest: Do you know how to make a paper kite?
Staff: Sure, first, get two thin strips of light weight balsa wood, one three feet long and one
two feet long. Next, join the strips together forming a T-shape. After that, run twine from
each end of the wooden strips, forming a diamond shape. Then, glue large sheets of paper
onto the twine and wooden strips, so the diamond shape is covered with paper. Last, attach
a long piece of string to the kite, where the two strips of wood cross to form the T.
Guest: How do I send a FAX?
Staff: First, put the paper into the feeder. Then, enter the phone number it is being sent to.
Finally, hit send.

Mr Jones : - Hello Mrs Adams.

Mr Jones : - Please tell me how do I get to your house?
Mrs Adams: - Are will you coming by car, bus or by train?
Mr Jones : - I will be coming by car.
Mr Jones : - Please could you tell me the easiest way of getting to your house?
Mrs Adams: - Take the M6 to London and need to come of at junction 78
Mr Jones: - London, could you spell that for me
Mrs Adams: - L - o - n - d - o - n
Mr Jones : - Thanks
Mrs Adams: - OK, then turn right at the roundabout and take the second right my house is on the left next
to the local pet store.
Mr Jones : - Is that the quickest way of getting to your house?
Mrs Adams: - Yes, it is the quickest way by car.
Mr Jones : - Would it be possible for you draw me a map please, as I don't know the area very well as I
am from Blackburn.
Mrs Adams: - Yes I will draw a map and send you a copy in an email with some directions we have just
talked about.
Mr Jones : - Thank you so much.
Mrs Adams: - You are welcome.

a. Excuse me. What street is this ?

b. This is White Lotus Lane.
a. Could you tell me the way to the beach ?
b. Sure, go straight down this street, then turn left at the next traffic light.
a. Thanks, mate.

1. Use the imperative form

We use the imperative form to give orders, warnings and advice:

Be quiet!
Take care!
Listen to me carefully!
Because it can sound rude to give direct orders (especially if you are talking to an adult), we "soften" the
imperative form with "let's" or "please":
Let's go now.
Please listen to what I'm saying.
2. Use a modal verb to turn the order into arequest
We use modals to change the mood of a sentence. For example, "You should help her" is more polite
than "Help her!"
Other modal verbs you can use to make requests are:
Could: Could you make me some tea?
Can: Can you come here please?
Will: Will you shut the door please?
Would: Would you wait here until the doctor is ready for you?
3. Use an introductory phrase to soften the order
Instead of using an imperative, you can use a phrase instead. Here are some common ways of phrasing
an order, in order of the most indirect to the most direct:
Would you mind possibly (+ ing) (Most indirect)
Would you mind possibly moving your car? It's parked right in front of mine.
I was hoping you could (+ infinitive without to)
I was hoping you could spare me a few minutes this morning.
Do you think you could (+ infinitive without to)
Do you think you could do this photocopying for me?
If you have a couple of minutes spare
If you have a couple of minutes spare, the office needs tidying up.
I'd like you to
I'd like you to file this correspondence for me.
I want you to
I want you to finish this by tomorrow.
4. Use sequencing words
You can use sequencing words to make instructions clear.

Firstly, make sure the appliance is disconnected.

Secondly, open the back with a screwdriver.
Then, carefully pull out the two black cables.