🎯 Lesson Goal
In this lesson, you will learn how to ask for permission to use or borrow other people's things. You will also learn how to say yes, say no politely, and thank someone.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to ask simple questions like:
✅ Can I use your phone?
✅ May I borrow your pen?
✅ Could I use your charger?
1. 📝 Grammar
A. Can (Most Common)
We use can to ask for permission in everyday English.
Structure
Can + I + verb + your + object?
Examples
Can I use your phone?
Can I borrow your pen?
Can I use your laptop?
Can I take your umbrella?
⭐ Remember: Can is the most common way to ask for permission.
B. May (More Polite)
May is more polite and more formal.
Structure
May + I + verb + your + object?
Examples
May I borrow your book?
May I use your charger?
May I use your computer?
C. Other Polite Ways
These expressions are common but a little more advanced.
Could I use your phone?
Could I borrow your bike?
Do you mind if I use your laptop?
Is it okay if I borrow your pen?
D. Possessive Adjectives
These words show who owns something.
| Pronoun | Possessive Adjective | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | my | my phone |
| You | your | your book |
| He | his | his car |
| She | her | her bag |
| We | our | our classroom |
| They | their | their bicycles |
Examples
Can I use your pen?
May I borrow his book?
Can I take her umbrella?
E. Answers
✅ Saying Yes
Yes, you can.
Sure!
Of course.
No problem.
Go ahead.
Here you are.
❌ Saying No Politely
Sorry, I need it.
I'm using it now.
I'm afraid not.
Sorry, not right now.
Maybe later.
2. 📖 Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| phone | a device for calling people |
| laptop | a portable computer |
| pen | something you write with |
| book | something you read |
| charger | a device to charge a phone |
| umbrella | protects you from rain |
| key | opens a door |
| backpack | a bag you carry on your back |
| bicycle (bike) | a two-wheel vehicle |
| notebook | a book for writing notes |
| scissors | used for cutting paper |
| headphones | used for listening to music |
| water bottle | a bottle for water |
| eraser | removes pencil marks |
| dictionary | a book with word meanings |
3. 💬 Useful Expressions
Asking for Permission
Can I use your phone?
Can I borrow your pen?
May I use your laptop?
Could I borrow your charger?
Is it okay if I use your bike?
Do you mind if I borrow your book?
Could you lend me your umbrella?
May I take your notebook?
Saying Thank You
Thank you!
Thanks a lot!
Thank you very much!
I really appreciate it.
Returning the Item
Here you are.
Here's your pen.
Thank you again.
Thanks for letting me use it.
4. ✨ Example Sentences
Can I use your pen? I forgot mine.
May I borrow your book for class?
Could I use your charger? My phone is dead.
Is it okay if I use your bike?
Can I borrow your notebook?
May I use your umbrella? It's raining.
Could I borrow your headphones?
Can I use your computer for five minutes?
Thank you! I'll give it back later.
Here is your book. Thanks!
5. ❓Questions and Answers
1
Q: Can I use your phone?
A: Sure! Go ahead.
2
Q: May I borrow your pen?
A: Of course!
3
Q: Could I use your charger?
A: Sorry, I'm using it now.
4
Q: Can I borrow your umbrella?
A: Yes, here you are.
5
Q: Is it okay if I use your bike?
A: I'm afraid not. I need it today.
6
Q: May I use your notebook?
A: Yes, you can.
7
Q: Could I borrow your headphones?
A: Sure!
8
Q: Can I take your dictionary?
A: Yes. Please return it tomorrow.
9
Q: May I use your backpack?
A: Sorry, I'm using it.
10
Q: Could I borrow your scissors?
A: Of course. Here you are.
6. 🗣️ Conversation
At School
Emma: Hi, Ben. Can I borrow your pen?
Ben: Sure! Here you are.
Emma: Thank you!
Ben: You're welcome.
Emma: Oh, and may I use your ruler?
Ben: Of course.
Emma: Thanks! I'll give it back after class.
Ben: No problem.
7. 📚 Reading
Borrowing Things at School
Students often borrow things from their classmates. Sometimes they forget a pen, a pencil, or a notebook. Before using someone else's things, it is important to ask for permission.
Emma forgets her pen at home. She asks her friend, "Can I borrow your pen?" Her friend smiles and says, "Of course! Here you are." Emma says, "Thank you!"
Later, Emma needs a ruler. She asks, "May I use your ruler?" Her friend says, "Yes, no problem."
Good students always ask before taking something. They also return borrowed things and say "Thank you." This shows respect and good manners.
8. 🎯 Mini Practice
Choose the correct answer.
1.
_____ I borrow your pen?
a) Are
b) Can
c) Do
✅ Answer: b) Can
2.
"Sure! Go ahead."
This means:
a) Yes
b) No
c) Maybe
✅ Answer: a) Yes
3.
May is:
a) less polite than "can"
b) more polite than "can"
c) never used
✅ Answer: b) more polite than "can"
4.
Which sentence is correct?
a) Can I borrow your phone?
b) Borrow I can your phone?
c) Can borrow your phone?
✅ Answer: a) Can I borrow your phone?
5.
What do you say after borrowing something?
a) Goodbye.
b) Thank you.
c) See you.
✅ Answer: b) Thank you.
⭐ Key Takeaways
✅ Use Can I...? for everyday permission.
✅ Use May I...? to be more polite.
✅ Always ask before using someone else's things.
✅ Say Thank you when someone helps you.
✅ Return borrowed items politely.
🏆 A1 Speaking Challenge
Practice these questions aloud:
Can I borrow your pen?
Can I use your phone?
May I use your laptop?
Could I borrow your book?
Is it okay if I use your umbrella?
Then answer:
Sure!
Of course!
Here you are.
Sorry, I'm using it now.
I'm afraid not.
💡 English Tip: Native speakers use "Can I...?" much more often than "May I...?" in everyday conversations. Learning Can I...?, Sure!, Of course!, and Here you are. will help you sound natural from your first conversations in English.
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