Asking Permission to Drink Water

Asking Permission to Drink Water

Learn how to politely ask your teacher for permission to drink water. This lesson provides simple, clear phrases to use in a school setting, ensuring you can make your request respectfully.

SpeakItGo• FEATURED• 4 min

BEGINNER

You:
Excuse me, teacher.
Teacher:
Yes?
You:
Can I drink water?
Teacher:
Do you need to go to the water fountain?
You:
Yes, I do. I am very thirsty.
Teacher:
Okay. You can go.
You:
Thank you!
Teacher:
You're welcome.
You:
I will be quick.
Teacher:
Okay. Thank you.

Vocabulary

permission

The action of officially allowing someone to do a particular thing.

  • Can I drink water?
  • I need permission to leave the room.
  • He asked for permission to go to the bathroom.

thirsty

Feeling a need to drink.

  • I am very thirsty.
  • She was thirsty after her run.
  • The plants are thirsty.

Grammar Tip: Using 'Can I...?' or 'May I...?'

The phrase 'Can I...?' is a polite way to ask for something. It shows respect to the person you are speaking with. 'May I...?' is a more formal and respectful way to ask for permission, but 'Can I...?' is also widely accepted.

Common Mistakes

❌ Using 'I want to drink water.'

✅ The correct form is 'Can I drink water?' or 'May I drink water?' The word 'can' or 'may' is a polite way to ask for permission, not demand it.

This is a key part of using the right word for a specific action and social context. It's better to be polite and respectful to your teacher.

❌ Just saying 'Water.'

✅ The correct form is 'Excuse me, teacher.' This is a polite way to get the teacher's attention and ask for permission to leave.

This is a simple social cue. The phrase 'Water' can sound rude or demanding in a classroom setting.

Notes for Learners

  • Be ready to make a simple request in a formal setting.
  • Practice using phrases like 'Excuse me, teacher.' and 'Can I drink water?'
  • Listen for the teacher's answers and respond with a simple 'Thank you.'
  • Remember to give a reason for your request to show that you are being honest and respectful.

INTERMEDIATE

You:
Excuse me, Mr. Johnson. Would it be okay if I stepped out to get a drink of water? I'm feeling a little dehydrated.
Teacher:
Of course. Go ahead. Please be quick so you don't miss anything important.
You:
I will. Thank you for your understanding. I really appreciate it.
Teacher:
You're welcome. Water is very important for staying focused.
You:
I know. I'll be right back.
Teacher:
Okay. I'll see you later.
You:
See you later. Thank you again.
Teacher:
You're welcome.
You:
I'm glad we talked.
Teacher:
Me too.

Vocabulary

permission

The action of officially allowing someone to do a particular thing.

  • Would it be okay if I stepped out to get a drink of water?
  • I need permission to leave the room.
  • He asked for permission to go to the bathroom.

dehydrated

Suffering from a lack of water.

  • I'm feeling a little dehydrated.
  • He was dehydrated after his run.
  • The plants are dehydrated.

Grammar Tip: Using 'Would it be okay if...?'

The phrase 'Would it be okay if...?' is a very polite and indirect way to ask a question. It's a great way to make a request without sounding demanding.

Common Mistakes

❌ Just saying 'Can I get water?'

✅ Add more detail to your sentence, like 'Would it be okay if I stepped out to get a drink of water?' This is more polite and shows respect.

Adding more information makes your speech sound more natural and engaging. It's a key part of an intermediate-level conversation.

❌ Giving a weak excuse like 'I'm thirsty.'

✅ Give a more valid reason like 'I'm feeling a little dehydrated.'

This shows you are an engaged student and makes the conversation more personal and practical. A good excuse shows that you are responsible.

Notes for Learners

  • Be ready to make a polite request with more detail.
  • Practice using a conversational tag like 'Would it be okay if...?'
  • Listen for more specific questions and be prepared to give a detailed answer.
  • Remember to use more descriptive words like 'dehydrated' and 'focused.'

ADVANCED

You:
Pardon me, Professor. I hope I'm not interrupting. Would you grant me a moment to replenish my water bottle?
Teacher:
Certainly. Please feel free. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining concentration during a lecture.
You:
Thank you for your understanding. I'll be back in my seat in a moment.
Teacher:
Not a problem at all. We'll be reviewing the next slide in just a minute.
You:
I'm immensely grateful for your flexibility and support. It is truly appreciated.
Teacher:
You're welcome. Take your time. We'll be here.
You:
I will. Thank you again.
Teacher:
You're welcome.
You:
Goodbye.
Teacher:
Goodbye.

Vocabulary

replenish

To fill (something) up again.

  • Would you grant me a moment to replenish my water bottle?
  • He replenished his coffee cup.
  • The store needs to replenish its stock.

essential

Absolutely necessary; extremely important.

  • Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining concentration...
  • Water is essential for life.
  • It is essential to be on time.

Grammar Tip: Using the phrase 'Would you grant me a moment...?'

This phrase is a formal and very polite way to ask for a request. It is more sophisticated and less demanding than 'Can you...?' It shows that you are listening carefully and value the other person's opinion.

Common Mistakes

❌ Using simple language like 'Can I get water?'

✅ Use more descriptive and formal phrases like 'Would you grant me a moment to replenish my water bottle?'

Advanced English is about choosing the right tone and vocabulary. Using words like 'replenish' and 'grant' shows a high level of fluency and a precise understanding of the situation.

❌ Not providing a clear and specific plan.

✅ Provide a clear and specific plan, e.g., 'Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining concentration during a lecture.'

This shows you are an informed person and helps the other person understand your goals more quickly and professionally. It's a key part of advanced communication.

Notes for Learners

  • Open the conversation with a formal phrase like 'Pardon me.'
  • Be ready to use and understand specific terms like 'replenish,' 'essential,' and 'concentration.'
  • Acknowledge the person's help with a phrase like 'I'm immensely grateful for your flexibility and support' and end the conversation professionally.
  • Remember that maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor is key, even when you are frustrated.