Daily Conversation
John: May I speak to Ali please?
Father: _______________________________.
1. Yes, you may
2. Hold on please.
Some of my students give number 1 answer. I do not intend to accept number 1 as a valid answer because I haven't heard of any native speakers using this expression so far. To me , you may.... is to give permission. But asking to speak to someone is not so much of a permission. This is a subjective question answer and I would like to get the opinions on fellow members who are native speakers to confirm my thought.
Thank you.
Top answer
Both answers are excellent responses. I cannot imagine how a question like this was even devised. Additionally, "may" is being used to ask permission here.
- Both answers are excellent responses.
- I cannot imagine how a question like this was even devised.
- Additionally, "may" is being used to ask permission here.
- But even if it weren't, the question is structured with "may," a modal auxiliary used for question formation, and so a short answer response using "may" is altogether appropriate.
- I don't like the question item at all.
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Both answers are excellent responses. I cannot imagine how a question like this was even devised. Additionally, "may" is being used to ask permission here. But even if it weren't, the question is structured with "may," a modal auxiliary used for question formation, and so a short answer response using "may" is altogether appropriate. I don't like the question item at all.
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