Meaning
This is a very casual way to ask if something is permissible or acceptable. We can ask for permission for our self or for another person. You can use "alright" or "fine" instead of "okay".
Today's Sentences
- Is it okay if I leave my laptop here?
- Is it okay if I leave early today?
- Is it okay if I bring a friend to dinner?
- Is it okay if I sit here?
- Is it okay if I call you Daniel?
- Writer's Note
01
Is it okay if I leave my laptop here?
Situation 1
Hi, sorry to bother you.
Hi, that’s ok.
Can I help you?
I was wondering,
is it okay if I leave my laptop here?
It should be fine but I’ll keep an eye on it for you.
Situation 2
Is it okay if I leave my laptop here?
Our coffeeshop has been pretty safe.
I just need to use the restroom.
You can leave it here at the counter if you like.
02
Is it okay if I leave early today?
Situation 1
Are you okay?
I’m feeling a little nauseous.
Do you want to go home?
Is it okay if I leave early today?
Situation 2
Is it okay if I leave early today?
Sure.
Is everything ok?
I just have a family emergency.
Of course.
Don’t worry about work.
03
Is it okay if I bring a friend to dinner?
Situation 1
Are you cooking tonight?
I’m preparing an Antipasto Platter and lasagna tonight.
Is it okay if I bring a friend to dinner?
Of course,
the more the merrier!
Situation 2
Is it okay if I bring a friend to dinner? B: A: B:
Is this a special friend?
Why do you ask?
Well, I’d like to clean the house and prepare something special.
04
Is it okay if I sit here?
Situation 1
Is this seat taken?
No, it’s not.
Is it okay if I sit here?
Of course, it’s all yours.
Situation 2
Is it okay if I sit here?
Actually, this seat is taken.
Really?
It seems the seats behind me are free though.
05
Is it okay if I call you Daniel?
Situation 1
I’m Danny, the in-house expert.
Nice to meet you.
Is it okay if I call you Daniel?
I prefer Danny if that’s ok.
Sure.
Situation 2
Is it okay if I call you Dan?
Actually, my name is Daniel.
Sorry,
I thought I'd call you by a shortened name.
My friends call me Daniel or Danny.
Writer's Note
The examples above suggest "Is it okay if" + subject + verb. Here are a few more to help you understand different situations using this pattern.
- Is it okay if my children play here with you?
- Is it okay if she comes to the party too?
- Is it okay if we attend the concert as well?
- Is it okay if our company joins the conference?
- Is it okay if I open the window? It’s a bit warm in here.
- Is it okay if we meet a little earlier tomorrow?
- Is it okay if my dog stays here for a few hours?
- Is it okay if I bring a friend to the party?
These are casual and common ways to ask for permission or to ask if something is acceptable. We can ask for permission on behalf of our own self or for another person.
