allow me for two min / give me two minutes
Hello,

could you please tell me the difference between:

1) give me two minutes
2) allow me for two minutes

Thank you.

Question

allow me for two min / give me two minutes
Hello,

could you please tell me the difference between:

1) give me two minutes
2) allow me for two minutes

Thank you.

Answer

You can check your dictionary for the meaning of "give" and "allow", but there are a few important things to know:

1. "two minutes" here means "a short time" - not exactly two minutes.
2. The sentence with "allow me" is more polite than "give me" in this example.
3. "allow me for two minutes" implies you will be doing something that the other person is already trying.
4. the emphasis on "allow me" is strong: "al-low ME"

Example in context:
"I can't get this computer to turn on."
"Allow me for two minutes"
(three minutes later) "Did you get it to work?"
"No, I'm sorry.  You'll need to have someone take a look at it properly."

For more on topics like this, you can sign up for informal speaking practice with me.

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