Making Requests
Making a request means asking someone to do us a favor. Subject "you" is frequently used since we tend to ask someone directly. Modal verbs could, would and can are used.
Could/would, can/will + you + base verb................., please?
- could/would : more polite
- can/will : less polite
Would you mind + Verb -ing ...................., please?
Example
- Could you open the windows, please? It is very hot in here.
- Can you pass me that pencil, please?
- Would you help me move this desk, please?
- Will you close the door, please?
- Would you mind driving me home?
Asking Permission
Asking permission means you ask someone to grand you a right or privilege to do something. Modal verbs may, can, could are used.
May, could, can + I/we + base verb .........................., please?
- May : most polite
- Could : more polite
- Can : less polite
Example
- May I leave early today, please? I'm feeling very sick.
- Could we reschedule our school's trip to next week?
- Can I borrow your book for a day, please?
Making offers
Making an offer means you are willing to help another person.
Can/could
- Can I bring you something to drink?
- I can help you with that if you don't mind.
- Could I buy you coffee?
- I could book a hotel for you if you want.
Would
Would you like .......................?
- Would you like me to bring you a drink?
- Would you like a seat near the windows?
Will
Sub + will + base verb..............
- I'll carry that for you.
- I'll drive you home.
- I'll help you with that.
Making promises
Sub + will + base verb.................
- I'll pick up you at your house at 8 in the morning.
- I'll return you the book I borrowed tomorrow.
