Modal verbs for requests

lesson below shows you how to use modal verbs for requests can help you communicate in English. Can & could Can and could are modal verbs used to make requests. Here is the structure: can/could + subject + verb examples: ● Can you pass the salt please? ● Could you bring your book tomorrow?

polite ways of telling or asking someone to do something:
● Could you take a message please? ● Would you carry this for me please? ● Could I have my bill please?
● Can and will are less polite:
● Can you take a message please? ● Will you carry this for me please?

could. Can is used to make basic requests from a friend or co-worker. It is often used for small things. ●Can you pass the juice? ●Can you turn off the air conditioner? Could is more polite than can, but has the same function: ● Could you pass the juice please? ● Could you help me with my homework Mr. Johnston?

is as follows: Would you mind + Verb + ING Examples:
●Would you mind closing the door? ● Would you mind turning down the radio?
You can also say “do you mind”, but “would you mind” is more polite:
● Do you mind turning off the music? ● Would you mind turning off the music?

verb “like”. ●I would like another drink please. ● I would like some help with my math homework please. This is the same as using the verb “want”. However, would is more polite. ● I want a drink. ● I would like a drink. These types of requests are more common when ordering something. Take a look at these examples: ● I would like rice with my chicken. ● I would like another coke please.

USE THE MODAL VERBS “CAN”, “COULD” OR “MAY” FOLLOWED BY THE VERB “TO HAVE”. REMEMBER THAT WE USE “CAN” IN INFORMAL SITUATIONS, SUCH AS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. “COULD” AND “MAY” ARE USED IN MORE FORMAL SITUATIONS, WITH YOUR BOSS OR DURING A MEETING. EXAMPLES:  “CAN I HAVE SOME MORE CHICKEN, MOM?” “CAN I HAVE TWO COKE’S AND A BURGER, PLEASE?” “COULD I HAVE SOME MORE COFFEE?” “COULD I HAVE THE WINE, PLEASE?” “MAY I HAVE THE BILL, PLEASE?”