Requests: can, could, will, would, may, might
Polite requests with 'I' as the subject
| MAY I COULD I | (a) May I (please) borrow your pen? (b) Could I borrow your pen (please)? | May I and could I are used to request permission. They are equally polite.* Note in {b}: In a polite request, could has a present or future meaning, not a past meaning. |
| CAN I | (c) Can I borrow your pen? | Can I is used informally to request permission, especially if the speaker is talking to someone s/he knows fairy well. Can I is usually not considered as polite as may I or could I. |
| TYPICAL RESPONSES: Certainly. Yes, certainly. Of course. Yes, of course. Sure, (informal) | Often the response to a polite request consists of an action, a nod or shake of the head, or a simple 'uh-huh.' |
Polite requests with 'You' as the subject
| WOULD YOU WILL YOU | (a) Would you pass the salt (please)? (b) Will you (please) pass the salt? | The meaning of would you and will you in a polite request is the same. Would you is more common and is often considered more polite. The degree of politeness, however, is often determined by the speaker's tone of voice. |
| COULD YOU | (c) Could you pass the salt? | Basically, could you and would you have the same meaning. The difference is slight: would you = Do you want to do this please? could you = Do you want to do this please, and is it possible for you to do this? Could you and would you are equally polite. |
| CAN YOU | (d) Can you pass the salt? | Can you is often used informally. It usually sounds less polite than could you or would you. |
| TYPICAL RESPONSES: Yes, I'd (I would) be happy to. Yes, I'd be glad to. Certainly. Sure, (informal) | A person usually responds in the affirmative to a polite request. If a negative response is necessary, a person might begin by saying, I'd like to, but...', (eg, 'I'd like to pass the salt, but I can't reach it. I'll ask Tom to pass it to you.'). |
Polite requests with would you, mind
| ASKING PERMISSION (a) Would you mind if I closed the window? (b) Would you mind if I used the phone? | Notice in (a): would you mind if I is followed by the simple past.* The meaning in (a): May I close the window? Is it all right if I close the window? Will it cause you any trouble or discomfort if I close the window? |
| TYPICAL RESPONSES No. Not at all. No, of course not. No, that would be fine. | Another typical response might be 'unh-unh,' meaning no. |
| ASKING SOMEONE ELSE TO DO SOMETHING (c) Would you mind closing the window? (d) Excuse me? Would you mind repeating that? | Notice in (c): would you mind is followed Ъу-ing (a gerund). The meaning in (c): I don't want to cause you any trouble, but would you please close the window? Would that cause you any inconvenience? |
| TYPICAL RESPONSES No, I'd be happy to. Not at all. I'd be glad to. |
Activities
/. Study and practise.
1. — Will/Would you be able to fix my brakes today?
— I'm sorry. I won't be able to do it until tomorrow.
2. — Can/Could you possibly check my oil today?
— Sure. I can do it right away.
3. — I'm dying of thirst. Would you make a cup of tea?
— OK. I'll put the kettle on.
— And could you bring me some biscuits?
— Yes, I'll open the new packet.
4. — Excuse me. Could you open the door for me, please?
— Yes, of course.
— Thank you very much.
5. — Could I have the bill, please?
— Certainly, sir. I'll bring it straight away.
6. — It's a present. Do you think you could gift-wrap it for
me?
— Yes, indeed. I'll just take the price off.
7. — Would you mind opening the window?
— Not at all. It's very stuffy in here.
8. —I'll give you a lift if you like.
— That's great. Would you drop me at the station?
9. — Yes, madam. Can I help you?
—Yes, I bought these here two days ago and the heel's broken. Can you change them?
— Oh, dear. I'm so sorry. I'll just see if we've got another pair for you.
10. — Turn that wretched music down, will you?
Or better still, turn it off!
— Oh, all right.
11. — Anita, will you come here a minute? Could you get
me the file on sales in France? I just need to check something. Oh, and Anita, I'd love a cup of coffee, if that's at all possible.
— Yes, Mr Parkinson.
12. — Would you mind mailing these letters for me?
— All right. I'll do it when I go downtown this afternoon.
13. — Would you mind not smoking here?
— OK. I'll go outside.
14. — Excuse me. Could you move your bag, please?
— I'm sorry, but it's not mine.
15. — I wonder if you could tell me where the library is.
— Certainly. It's just round the corner.
16. — Would you mind if I borrowed your paper?
— Actually, I'm just going to read it myself. Sorry.
— Never mind. It doesn't matter.
17. — Do you mind if I open the window? It's a bit stuffy
in here.
— No, not at all. Please do.
— Thank you.
18. — Excuse me. Is that your motorcycle outside?
— Yes, it is.
— I wonder if you'd mind moving it. It's blocking my car.
— OK. I'll park it across the street.
19. — You know, this book is difficult to read!
— Oh, really?
— Yes. Can I borrow your dictionary? I'll only need it for about an hour.
— Sorry, I'm using it.
20. — Mom!
— Yes, honey.
— Can you help me with my homework? I really can't understand these history questions.
— Yes, in a minute.
21. — Is that the six o'clock news?
— Yes, it is.
— Would you mind turning up the TV? I can't hear it. I want to hear the weather report.
— All right.
22. — Uh, are you going to the cafeteria?
— Yes, I am.
— Could you get me a soda from the machine? I'm really thirsty.
— Sure.
23. — Excuse me?
— Yes?
— Would you mind if I went before you? I have to make a very quick call, but it's really urgent.
— Er ... er ... No, go on, that's fine.
— Oh, that's very kind. Thank you.
24. — Megan.
— Mmm.
— Could you do something for me? Can you see the paper over there? Could you get it for me?
— Sorry, where is it?
— On the television.
— OK.
25. — Is it all right if I leave my bags here for a moment?
— Of course, go ahead, (informal)
26. — May I come in?
— By all means.
27. — Hello.
— Hello. I wonder if you could help me? Would you mind if I left my bags here just for one minute. I have to make a phone call.
— No, I'm sorry, sir. It's not allowed.
— It's only for a short time.
— It's against the rules. No luggage can be left in reception for security reasons.
//. Change the following sentences into polite requests using the words in parentheses.
1. I want you to hand me that book, (would)
Would you please hand me that book? 2.1 want you to give me some advice about buying a computer.
(could)
3. I want to borrow your wheelbarrow, (could) 4.1 want to have a cup of coffee, (may) 5. I want to use your bicycle tomorrow, (can) 6.1 want you to read over my composition for spelling errors.
(would)
7. I want you to open the door for me. (would you mind)
8. I want to leave early, (would you mind)
///. Student A Make a polite request for the given situation. Student В Give a typical response.
1. You and (...) are sitting at the dinner table. You want the butter.
Student A: (Anna), would/could/will/can you please
pass me the butter? Student B: Certainly. /Sure./ I'd be glad to. Here you
are.
2. You want to ask your teacher a question.
3. You're at your friend's apartment. You want to use the phone.
4. You're speaking on the phone to your brother. You want him to pick you up at the airport when you arrive home.
5. You want to leave class early. You're speaking to your instructor.
6. You want (...) to meet you in front of the library at three this afternoon.
7. You knock on your professor's half-open door. He's sitting at his desk. You want to go in.
8. You want to make an appointment to see Dr North.; You're speaking to her secretary.
9. You are at a gas station. You want the attendant to check the oil.
10. You are in your chemistry class. You're looking at your textbook. On page 100 there is a formula which you do not understand. You want your professor to explain this formula to you.
11. You call your friend. Her name is (...). Someone else answers the phone.
12. You want to see (...)'s dictionary for a minute.
13. You want a stranger in an airport to keep her eye on your luggage while you get a drink of water.
14. You want (...) to tape something on the VCR tonight while you're away at a meeting.
15. You want a stranger to tell you the time.
16. You want your friend to hand you (something).
17. You wrote a letter to a university. You want your teacher to read it and correct the mistakes.
18. (•••) is going to the library. You want him/her to return a book for you.
19. You and (...) are on vacation together. You'd like to have a picture of the two of you together. You see a stranger who looks friendly. You want her to take a picture of you.
IV. Using the verb in parentheses, fill in the blank either with if 1+ the past tense or with the -ing form of the verb. In some of the sentences, either response is possible but the meaning is different.
1. A: It's hot in here. Would you mind (open) opening
the window? B: Not at all. I'd be glad to.
2. A: It's hot in here. Would you mind (open) if I opened
the window?
B: Not at all. Go right ahead. I think it's hot in here, too.
3. A: Would you mind (take)_________the took back
to the library for me? B: Not at all.
4. A: This story you wrote is really good. Would you
mind (show)________it to my English teacher?
B: Go right ahead. That'd be fine.
5. A: I'll wash the dishes. Would you mind (dry)
____________them. That would help me a lot.
B: I'd be happy to.
6. A: I'm feeling kind of tired and worn out. This heavy
work in the hot sun is hard on me. Would you
mind (finish)____________the work by yourself?
B: No problem, Grandpa. Why don't you go and rest? I'll finish it up.
7. A: Would you mind (use)___________your name as
a reference on this job application? B: Not at all. In fact, ask them to call me.
8. A: Would you mind (wait)____________here for
just a minute? I need to run back to the classroom. I forgot my notebook.
В: Sure. Go ahead. I'll wait right here.
9. A: You have an atlas, don't you? Would you mind (bor-
row) ___________it for a minute? I need to settle
an argument. My friend says Timbuktu is in Asia, and I say it's in Australia.
B: You're both wrong. It's in Africa. Here's the atlas. Look it up for yourself.
10. A: Since this is the first time you've owned a computer,
would you mind (give)___________you some advice?
B: Not at all. I'd appreciate it.
11. A: Are you going to the post office? B: Yes.
A: Would you mind (mail)__________this letter for me?
B: Not at all.
12. A: Are you coming with us?
B: I know I promised to go with you, but I'm not feeling
very good.
Would you mind (stay)___________home?
A: Of course not.
13. A: I still don't understand how to work this algebra
problem. Would you mind (explain)__________it
again? B: Not at all. I'd be happy to.
14. A: It's getting hot in here. Would you mind (open)
______the window?
B: No.
15. A: This is probably none of my business, but would you
mind (ask)___________you a personal question?
B: It depends.
16. A: Would you mind (smoke)________?
B: I'd really rather you didn't.
17. A: Excuse me. Would you mind (speak)__________a lit- •
tie more slowly? I didn't catch what you said. B: I'd be happy to.
18. A: I don't like this TV program. Would you mind (change)
__________the channel?
B: Unh-unh.
19. A: I'm getting tired, I'd like to go home and go to
bed. Would you mind (leave)_____________early?
B: Not at all.
V. Change these sentences into polite requests beginning with Would you mind ... ?' or 'Do you mind?'.
1. You would like your English teacher to speak more slowly.
Would you mind speaking a little more slowly?
2. The music is a bit soft and you would like to turn the volume up.
Do___________________________________________?
3. You would like your landlady to take any messages for you while you are out.
4. The room is cold and you would like to turn the heating on.
5. You are in a friend's house and you would like to make yourself a cup of tea.
6. You would like the telephone company to send you another bill. (You have lost the original one.)
7. You would like your friend to type a letter for you.
VI. Study very polite ways of asking permission and requesting:
Could you possibly do me a favour?
Do you think you could help me with a problem I've got?
I was wondering if you could lend me some money for a. few
days.
You couldn't possibly lend me £20, could you?
Use each form once in the following situations. Use a more direct form in two of them.
1. Mr Wilson asks his boss if he can leave the office an hour earlier than usual.
2. Stephen asks his guitar teacher to lend him his guitar for the evening.
3. Mr Wilson wants his neighbour to help him carry a cupboard upstairs.
4. You ask someone to move his car, as it's blocking the entrance to your garage.
5. Julie and two of her friends ask their typing teacher for permission to leave early.
6. Mrs Wilson would like Julie to do some shopping for her, if she has time.
7. You ask a stranger next to you in a train if you can look at his newspaper.
8. You ask your host for permission to use his phone.
9. You ask someone you hardly know for a lift into town.
10. You are checking out of a hotel, and want to pay your bill.
| Less formal Most formal | Can you please lend me $ 100? Could you let me use your car? Would you be able to mail this letter? Would you mind letting me use your Walkman? Would it be OK if I borrowed your car? Would you mind if I used it? I wonder if you'd mind lending me your cassette player. |
VII. Pair work. Make requests with modals or if-clauses using the cues below. Then practise them.
| a) You want to borrow someone's typewriter. b) You want someone to drive you to the airport. c) You want someone to help you move on Saturday. d) You want someone to lend you a camera. | A: Would you mind ... B: Sorry. It's not working right. A: ... B: OK. What time? A: ... B: Sure, that'll be fine, but I'm only free in the afternoon. A: ... B: Gee, I'm sorry, I'm going to use it later. | ||
| e) You want to use someone's telephone. | A: ... B: All right. Go ahead! | ||
Class activity. Go round the class and make your requests. How many people accepted and how many refused?
| Accepting a request Oh, sure. I'd be glad to! OK. I'll do that. All right. Sure! No problem! By all means. Of course, go ahead. | Refusing a request Oh, sorry, I can't right now. I'm sorry, but I'm busy. I'd rather not. What? You must be kidding! Please don't. |
VIII. Ask polite questions in the following situations. Use any appropriate modal (may, could, would, etc.).
1. Your train leaves at 6 p.m. tomorrow. You want your friend to take you to the station.
2. You're sitting at your friend's house. A bowl of fruit is sitting on the table. You want an apple.
3. You're in class. You're hot. The window is closed.
4. You're in a car. Your friend is driving. You want her to stop at the next mailbox so you can mail a letter.
5. You're trying to study. Your roommate is playing his music tapes very loudly, and this is bothering you.
6. You call your friend. Someone else answers and tells you that he's out. You want to leave a message.
7. You want your pen. You can't reach it, but your friend can. You want her to hand it to you.
8. You're at a restaurant. You want some more coffee.
9. You're at your friend's house. You want to help her set the dinner table.
10. You're the teacher. You want a student to shut the door.
11. You want to make a telephone call. You're in a store and have to use a pay phone, but you don't have any change. All you have is (a one-dollar bill). You ask a clerk for change.
12. You're at a restaurant. You've finished your meal and are ready to leave. You ask the waiter for the check.
13. You call your boss's house. His name is Mr Smith. You want to talk to him. His wife answers the phone.
14. You're walking down the hall of the classroom building. You need to know what time it is. You ask a student you've never met.
15. You're in the middle of the city. You're lost. You're trying to find the bus station. You stop someone on the street to ask for directions.
17. You call the airport. You want to know what time Flight 62 arrives.
18. You're in a department store. You find a sweater that you like, but you can't find the price tag. You ask the clerk to tell you how much it costs.
IX. Translate from Russian into English.
1. He могли бы вы дать мне консультацию сегодня? 2. Не принесете ли вы мне стакан воды? 3. Пожалуйста, брось письмо в почтовый ящик по дороге на работу. 4. Ты не поможешь мне перевести эту статью? 5. Вы не возражаете, если я приглашу своих друзей? — Конечно нет. Я буду рад. 6. Можно мне включить телевизор? — Боюсь, что нет. Уже поздно и пора ложиться спать. 7. Пожалуйста, скажите мне, где я должен выйти, чтобы попасть на стадион. 8. Ты не можешь зайти ко мне сегодня вечером? 9. Можно мне взять на минуту ваш бинокль? Я хочу рассмотреть лицо певца. 10. Вы не поможете мне с чемоданами? — Конечно. 11. Пожалуйста, подожди меня немного. — Хорошо. 12. Вы не могли бы подвезти меня на вокзал? — С удовольствием. 13. Вы не могли бы помочь мне при переезде на новую квартиру? — Боюсь, что не смогу. Я уезжаю в командировку. 14. Приходите после обеда, хорошо? 15. Вы не возражаете, если я открою окно? Здесь очень душно. 16. Можно мне сесть рядом с вами? — Да, пожалуйста. 17. Не мог бы ты помочь мне упаковать вещи? — С удовольствием. 18. Будьте добры, помогите мне выбрать подарок жене. 19. Вы не против, если я возьму ваш зонтик? — Нет конечно. 20. Не могли бы вы
показать нам свой город? — С удовольствием. 21. Вы не передадите мне соль? — Вот, пожалуйста. 22. Можно мне оставить свой портфель в гардеробе? — Да. 23. Вы не будете возражать, если я оставлю свои вещи до возращения? — Нисколько. 24. Вы ничего не имеете против того, чтобы мы пообедали в кухне? В столовой слишком холодно. 25. Пожалуйста, позвони в кассу и закажи билеты на самолет. 26. Покажите мне расписание поездов, пожалуйста. 27. Вы не возражаете > если я верну вам остальные деньги через неделю? — Хорошо. 28. Вы ничего не имеете против того, чтобы я пользовался вашим компьютером? 29. Не могли бы вы одолжить мне немного денег? 30.Вы не могли бы отнести мою книгу в библиотеку?
X. Study and practise the following conversations.
1. Isabel is at Sandy's house.
Sandy: Are you hungry?
Isabel: Yeah. I haven't had lunch yet. Could you make
me a sandwich?
Sandy: Sure. I'll make it for you in a minute. Isabel: And could you get me something to drink, too? Sandy: Yeah. Could you show me your English
homework while you're eating? Isabel: Sure. Let me get it.
Sandy: Oh, could you lend me a pen? I can't find mine. Isabel: Here. The sandwich is delicious. Sandy: Thanks. Isabel: Could you pass the salt and pepper?
Thanks.
2. Mr Adams: Bob, would you please get me the report that's
in my outbox?
Bob: Of course, Mr Adams.
Mr Adams: Bob, could you bring me the stapler that's on
my desk?
Bob: Of course, Mr Adams.
Bob: Maria, could you help me fix the typewriter
that's on Mr Adams' desk?
Woman: No, not at all. It is rather hot.
Man: Tickets, please.
Liz: Excuse me, but do you know what time this
train gets to Paddington? Man: 10.35, madam.
Liz: Thank you. Er, could I possibly borrow your
newspaper for a moment? Woman: Yes, certainly. By all means. I've finished with
it. Liz: Thanks. I just wanted to check the times of a
film I'm going to see this afternoon. Woman: Are you going to see anything interesting? Liz: Well, actually, I'm taking my four-year-old
niece to see Bambi!
(Some time later)
Man: Any more tickets?
Liz: Oh, excuse me, but do you think you could
help me with my case?
Man: Certainly, madam. There you are!
Liz: Thanks very much.
A. Ask polite requests beginning with 'Do you think you could ...?'.
1. You want your teacher to check a letter you have written in English.
2. You want your friend to lend you his camera for the weekend.
3. You want a shop-assistant to change a £5 note for you.
4. You want your landlady to forward your post when you leave.
5. You want a friend to answer the phone while you are out.
B. Ask for permission in different situations beginning with 'Excuse me. Do you mind if I ... ?'
1. You are in a cafe. You want to borrow the salt and pepper from another table.
2. You are in a hospital waiting room where there is a TV. You would like to change the channel.
3. You are in the reception area of a hotel. You would like to use the phone.
4. You are on an aeroplane. You would prefer to sit in the aisle seat.
5. You are in a dentist's waiting room. You would like to turn the radio on.
C. Make polite requests.
You are making a train journey. You want to buy a newspaper and you ask another passenger to look after your bag.
A: Would you mind looking after my bag? B: I'm sorry?
A: Could you possibly look after my bag? B: Oh yes, of course. No problem.
1. You want to buy a newspaper and you ask another passenger to look after your bag.
2. You ask the assistant at the newspaper kiosk to give you a fifty pence in the change.
3. On the train you want to do the crossword in your newspaper. You wonder if your neighbour could lend you a pencil.
4. You feel a little chilly. You would like the person next to the window to close it a little.
5. Your suitcase is on the rack and you would like the person opposite to lift it down.
6. A woman in the corner has got her walkman on very loud. You would like her to turn it down a little.
D. Write a dialogue for the following situation.
— You are in the departure area at a ferry terminal after your ferry has been delayed. You notice a place next to a woman and ask if you can sit there.
— You then notice that a woman has a magazine on the seat beside her and you ask politely if she could lend it to you.
— The woman doesn't realize that you are talking to her and you repeat your request.
— You have a portable radio with you which you and your friends would like to play. You feel it polite to ask
permission to do this. Tell her you won't play it very loud.
XI. A. Write a note to a friend or classmate asking for several favours and explain why you need help.
Bob,
I'm taking my boss and her husband out to dinner on Saturday, and I want to make a good impression. Would you mind if I borrowed your car? I promise to drive very carefully. And I wonder if you'd mind lending me that red bow tie of yours. Could you let me know as soon as possible? Thanks!
Henry
B. Pair work. Exchange notes and write a reply accepting or declining the requests.
Henry,
Of course you can borrow my car on Saturday. You can
pick it up at ...
About my red bow tie, I'd like to lend it to you but ...
Bob