Scribd
Upload
102 views4 pages

Polite Requests Using Modals

1. The document discusses making requests using modals like will, would, could, can and expressions like "Would you mind". It provides examples of polite requests and potential short responses. 2. Key points covered include using would or could to make requests less demanding than will or can. "Would you mind" followed by a gerund is another polite construction. 3. Responses to requests usually agree to help if possible, and apologize while providing a reason if unable to help.

Uploaded by

Samar Hamady
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
102 views4 pages

Polite Requests Using Modals

1. The document discusses making requests using modals like will, would, could, can and expressions like "Would you mind". It provides examples of polite requests and potential short responses. 2. Key points covered include using would or could to make requests less demanding than will or can. "Would you mind" followed by a gerund is another polite construction. 3. Responses to requests usually agree to help if possible, and apologize while providing a reason if unable to help.

Uploaded by

Samar Hamady
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Requests: Will, Would, Could, Can, Would you mind...?

Questions: Will / Could / Would / Can Will / Could Would / Can* + Subject + Base form of the Verb

Example
Will Could Would Can give me some help on Sunday? buy some milk for me? fill up my car with gas?

you

* Will, would, could and can are modals. Modals don't have -s in the third person singular.
Short Answer Affirmative

Of course Certainly Sure (I will) (I can)

Negative

I'm sorry, but I can't I am afraid I can't Sorry, may be next time Would you mind...? + Gerund

Questions: Would you mind

Example
Would you mind + giving me some help on Sunday? buying some milk for me? filling up my car with gas?

Short Answer Affirmative

No, not at all. I'd be glad to.

Negative

I'm sorry, but I can't

Notes to keep in mind:


1. a. We use will, can, could and would when we ask someone to do something. b. We usually use will and can for requests that are informal. c. We use could and would to make the request less demanding.

Examples: Friend: Can/will you help me with my homework? Boss: Could/would you type this letter for me?

2. We can also use Would you mind + gerund to make a polite request. A negative answer to this question means you agree to the persons request. Examples: A: Would you mind looking after my dog on Monday? B: Not at all (Id be glad to) 3. Please can be used to make the request more polite. Notice the different word order on the right. Examples: Could you please turn up the TV? Or Could you turn up the TV please? 4. We normally expect the answer to be yes when we ask polite requests. When we cant say yes we usually apologize and give a reason. * Dont use could or would when answering a polite question, this is considered impolite. Examples: A: Could you pick up my suit at the dry cleaners? B: Im sorry, I cant. I have a meeting after work. A: Im broke, would you lend me NT 500. B: Of course (NOT Yes, I would)

Exercise: Choose the appropriate answer.


1. Mike would you please drive me to class today? My car won't start. a. Yes, I would. b. I'd be glad to.

2. Would you mind lending me NT 1000? I'm getting paid tomorrow. a. No, not at all. b. Yes.

3. Mike can you take these books back to the library for me? I'm running late this morning. a. I'm late for class too. Sorry. b. No, I can't.

4. Could you lock the door when you leave? My hands are full. a. Yes, I could. b. Sure.

5. Can you turn the radio down? I need to study for my test tomorrow. a. Certainly. b. Not at all.

6. Will you pick up some milk on the way home this afternoon? a. No, I won't b. I'm sorry, I can't. I'll be late for work.

You might also like