10 Can / could / would you... Flashcards
Asking people to do things (request). We use can or could to ask _____ to _____ something.
We use can or could to ask people to do something.
Can you wait a minute please?
Could you wait a minute please?
Liz, can you do me a favor?
Note: Do you think you could… (not usually can)
Do you think you could lend me some money until next week?
We also use will and would to ask people to do things. (but can/could are more common)
To ask for _____ , we use Can I have…? / Could you have…?/Can I get…?
To ask for things, we use Can I have…? / Could you have…? / Can I get…?
(In a gift shop) Can I have these postcard, please?
(During a meal) Could I have the salt, please?
Note: May I have…? is also possible
May I have these postcard, please?
To ask to do s_____, we use can, could, or may.
To ask to do something, we use can, could, or may.
(On the phone) Hello, Can I speak to Tom, please?
Could I use your phone?
Do you think I could borrow your bike?
May I come in?
Note: You can also use Do you mind if I…? / Is it alright if I…? / Is it OK if I…?
Do you mind if I use your phone?
When we offer to do _____, we use Can I…? / or May I…?
When we offer to do things, we use Can I…? / or May I…?
“Can I get you a cup of coffee?” Yes, that would be very nice.
“May I help you?” “No, thanks. I’m being helped.”
Note: May is more formal that can.
To offer or to invite, we use _____ you like…?
To offer or to invite, we use Would you like…?(not Do you like)
Would you like a cup of coffee?
Would you like to go to the movies with us tonight?
Note: I’d like… is a polite way of saying what you want.
I’d like some information about hotels, please.
I’d like to try on this jacket.
There’s a man standing near the door. You ask: _____ (open / you) the door, please?
There’s a man standing near the door. You ask: Can/could you open the door, please? (ask to do things)
You phone Ann, but she isn’t there. You ask: _____ (her / give) a message?
You phone Ann, but she isn’t there. You ask: Can/could you give her a message? (ask people to do things)
In a department store, you wan to try a pant. You ask: _____ (try on / I) this pant?
In a department store, you wan to try a pant. You ask: Can/could I try on this pant? (ask people to do things)
You want to borrow your friend’s camera. How do you ask him? (with think). _____ borrow your camera?
You want to borrow your friend’s camera. How do you ask him? (with think). Do you think I can/could borrow your camera? (askpeople to do things)
You are at a friend’s house and you want tou use her phone. How do you ask him (with all right). _____ use your phone?
You are at a friend’s house and you want tou use her phone. How do you ask him (with all right). Is it alright if i use your phone?
You want to leave work early. What do you ask your boss (use mind)? _____ leave work early?
You want to leave work early. What do you ask your boss (use mind)? Do you mind if I leave work early?
Paul has come to see you. You offer him something to eat.
You: _____ (like) something to eat?
Paul: No, thank you. I’ve just eaten.
Paul has come to see you. You offer him something to eat.
You: Would you like something to eat?
Paul: No, thank you. I’ve just eaten.
You need to replacing the memory card in your camera. You ask Kate.
You: I don’t know how to replace the memory card. _____ (show) me?
Kate. Sure. I’ts easy. All you have to do is this.
You need to replacing the memory card in your camera. You ask Kate.
You: I don’t know how to replace the memory card. Can/coul/would you show me?
Kate. Sure. I’ts easy. All you have to do is this.
“____ get you a cup of coffee?” “Yes, that would be very nice.”
“Can I/May I (more formal)get you a cup of coffee?” “Yes, that would be very nice.” (offer to do things)
(In a store) “_____ help you?” “No, thanks. I’m being helped.”
(In a store) “Can I/May I (more formal) help you?” “No, thanks. I’m being helped.” (offer to do things)
