Grammar Lesson 4 English 3

Modal Verbs for Requests

Modal verbs are used in English to make polite requests.

The lesson below shows you how to use modal verbs to make requests.

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?

Can and Could are used differently. Can is less polite than 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?

Would

Would is used to make polite requests in English. The structure 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?

Would can also be used to make polite requests with the 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 request 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.

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