What does it mean?
Modals of request help us ask someone to do something. Use can for friendly requests, could and would for polite requests, will for direct requests, and would you mind + -ing for very polite requests.
Can you help me?
Could you open the door?
Would you pass the salt?
Would you mind waiting?
Ask: friendly, direct, polite, or very polite?
FriendlyCan you help me?Everyday request.
PoliteCould you help me?Softer and kinder.
Very politeWould you mind helping me?Careful request.
Use can you for friendly requests.
Can you help me?Ask someone to help.Friendly.
Can you pass the ruler?Ask someone to give something.Everyday.
Can you wait a minute?Ask someone to wait.Simple request.
Use could you for polite requests.
Could you explain this?Polite classroom request.Softer than can.
Could you open the window?Polite help request.Kind tone.
Could you speak slowly?Polite request for action.Respectful.
Use will you for direct requests.
Will you carry this bag?Direct request.Clear and simple.
Will you call me later?Ask someone to do something.Direct.
Will you please be quiet?Direct, with please.Can sound firm.
Use would you for polite requests.
Would you pass the salt?Polite request at a table.Kind and respectful.
Would you help me, please?Polite help request.Softer.
Would you close the door?Ask someone to do an action.Polite.
Use would you mind + -ing for very polite requests.
Would you mind opening the window?Very polite.mind + -ing.
Would you mind waiting here?Ask carefully.Use waiting, not wait.
Would you mind helping me?Gentle request.Very polite.
Add please to make requests kinder.
Can you help me, please?Friendly and kind.Please softens it.
Could you please explain?Polite classroom request.Natural.
Please can you wait?Possible, but less formal.Can you..., please? is common.
Use the right verb form after request modals.
CorrectCan you help?
Could you explain?
Would you wait?Modal + subject + base verb.
Could you explain?
Would you wait?Modal + subject + base verb.
CorrectWould you mind helping?Mind + -ing.
Not correctCan you helps?
Could you to explain?
Would you mind help?No -s. No to. Use -ing after mind.
Could you to explain?
Would you mind help?No -s. No to. Use -ing after mind.
Choose the correct form.
___ me with this puzzle?
Choose the correct form.
___ the window, please?
Choose the direct request word.
___ you carry this bag, please?
Which sentence is a polite request?
Choose the best sentence.
Which sentence uses would you mind correctly?
Choose the best sentence.
Fill five blanks.
Choose the correct form. Think about friendly, direct, polite, and very polite requests.
me with my homework?
this word, please?
for me outside?
the book?
the door?
Mixed question types of 5
Answer all five. Then tap Finish test to see your result sheet.
1. Sentence completion
___ the window, please?
2. MCQ
Which sentence is a polite request for help?
3. Type the answer
___ you pass the crayons?
4. Type the answer
Would you ___ me?
5. MCQ
Which direct request is correct?
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