|
A. Asking people to do things (requests)
We often use can or could to ask people to do things: * Can you wait a moment, please? or Could you wait a moment, please? * Liz, can you do me a favour? * Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the airport? * I wonder if you could help me.
Note that we say '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 usual): * Liz, will you do me a favour? * Would you please be quiet? I'm trying to concentrate.
B. Asking for things
To ask for something we use Can I have ... or Could I have ...: * (in a shop) Can I have these postcards, please? * (during a meal) Could I have the salt, please?
May I have ... is also possible (but less usual): * May I have these postcards, please?
C. Asking for and giving permission
To ask for permission to do something, we use can, could or may: * (on the phone) Hello, can I speak to Tom, please? * 'Could I use your phone?' 'Yes, of course.' * Do you think I could borrow your bike? * 'May I come in?' 'Yes, please do.'
May is formal and less usual than can or could.
To give permission, we use can or may. * You can use the phone. or You may use the phone.
May is formal and less usual than can or could.
D. Offering to do things We use Can I ...? or May I...? when we offer to do things. May is more formal.
* 'Can I get you a cup of coffee?' 'Yes, that would be very nice.' * 'Can I help you?' 'No, it's all right. I can manage.'
*(in a store) "May I help you?""No, thanks.I'm being helped."
You can also use I'll ... to offer to do things : * You look tired. I'll get you a cup of coffee.
E. Offering and inviting
To offer or to invite we use Would you like ...? (not do you like) * 'Would you like a cup of coffee?' 'Yes, please.' * 'Would you like to come to dinner tomorrow evening?' 'Yes, I'd love to.'
I'd like... is a polite way of saying what you want: * (at a tourist information office) I'd like some information about hotels, please. * (in a shop) I'd like to try on this jacket, please. |
|