Requests with Modals
Modal verbs like can, could, would, and expressions like would you mind are commonly used to make polite or formal requests.
1. When Do We Use Modals for Requests?
Asking for Help:
- Can you help me with my homework?
- Could you lend me your pen?
Making Polite Requests:
- Would you please open the window?
- Would you mind turning down the music?
Offering Options or Clarifications:
- Could you explain this again?
- Would it be okay if I borrow your book?
2. Forming the Requests with Modals
Requests with “Can”, “Could” and “Would”
Modal + subject + base verb (+ object or additional information)
- Can is used for informal or neutral requests:
- Can you pass the salt?
- Could is more polite or formal:
- Could you tell me the time, please?
- Would makes requests polite and slightly formal:
- Would you close the door, please?
- Would you close the door, please?
Requests with “Would You Mind”
- Would you mind is very polite and formal:
- Would you mind helping me with this?
- When using “Would you mind”, the verb that follows is in the ing form:
- Would you mind waiting for a moment?
3. Common Uses and Differences
Can vs. Could:
- “Can” is more casual, while “Could” is more polite.
- Can you wait here? (Neutral)
- Could you wait here? (Polite)
Would vs. Would You Mind:
- “Would” is less formal than “Would you mind.”
- Would you help me? (Polite)
- Would you mind helping me? (Very polite)
Would You Mind vs. Do You Mind:
- “Would you mind” is more polite than “Do you mind.”
- Would you mind closing the door? (Very polite)
- Do you mind closing the door? (Neutral politeness)
3. Examples
Using “Can”:
- Can you lend me a pencil?
- Can I sit here?
Using “Could”:
- Could you explain that again?
- Could I use your phone charger?
Using “Would”:
- Would you help me carry these boxes?
- Would you like some tea?
Using “Would You Mind”:
- Would you mind opening the window?
- Would you mind if I borrow your car?