Modal verbs are used in English to make polite requests.
Can & Could
Can and Could are modal verbs used with other verbs to make
requests.
Can/Could + Subject + Verb
- Can you help me?
- Could you open the door?
Can is used to make a basic request.
- Can you pass me the salt?
- Can you turn off the radio?
Could is more polite than can, but has the same function.
- Could you pass me the salt?
- Could you turn off the radio?
Can/Could are used to turn basic orders into questions. This
is a much more polite way of asking for something rather than
making an imperative command.
Give me the salt => Can you pass me the salt?
Turn off the radio => Could you turn off the radio?
Would
Would is used with the verb like. It is a polite way to say want.
I want a drink. (Direct)
I would like a drink. (Polite)
Would you like is used to make offers.
- Would you like something to drink?
- Would you like another coffee?
I would like is used to make polite requests.
- I would like another glass of water please.
We can also use I would love, I would really like, I would
enjoy, etc.
Try this test to practice making requests with modal verbs:
Requests with Modal Verbs Test
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| Modal Verbs Tests |
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Modal Verbs for Requests
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