Making requests

Requests: Will, Can, Would, Could, Would you mind?

QUESTIONS
WILL / CAN /
WOULD / COULD*

SUBJECT

BASE FORM
OF A VERB

you

post

Will
Can
Would
Could

this for me?

* Remember that these words are modals. They do not have s in the third person
singular.

SHORT ANSWERS
AFFIRMATIVE
Yes, sure
Of course

(I will).
(I can).

NEGATIVE
Im sorry, but I cant.

Certainly.

QUESTIONS: WOULD YOU MIND?

WOULD YOU MIND?

GERUND

Would you mind

posting

this for me?

SHORT ANSWERS
AFFIRMATIVE
No, not at all.
Id be glad to.

NEGATIVE

Im sorry but I cant.

1. Complete this conversation.

A: ________________ you mind filing these reports now?
B: ________________, ________________ at all.
A: Thanks. And ________________ you answer the phone, please?
B: Sorry, but I ________________. My hands are full.

Grammar Explanations

Examples

1. Use will, can, would and could to ask

someone to do something.
We often use will and can for informal
requests.

SISTER: Will you answer the phone?

Can you turn down the TV?

We use would and could to make requests

more polite.

BOSS: Would you type this report?

Could you make ten copies?

2. We also use please with will, can, would

and could to make the request even more
polite. Note the Word order.

Please could you closet he door?

OR

Could you closet he door, please?

3. We use Would you mind + gerund
(without please) to make polite requests.

A: Would you mind waiting for a few

minutes? Mr Collins is still at a meeting.

Note that a negative answer means that

you will do what the person requests.

B: Not at all.
(OK. Ill do it).

4. People usually expect us to say yes to

polite requests. When we cannot say yes,
we usually apologise and give a reason.

A: Could you take this to Susan Lanes

office for me?
B: Im sorry, I cant. Im expecting an
important phone call.

BE CAREFUL! Do not use would or could

to answer polite requests.

A: Im cold. Would you shut the window,

please?
B: Certainly.
NOT Yes, I would.

2. Identify. Marcia has got a new colleague. Read their conversations.

Underline all the polite requests.
1. Marcia Hi. You must be the new office assistant. Im Marcia Jones. Let me know if you
need anything.
Lorna: Thanks, Marcia. Could you show me where the photocopier is?
Marcia: Certainly. Its over here.
2. Lorna: Marcia, would you show me how to use the fax machine?
Marcia: Yes, sure. Just put your fax in here and dial the number.
3. Marcia: Im going to lunch. Would you like to come?
Lorna: Thanks, but I cant just now. Im really busy.
Marcia: Do you want a sandwich from the coffee shop?
Lorna: That would be great. Can you get me a tuna sandwich and a coffee, please?
Marcia: No problem. Will you answer my phone until I get back?
Lorna: Of course.
4. Marcia: Lorna, would you mind making some tea?
Lorna: Im sorry, but I cant do it now. Ive got to finish this letter by 2:00

3. Choose and complete. Use the appropriate imperative from the box to
complete these requests. Use please when possible, and make any
necessary changes.

Buy some cereal.

Call back later.

Close the window.

File these reports.

Shut the door.

Turn on the lights.

1. Can you close the window, please? Its freezing in here.

2. Could _____________________________ I've finished reading them.
3. Would you mind _____________________________ Its too dark in here.
4. Will _____________________________ We dont have any left.
5. Could _____________________________ Ms Bake is on another call just now.
6. Would _____________________________ Theres too much noise in the hall!