Modals of Request
Roy: Hello Ann.
Ann: Hi Roy. What are all those boxes you're carrying?
Roy: Oh, its the order for our office. I picked them up downstairs. Would you mind pushing fifteen for me?
Ann: Sure, no problem. Anything else?
Roy: Could you grab the top box? I think it’s going to fall off.
Ann: Oh, there you go. Is that better?
Roy: Whew. Yeah, thanks. Hey, can you just hold the door while I get out?
Ann: OK, there you go.
Roy: Oh, thanks for your help. We can just leave them by the reception now.
Polite Requests - Grammar Notes
- Can you hold the door for me?
- Could you throw this in the trash?
- Could you sit here please?
- Would you get my pen for me?
- Would you mind opening the door for me?
- Would you mind taking this package to the post office?
- Would you mind not doing that?
- Would you mind not sharing that information?
- Can you (least polite)
- Could you
- Would you (most polite)
Note: Add please for politeness.
- Can you turn the TV off, please?
- Would you mind driving me to the airport, please?
To reply 'Yes' you can say:
- Sure
- Of course
- I would be glad to
- Here you go / Here are you
To reply 'No' we might say the following:
- I'm sorry, but I am busy.
- I would rather not.
