How to make a request
Request(n): asking for something or asking someone to do something in a polite or formal way.
Below is a list of expressions that you can use in making requests and responding to requests.
Making Requests
The following expressions are polite/formal. (polite questions)
- Could I/we + verb in the infinitive without to
- Could you + verb in the infinitive without to
- Could you possibly +verb in the infinitive without to (more polite request)
- I wonder if you could + verb in the infinitive without to
- Would you + verb in the infinitive without to
- Do you think you could + verb in the infinitive without to
- Would you mind + verb + ing
- Would you mind if I + verb in the past simple
- I would be grateful if you could + verb in the infinitive without to
‘Can’ is less polite
- Can I use your dictionary?
- Can you shut the window, please?
Polite request examples:
- Could I/we ask you a question?
- Could you help me with this difficult Maths exercise?
- Could you lend me some money until tomorrow?
- Could you possibly send me some money? I’m broke.
- I wonder if you could give me a ride to school.
- I wonder if I could have a cup of coffee.
- Would you close the door, please?
- Do you think you could help me do this assignment?
- Would you mind helping me with this heavy bag?
- Would you mind if I opened the window? It’s hot in here.
- I would be grateful if you could do me a favor? (polite request in written English)
Respond to requests
- Certainly
- Certainly not
- Sure
- Yes, of course
- Sorry I can’t
- I’ll see what I can do
- I’m afraid I can’t
- No, not at all
- Actually, I’d like to keep it closed
Polite requests exercises
Exercise 1: Circle the correct option
- Could you pass/passing the salt, Please?
- Can / would you mind come here for a minute?
- ‘Can you / I sit here?’ ‘Sure, go ahead.’
- Would you be quiet, please?
- Would you mind if I move/moved these books aside?
- ‘Can I/you speak more slowly, please?’ ‘Yes, of course’
- Would you mind answer / answering some questions?
Exercise 2: Complete the polite requests. Use the word in brackets. Use no more than three words. (make a request)
- I want to come with you! (can)
– …………………………………….with you? - Help us with these boxes!
– ……………………………………us with these boxes, please? (could) - I want to see your passport!
– ……………………………………..your passport, please? (could) - Say that again, please.
– Would…………………………….that again? (mind). - Get me some water!
– ……………………..get me some water, please? (would) - We want to see the part’s photos.
– …………………………….the party’s photos, please? (could) - I want to use your pen. (use)
– Would you mind …………………………your pen?
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