How to make a request

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

1. Could you pass/passing the salt, Please?
2. Can / would you mind come here for a minute?
3. ‘Can you / I sit here?’ ‘Sure, go ahead.’
4. Would you be quiet, please?
5. Would you mind if I move/moved these books aside?
6. ‘Can I/you speak more slowly, please?’ ‘Yes, of course’
7. 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)

1. I want to come with you! (can)
   – …………………………………….with you?
2. Help us with these boxes!
   – ……………………………………us with these boxes, please? (could)
3. I want to see your passport!
   – ……………………………………..your passport, please? (could)
4. Say that again, please.
   – Would…………………………….that again? (mind).
5. Get me some water!
    – ……………………..get me some water, please? (would)
6. We want to see the part’s photos.
   – …………………………….the party’s photos, please? (could)
7. I want to use your pen. (use)
   – Would you mind …………………………your pen?

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