Requests ask another person to act.
The idea
Use Can you or Could you followed by a base verb. Could is generally more polite. Answer positively or politely decline.
Examples
- Can you carry this box?
- Could you close the gate?
- Can you wait here?
- Could you show me the map?
- Sure, I can help.
- Sorry, I cannot stay.
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Watch out
Do not put to before the main verb: say Could you help?, not Could you to help?
Try it yourself
Choose the correct option. Can you ___ the window? (open / to open)
Show answer or example answer
open
open is the base verb after the subject.
Choose the correct option. ___ you pass the salt, please? (Could / Does)
Show answer or example answer
Could
Could begins this polite request.
Choose the correct option. ___, I cannot help today. (Sorry / Yes)
Show answer or example answer
Sorry
Sorry introduces a polite refusal.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct option. Can you ___ the window? (open / to open)
Choose the correct option. ___ you pass the salt, please? (Could / Does)
Choose the correct option. ___, I cannot help today. (Sorry / Yes)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
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Ask someone for help and write a polite refusal.