Scribd
Upload
251 views

Making Requests: Requests: Will, Can, Would, Could, Would You Mind ?

Here are the responses with the imperatives completed: 1. Can you close the window, please? It’s freezing in here. 2. Could you file these reports, please? I've finished reading them. 3. Would you mind shutting the door? It’s too dark in here. 4. Will you buy some cereal, please? We don’t have any left. 5. Could you call back later, please? Ms Bake is on another call just now. 6. Would you turn on the lights, please? There’s too much noise in the hall!

Uploaded by

Khalil McRae Gibran
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
251 views

Making Requests: Requests: Will, Can, Would, Could, Would You Mind ?

Here are the responses with the imperatives completed: 1. Can you close the window, please? It’s freezing in here. 2. Could you file these reports, please? I've finished reading them. 3. Would you mind shutting the door? It’s too dark in here. 4. Will you buy some cereal, please? We don’t have any left. 5. Could you call back later, please? Ms Bake is on another call just now. 6. Would you turn on the lights, please? There’s too much noise in the hall!

Uploaded by

Khalil McRae Gibran
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Making requests

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

QUESTIONS

WILL / CAN / BASE FORM


SUBJECT
WOULD / COULD* OF A VERB

Will
Can you post this for me?
Would
Could

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

SHORT ANSWERS
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Yes, sure (I will).
Of course (I can). I’m sorry, but I can’t.

Certainly.

QUESTIONS: WOULD YOU MIND…?


WOULD YOU MIND…? GERUND

Would you mind posting this for me?

SHORT ANSWERS
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE

No, not at all.


I’m sorry but I can’t.
I’d be glad to.
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 SISTER: Will you answer the phone?
requests. Can you turn down the TV?

We use would and could to make requests BOSS: Would you type this report?
more polite. Could you make ten copies?

2. We also use please with will, can, would ● Please could you closet he door?
and could to make the request even more OR
polite. Note the Word order.
● Could you closet he door, please?

3. We use Would you mind + gerund A: Would you mind waiting for a few
(without please) to make polite requests. minutes? Mr Collins is still at a meeting.

Note that a negative answer means that B: Not at all.


you will do what the person requests. (OK. I’ll do it).

4. People usually expect us to say yes to A: Could you take this to Susan Lane’s
polite requests. When we cannot say yes, office for me?
we usually apologise and give a reason. B: I’m sorry, I can’t. I’m expecting an
important phone call.

BE CAREFUL! Do not use would or could A: I’m cold. Would you shut the window,
to answer polite requests. 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. I’m Marcia Jones. Let me know if you
need anything.
Lorna: Thanks, Marcia. Could you show me where the photocopier is?
Marcia: Certainly. It’s 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: I’m going to lunch. Would you like to come?
Lorna: Thanks, but I can’t just now. I’m 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: I’m sorry, but I can’t do it now. I’ve 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? It’s freezing in here.


2. Could _____________________________ I've finished reading them.
3. Would you mind _____________________________ It’s too dark in here.
4. Will _____________________________ We don’t have any left.
5. Could _____________________________ Ms Bake is on another call just now.
6. Would _____________________________ There’s too much noise in the hall!

You might also like