Requests, Offers, Permission and Invitations
Using can, could, would, shall, and may for polite communication
Asking People to Do Things (Requests)
Use can or could to ask someone to do something for you:
- Can you send me the report, please?
- Could you forward this email to the marketing team?
- Excuse me, could you tell me where the meeting room is?
Could is a little more polite than can.
You can also say Do you think you could …?
- Do you think you could take notes during the meeting?
Note: always say Do you think you could …? (not Do you think you can …?)
Asking for Things
Use Can I have …? / Could I have …? / Can I get …? to ask for something:
- (to a colleague) Can I have a copy of that contract, please?
- (at a cafeteria) Could we have the menu, please?
- (at a reception desk) Can I get a visitor badge?
May I have …? is also possible:
- May I have a copy of the agenda, please?
Asking to Do Things (Permission)
Use can I or could I to ask if you are allowed to do something:
- (on the phone) Hello, can I speak to Mr. Park, please?
- Could I use your phone charger?
- Do you think I could borrow your laptop for the presentation?
May is also possible but more formal:
- May I ask you a question?
Two other common ways to ask for permission:
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| Do you mind if I …? | Do you mind if I leave the meeting early? |
| Is it all right / OK if I …? | Is it all right if I sit here? |
Offering and Inviting
Use Can I …? to offer to do something for someone:
- Can I help you with those boxes?
- Can I get you some coffee?
Use Would you like …? to offer or invite (not Do you like …?):
- Would you like some water?
- Would you like to join us for lunch?
I’d like … (= I would like) is a polite way to say what you want:
- (at a front desk) I’d like some information about the training program, please.
- (to a vendor) I’d like to schedule a demo, please.
Summary Table
| Situation | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Request (ask someone to do something) | Can / Could you …? | Could you check the numbers for me? |
| Ask for something | Can / Could I have …? | Can I have the report, please? |
| Ask permission | Can / Could / May I …? | Could I use your office for a call? |
| Offer help | Can I …? | Can I carry that for you? |
| Offer / Invite | Would you like …? | Would you like to come to the team dinner? |
| Say what you want | I’d like … | I’d like to make an appointment, please. |
Quick Self-Check
You want to ask a colleague to review your document. What do you say?
Select your answer:
A client arrives at your office. You want to offer them something to drink. What do you say?
Select your answer:
You are at a reception desk. You want to make an appointment. What do you say?
Select your answer:
You want to leave a meeting early. Which question is the most natural way to ask?
Select your answer:
You see a new employee carrying heavy boxes. You want to help. What do you say?
Select your answer: