Polite Request

 Can & Could

Can and Could are modal verbs used with other verbs to make 
requests.

Can/Could + Subject + Verb

·         Can you help me?

·         Could you open the door?

Can is used to make a basic request.

·         Can you pass me the salt?

·         Can you turn off the radio?

Could is more polite than can, but has the same function.

·         Could you pass me the salt?

·         Could you turn off the radio?

Can/Could are used to turn basic orders into questions.  This 
is a much more polite way of asking for something rather than 
making an imperative command.

Give me the salt           =>        Can you pass me the salt?
Turn off the radio        =>        Could you turn off the radio?

Would

Would is used with the verb like.  It is a polite way to say want.

Would you mind + V ing or Would you mind + if
Example:

1. Would you mind joining my club?
2. Would you mind walking my brother to school?
3. Would you mind locking the door?
4. Would you mind if I take your coat/
5. Would you mind if I bring your luggage?
I want a drink.                (Direct)
I would like a drink.        (Polite)


Would you like is used to make offers.

·         Would you like something to drink?

·         Would you like another coffee?

I would like is used to make polite requests.

·         I would like another glass of water please.

We can also use I would love, I would really like, I would 
enjoy, etc.

Examples Of Dialog:
1. Would you mind if i turned off the lamp?

     No, i don’t mind.

2. Do you mind if i turn on television?

     No at all.

3. Could i borrow some money from you,please?

     I am sorry i can’t.

4. Would you mind clsing the door for us, please?

     Why not.

5. May I speak with you?

    Sure.

6. May I come in 10 minutes late tomorrow? I need to take my daughter to school.

    Yes, you can. Thank you for asking

7. Would you mind lending me yours?

    Sorry. It doesn’t belong to me.

8. Could you show me how to make fried rice?

    Sure. 

9. Take this note to the accounting department?
   Yes, certainly.

10. Would you like me to get you a cup tea?

      That would be very nice of you.

11. May i borrow your dictionary? I need to look up a new word

      Sure, Here you are.

12. Could you tell me the way to turn it off?

      That’s ok.

13. Can you show me how to update an anti virus?

      Sorry, I don’t know either.

14. Can you show me how to set the TV channels?

      I’m sorry, i can’t.

15. Would you mind repeating what you just said?

      Why not.

16. Would you mind waiting for a minute?

      No, I will wait.

17. Would you give me a ride home?
      Sorry. I'm not going in that direction.

     

18. Would you mind joining my club?

      Ok, sounds good.

19. Would you mind if I take your coat?
     Of course not.

20. Could you turn off the radio?

      Of course, sorry if it bothers.