MODALS: CAN, COULD, WILL, WOULD and WOULD YOU MIND

CLARIFICATION

100

Repeat that. (Can/please)

Can you repeat that, please?

200

Speak a little louder. (could/please)

Could you please speak a little louder?

300

Say that one more time. (can)

Can you say that one more time?

400

Repeat that. (would you mind)

Would you mind repeating that?

500

Speak more slowly. (would/please)

Would you please speak more slowly?

                     or

Would you speak more slowly, please?

POLITE REQUESTS

100

Mother: Will you close the door when you leave? Son: Yeah, sure.

Host: Would you please close the door when you leave? 

Houseguest: Of course.

200

Friend: Could you move your chair? I can't see. Friend B: OK

Stranger 1: Would you please move your chair? I am not able to see. 

Stranger 2: Of course.

300

Friend I: Can you open the window? It's hot in here. Friend 2: That window doesn't open.

Stranger 1: Would you mind opening the window? It's very warm in here. 

Stranger 2: I'm sorry, but the window doesn't open.

400

Co-worker 1: Could you hand me that paper? 

Co-worker 2: Here.

Employee: Would you hand me that paper, please? 

Employer: Yes, here it is.

500

Father: Make sure the back door is locked before you go. 

Son: Uh-huh

Host: Would you please make sure the back door is locked before you go? 

Houseguest: Of course.

COMPLETE THE REQUEST (can/ could) You work as an administrative assistantin an office.

100

Person A: ____________ take the mail, please? I left it on your desk. 

Person B: OK.

Will you take the mail, please? I left it on your desk.

200

Person A: ______________ set up a meeting with Jill Summers? Person B: Yes, of course.

Could you please set up a meeting with Jill Summers?

300

Person A: _____________ call Martin Garcia for me? Person B: Sure. Right now?

Would you please call Martin Garcia for me?

400

______________you work until 5:30 tonight?

Can you work until 5:30 tonight? I'm sorry. I can't tonight. I can come in early tomorrow, though.

500

Person A:_____________ give me the file on the Jones account? Person B: Sure I'll be right back.

Can you please give me the file on the Jones account?

ASKING SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING? (would you mind)

100

______________the table? (set)

Would you mind setting the table?

200

______________the chairs? (set up)

Would you mind setting up the chairs?

300

___________some balloons? (blow up)

Would you mind blowing up some balloons?

400

_____________ if I used the phone?

Would you mind if i used the phone?

500

_____________the glasses? (wash)

Would you mind washing the glasses?

ASKING PERMISSION

100

________________I pick you up at 7 this evening?

Can I pick you up at 7 this evening?

200

_____________ I help you carry your bags?

Can I help you carry your bags?

300

______________ if I close the window?

Do you mind if I close the window?

400

_____________ if I used the phone?

Would you mind if I used the phone?

500

_____________if I called you sometime?

Would you mind if I called you sometime?