00 / Modal Verbs
Requests: 'can/could/will/would'
Use the modal verbs can, could, will, and would to ask people to do things. These forms vary in levels of politeness and formality.
A2Elementary
01 / Overview
Requests are questions used to ask someone for help or to perform an action. Can and will are direct and informal, suitable for friends and family. Could and would are more polite and formal, often used with strangers or in professional situations.
02 / Form
Can/Could/Will/Would + subject + base verb
Requests follow a question structure where the modal verb comes before the subject. The main verb always stays in the base form without 'to'.
03 / Direct vs. Polite Requests
While all four words are grammatically correct, using could or would makes a request sound softer and less like a command.
| Modal | Register | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Can / Will | Informal / Direct | Can you help me? |
| Could / Would | Formal / Polite | Could you help me? |
04 / Examples
05 / Common mistakes
Could you to help me?
Could you help me?
Do not use 'to' after modal verbs like could or would.
Can you helping me?
Can you help me?
Always use the base form of the verb, not the -ing form.
06 / Practice
Make this request more polite: 'Can you tell me the time?'
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Answer: Could you tell me the time?
Why: Changing 'can' to 'could' increases the level of politeness in a request.
Complete the sentence: '____ you please close the door?' (Choose: Would / Do)
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Answer: Would
Why: 'Would' is a modal verb used for requests; 'Do' is used for general questions about facts or habits.
Correct the error: 'Will you passing me that book?'
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Answer: Will you pass me that book?
Why: Requests with 'will' must use the base form of the verb, not the present participle.