To show respect and politeness, most people use modal expressions when making requests. Modals include verbs such as can and can’t, must, may, could, and would.
Shall, can, and will are followed by the verb without to.
I shall accept.
I can do that.
I will attend.
Shall is more formal than can.
Would you like is followed either by a noun, or by the verb with to.
Would you like to dance?
Would you like to attend?
Practice the following expressions:
| Ask: Reply: |
“Can I help you?” “Yes, please. I’d like to know what time the train leaves.” “No, thanks, I’m just looking.” |
|---|---|
| Ask: Reply: |
“Shall I open the window for you?” “Yes, please. That would be very kind of you.” |
| Ask: Reply: |
“Would you like another coffee?” “No, thanks.” or “No, thank you.” |
| Ask: Reply: |
“Would you like another coffee?” “Yes, please. That would be nice.” “Yes, please. I’d love one.” |
| Ask: Reply: |
“I’ll do the photocopying, if you like.” “It’s okay, I can do it.” “Don’t worry, I’ll do it.” “Thank you. That would be great.” |
Modals are followed by only the base form of the verb and are not used alone unless there is a clear connection to a main verb.
For example:
| Will you...? | Will you open the door for me? |
|---|---|
| Would you...? | Would you open the door for me? |
| Would you please open the door (for me)? | |
| Would you please...? | Could you (please)...? |
| Could you (please)...? | Could you (please) open the door? |
| Could you possibly...? | Could you possibly open the door? |
| Would you kindly... | Would you kindly open the door? |
