( REQUESTS , OFFERS, PERMISSION AND INVITATIONS )

1) Asking  people to do things ( requests)

We often use can  or  could  to ask people to do things .

- Can you wait a moment please ?  OR  - Could you wait a moment please ?

- Can you do me a favour ?

2) Asking for and giving permission : we use can , could or may

- Can i speak to Tom please ?

- Could I use your phone please?

- May I come in ? Yes please , do .

3) Offering to do things : We sometimes use can I ...?

- Can I get you a cup of caffee? Yes , that would be verry nice.

4) Offering and inviting : We use would you like ...?

- Would you like to come to dinner tomorrow evening ? Yes I d love to .

I d like ... is a polite way of saying what you want :

( in a shop ) : i d like to try on this jacket , please .

mj  28 sep 2007