How to Make Requests in English: Using Modals Correctly
Making polite requests in English is an essential communication skill. Whether you are asking for help, ordering food, or requesting information, using the right modal verbs can make your request sound polite and natural.
In this guide, we’ll cover common modal verbs used for making requests, their structures, and how to use them correctly.
Why Politeness Matters in English Communication
Politeness is a key part of English-speaking cultures, especially in professional and social situations.
Using polite requests shows respect, builds positive relationships, and helps you communicate effectively.
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Common Modal Verbs for Making Requests
Modal Verb
Can, Could, Would, Would you mind, May
a) Can (casual) → e.g. Can you help me with this report?
b) Could (more polite) → e.g. Could you send me the details by email?
c) Would (polite) → e.g. Would you open the window, please?
d) Would you mind (very polite) → e.g. Would you mind helping me with my homework?
e) May (formal) → e.g. May I borrow your pen?
How to Form Polite Requests
1. Can / Could
📌 Can is casual, Could is more polite.
How to form: Can/Could + subject + base verb + object?
✅ "Can you help me with this report?" (casual)
✅ "Could you send me the details by email?" (more polite)
2. Would / Would You Mind
📌 Would is polite, and 'Would you mind' is even softer.
How to form:
-Would + subject + base verb?
✅ "Would you open the window, please?"
-Would you mind + verb (-ing)?
✅ "Would you mind helping me with my homework?"
3. May
📌 Very formal and polite.
How to form: May + subject + base verb?
✅ "May I borrow your pen?"
✅ "May we leave a little earlier today?"
Tips for Making Your Requests Sound More Polite
✔ Use ‘please’ → "Could you help me, please?"
✔ Use indirect language → "I was wondering if you could help me."
✔ Apologise before the request → "I’m sorry to bother you, but…"
✔ Use softeners → "Could you possibly send me the report?"
📌 Being polite helps in all social and professional situations!
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks.
___ you open the door for me, please?
___ I use your phone to make a quick call?
___ you mind helping me with this heavy box?
___ you send me the document by tomorrow?
___ I have a glass of water?
(Answers: Could, May, Would, Could, May)
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences More Politely
1) Open the window. ________________
2) Give me your phone. ________________
3) Help me with this project. ________________
4) Send me the email now. ________________
5) Move your car. ________________
(Suggested Answers:)
1. Could you open the window, please?
2. Could I borrow your phone?
3. Would you mind helping me with this project?
4. Could you send me the email when you have time?
5. Would you mind moving your car?)
Real-Life Role Play Challenge
🎭 Practice these polite requests with a friend!
🏪 "Asking a waiter → Could I have the bill, please?"
📚 "Borrowing a book→ Would you mind lending me your book?"
👩💼 "Requesting a meeting→ Could we schedule a meeting tomorrow?"
📝 "Asking for notes→ Would you mind sharing your notes with me?"
🔄 "Requesting repetition→ Could you repeat that, please?"
Final Thoughts
By practicing these modal verbs and structures, you will sound more natural and polite when making requests in English!
📢 Comment below: What situations do you find most challenging when making requests in English? 👇😊
Thank you for reading & Happy Learning!
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