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B ANALYZE THE GRAMMAR. Work with a partner or your class. Discuss the possible situations
in the conversations in exercise A and decide which modal you think is best.

In number 1, I think two friends are talking. It isn’t very formal, so I would use “can” or “could.”

5 SPEAK. Work with a partner. Take turns asking for and giving permission, using the words in
the box. Use May I, Can I, and Could I at least once. Give affirmative and negative answers.

use your bike sit here change the TV channel
open a window ask you a question leave my car here

A: Can I use your bike?
B: Sure. You can use it for an hour or so. I need it at 5:00.

12.7 Requests: Would, Could, Can, Will

Questions Answers
Would you call me later? Yes, I will. Sorry, I can’t.
Could you move here, please? Of course. I’m afraid I can’t.
Can you come here, please? Yes, I can. I can’t right now. Hold on.
Will you tell me the problem? Sure, I’ll tell you later. No, I’m sorry. I can’t.

1. Use would, could, can, or will + the Would you help me with this?
base form of a verb to ask someone to do Could you wash the dishes?
something for you (i.e., to make a request). Can you come to my house tomorrow?
Will you go to the store for me?

2. Use can or will in short answers. Do not use A: Could you help me with this?
could or would. ✓ B: Yes, I can.
✗ B: Yes, I could.
3. An answer with No often sounds rude. Use A: Can you help me with this, Tim?
phrases such as I’m sorry or I’m afraid I . . . to B: I’m sorry. I can’t at the moment.
make them more polite. B: I’m afraid I’m busy right now.

4. Would and could are more polite than will Could you tell me my grade, Professor Ortega?
and can. Can you text me the homework, Tom?

6 Complete the exercises.

A Rewrite the informal questions with more formal modals.

1. Can you download the concert tickets?

Could you download the concert tickets?

2. Will you help me practice my lines for the play?

3. Can you listen to me play the new song I just learned?

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