In English, we use various modal verbs and expressions—such as can, could, may, would, and shall—to ask for permission, make requests, offer help, or suggest ideas. This guide explains their usage with clear rules, numerous examples, and simple sentences with emojis.
1. Asking for Permission
Use modals like can, may, or could to politely ask for permission. These forms are common in everyday conversations.
Sentence Structures
- Can I + base verb?
Example: Can I leave early? - May I + base verb?
Example: May I use your phone? - Could I + base verb?
Example: Could I get a glass of water? - Would it be possible to + base verb?
Example: Would it be possible to reschedule the meeting?
Examples
- Can I borrow your pen?
- May I sit here?
- Could I have some help?
- Would it be possible to open the window?
- Can I take a day off?
2. Making Requests
Use modals like can, could, and phrases like “would you mind” to make polite requests.
Sentence Structures
- Can you + base verb?
Example: Can you pass the salt? - Could you + base verb?
Example: Could you help me move this table? - Would you mind + gerund?
Example: Would you mind closing the door? - Will you + base verb?
Example: Will you call me later?
Examples
- Can you lend me a hand?
- Could you please send the report?
- Would you mind turning down the volume?
- Will you join us for dinner?
- Can you help me with my homework?
3. Making Offers
Use modals like shall and expressions such as “would you like” or “can I help” to offer assistance or services.
Sentence Structures
- Shall I + base verb?
Example: Shall I open the window? - Would you like + noun/gerund?
Example: Would you like some coffee? - Can I help + base verb?
Example: Can I help carry that? - May I offer to + base verb?
Example: May I offer to drive you home?
Examples
- Shall I make some tea?
- Would you like a slice of cake?
- Can I help you with those bags?
- May I offer you a ride?
- Shall I call you a taxi?
4. Making Suggestions
Use expressions like “how about”, “why don’t you”, and “maybe you should” to offer suggestions in a friendly manner.
Sentence Structures
- How about + (noun/gerund)?
Example: How about a movie tonight? - Why don’t you + base verb?
Example: Why don’t you take a break? - Maybe you should + base verb.
Example: Maybe you should try that new restaurant.
Examples
- How about a walk in the park?
- Why don’t you join us for dinner?
- Maybe you should try yoga.
- Maybe you should watch a comedy tonight.
- How about a game of tennis?
5. Reflecting on the Past with “Should Have”
Use “should have” to express regret or to reflect on actions that would have been better if done differently.
Sentence Structure
Subject + should have + past participle
Example: You should have called me earlier.
Examples
- I should have studied harder for the test.
- You should have taken an umbrella.
- He should have apologized for his mistake.
- We should have left earlier to avoid traffic.
- They should have saved more money.
- She should have listened to her parents.
- I should have gone to the doctor sooner.
- You should have been more careful.
- He should have finished the work on time.
- We should have booked the tickets in advance.
Exercises: Asking for permission, making requests, making offers, and making suggestions
1 ▪ Choose Can I / Can you / Should have
1. ___ open the window, teacher?
2. ___ help me with this bag?
3. You ___ studied harder for the exam.
4. ___ borrow your phone?
5. ___ pass me the salt, please?
2 ▪ Use May / Would you mind / Would you like
1. ___ I come in?
2. ___ closing the door?
3. ___ some tea?
4. ___ I ask a question?
5. ___ helping me move this box?
3 ▪ Write Could I / Would you mind / Shall I
1. ___ borrow your notes?
2. ___ open the window for you?
3. ___ turning down the music?
4. ___ make you a coffee?
5. ___ speak to the manager?
4 ▪ Choose Would it be possible to / Would you like / Would you mind
1. ___ reschedule the meeting?
2. ___ some dessert?
3. ___ if I take a photo?
4. ___ borrow your pen?
5. ___ to join us for lunch?
5 ▪ Choose How about / should have / Shall I
1. ___ we go for a walk?
2. You ___ called me last night.
3. ___ open the window?
4. ___ a game of chess?
5. They ___ left earlier.
6 ▪ Choose Why don’t you / should have / How about
1. ___ try the new café?
2. You ___ told me the truth.
3. ___ a movie tonight?
4. ___ go to the doctor?
5. He ___ checked the weather.
