asking for permission, making requests, making offers, making suggestions

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

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

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

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

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