Requesting

Here are some phrases and expressions for requesting in English.

See also : Free-English-Study : Requesting
Click for Audio
(Simple imperative verb): - Help me.*
Please + verb (more polite) - Please help me.
Can you . . . ? - Can you help me?
Will you . . . ? - Will you help me?
Could you (please) . . . ? - Could you help me?
Would you (please). . . ? - Would you please help me?
Would you mind (V+ing) . . . ? - Would you mind helping me?
Could you possibly . . . ? - Could you possibly help me out here?
(very polite) Would you be so kind as to . . . ? - Would you be so kind as to help me (with this)?
1. Give me a paper towel.

Here you are.

2. Please mail this letter for me.

Okay. I'll stop by the post office on my way home.

3. Would you please turn down that

music?

Sorry. Is it bothering you?

4. Will you type my term paper for

me?

Sure. When do you need it?

Sorry. I'm not going in that direction.

5. Would you give me a ride home?

(Could you . . .)

*This is also used in commands: Example, Go to your

room!

For Conversation practice :

Speaking Situations : Requesting
See also:
Speaking : Asking for Favors
Grammar : Basic Modals, Common Modal Usage
Business : Requesting
Textbook Recommendation : Touchy Situations, Chapter 7