| Requesting |
| Give me a paper towel. |
| Here you are. |
| Please mail this letter for me. |
| Okay. I'll stop by the post office on my way home. |
| Can you pass me the salt? |
| Here it is. |
| Would you please turn down the music? |
| Sorry. Is it bothering you? |
| Will you type my term paper for me? |
| Sure. When do you need it? |
| Would you give me a ride home? |
| Sorry, I'm not going in that direction. |
| Could you possibly fix this for me? |
| No problem at all. I'll get right to it. |
Requests can be made by using the imperative
(base form) of the verb. However, when politeness is required, add "please"
or use "requesting" modals such as can, will, would
and could. Usually the longer the introductory phrase, the more polite
the request. Compare:
| Help me with these boxes. | (Least polite) |
| Would you help me with these boxes? | |
| Could you please help me with these boxes? | |
| Could you possibly help me with these boxes? | |
| Would you be so kind as to help me with these boxes? | (Most polite) |
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