Ex. 1-Requesting and Offering: May, Can, Could, Would

Explanation

May, can, and could are used to make polite requests and ask for permission.

Asking permission:
May I go to the restroom? Yes, you may.
Could I use your telephone? Sure.
Can I talk to you for a minute? Yes. What is it?

A polite request:
Could you please bring us some more iced tea? Sure. I'll be right back.

May, can, could, and would are also used to offer assistance or service.

May I help you?
Can I take a message?
Would you like something to drink?
Could I help you find something?

Mrs. Hanson, can I go get a drink?
1. At home
2. At a restaurant
3. At school
4. On the telephone
Mom, can I go to the movies with Sheryl tonight?
1. At home
2. At school
3. At a restaurant
4. On the telephone
Hello. This is Joe Hunter. May I speak to Mr. Patterson?
1. At home
2. At school
3. At a restaurant
4. On the telephone
Could we have more bread please?
1. At home
2. At school
3. At a restaurant
4. On the telephone
Can I go outside?
1. At home
2. At school
3. At a restaurant
4. On the telephone
Can I speak to Terry please?
1. At home
2. At school
3. At a restaurant
4. On the telephone
Mrs. Carlson, may I have permission to leave early today? I don't feel well.
1. At home
2. At school
3. At a restaurant
4. On the telephone
Could you bring us some more napkins?
1. At home
2. At school
3. At a restaurant
4. On the telephone
Can we open our presents now?
1. At home
2. At school
3. At a restaurant
4. On the telephone
Can I call you back?
1. At home
2. At school
3. At a restaurant
4. On the telephone
Would you care for coffee and dessert?
1. At home
2. At school
3. At a restaurant
4. On the telephone
Could I take a message?
1. At home
2. At school
3. In a restaurant
4. On the telephone
Can I help you find something?
1. At home
2. In a restaurant
3. In a department store
4. On the telephone
Could you pass the salt please?
1. At home
2. At school
3. On the telephone
4. In a department store