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The modals May, shall, would, could, can and will are all used to offer or request something; the choice depends on the degree of formality or politeness required. Modal auxiliaries are never conjugated. They are always followed by a main verb in the base form (without to). Modal auxiliaries do not require another auxiliary to form questions and negatives. Simply add not or invert the subject and the modal.
May / Shall | May and shall are formal and very polite. Only use them with I and we. | Shall I help you with your coat, madam? May I ask you not to smoke inside, sir? |
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Would | Would is used for formal, polite offers and requests. | Would you sign this form for me? Would you like me to explain the procedure? |
Could / Can | Could and can are polite but more informal. | Could you tell me where to find the paper supplies? Can you show me the confirmation e-mail? |
Will | Will is the most informal way to make a request or offer. | Will you pass me the stapler? Hang on; I will give you the Wi-Fi password. |
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How may I help you? – Grammar
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Question 1 of 2
1. Question
Match each of the requests or offers with the person who is most likely to make it.
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- Waiter in a chic restaurant
- Teenager, to his/her friend
- Child, to his/her grandmother
- Customer in a restaurant
- One family member to another
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May I offer you an aperitif, madam?
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Hey, will you pass me the water jug?
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Could I have another cookie?
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Would you bring me the menu, please?
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Can I have the vegetables? Thanks.
Correct 5 / 5PointsIncorrect / 5 Points -
Question 2 of 2
2. Question
Write the correct modal auxiliary for each sentence in the following scenarios.
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Waiter to a guest
- (Can / Would) (Would) you sign the credit card receipt, madam?
- (May / Will) (May) I get you anything to drink?
- (Could / Will) (Could) you leave your umbrella in the cloakroom, please?
- (Shall / Can) (Shall) I call a taxi for you?
- (May / Could) (Could) you call technical support? My phone stopped working.
- (Can / Will) (Can) I help you with those photocopies?
- (May / Could) (Could) you give me some paperclips?
- (Can / Would) (Can) you lend me a pen?
- (Could / Will) (Will) you come to the party?
- (Could / May) (Could) I use your course notes?
Correct 10 / 10PointsIncorrect / 10 Points -
Waiter to a guest