اللغة الإنجليزية — Grammar: Making Polite Requests (Can, Could, May, Would you mind) — 3 ثانوي — شعبة آداب — بكالوريا — المنهاج الجزائري

Grammar: Making Polite Requests (Can, Could, May, Would you mind)

Making polite requests is an important communication skill in English. This lesson is designed for 3rd year secondary school students in the Literary Stream, following the Algerian Baccalaureate curriculum.

Why Politeness Matters

In English-speaking cultures, using polite language is essential in both formal and informal situations. Being polite shows respect and makes social interactions smoother. The level of politeness depends on who you are speaking to and the situation.

Ways to Make Polite Requests

Expression	Level of Politeness	Structure	Example
Can	Informal / Neutral	Can + you + verb?	Can you help me, please?
Could	More polite	Could + you + verb?	Could you open the window, please?
Would	More polite	Would + you + verb?	Would you pass me the salt, please?
May	Formal / Very polite	May + I + verb?	May I come in?
Would you mind	Very polite (asking for action)	Would you mind + verb-ing?	Would you mind waiting a moment?
Do you mind if	Polite (asking permission)	Do you mind if + subject + verb?	Do you mind if I sit here?
I wonder if	Very formal / Tentative	I wonder if + you could + verb	I wonder if you could help me.

How to Respond to Requests

Giving a Positive Response

• Yes, of course.
• Certainly.
• Sure. / No problem.
• With pleasure.
• I’d be happy to.

Giving a Negative Response (Politely)

• I’m sorry, but I can’t.
• I’m afraid I can’t.
• Sorry, I’m busy right now.
• I wish I could, but…

Examples in Context

Politeness Phrases to Soften Requests

• Excuse me, … – to get someone’s attention
• Please – the most common politeness word
• I’m sorry to bother you, but… – when interrupting
• If you don’t mind, … – tentative request
• Whenever you have a moment, … – not urgent
• I’d really appreciate it if… – expressing gratitude in advance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ “Can you give me your pen?” (too direct) → ✅ “Could I borrow your pen, please?”
• ❌ “Open the window!” (command) → ✅ “Would you mind opening the window?”
• ❌ “I want water.” → ✅ “Could I have some water, please?”
• ❌ “What?” → ✅ “Could you repeat that, please?” / “Pardon?”

Exercises

Exercise 1: Make the following requests more polite:

1. Give me the book. → __________________________________
2. Tell me the time. → __________________________________
3. Close the door. → __________________________________
4. Help me with my homework. → __________________________________
5. Turn down the music. → __________________________________

Exercise 2: Complete the dialogues with appropriate polite requests:

1. A: “________________ lend me your dictionary?” B: “Sure, here it is.”
2. A: “________________ if I open the window?” B: “No, not at all.”
3. A: “________________ showing me how to use this software?” B: “With pleasure.”
4. A: “________________ I use your phone, please?” B: “Yes, go ahead.”

Exercise 3: Imagine you are in these situations. Write a polite request for each:

1. You want to ask your teacher for an extension on your homework.
2. You need to ask a stranger for directions to the post office.
3. You want to ask your friend to help you move a heavy table.
4. You are at a hotel and want a late check-out.

Exercise 4: Role-play: Write a short dialogue (8-10 exchanges) between a student and a librarian where the student makes several polite requests.

Summary

Making polite requests in English involves choosing the right expression based on the situation: “Can” (informal), “Could” (polite), “May” (formal), “Would you mind” (very polite). Always use “please” and add softening phrases like “Excuse me” or “I’m sorry to bother you.” Remember to respond politely to requests too. Mastering polite language will help you communicate effectively and respectfully in both academic and social situations.

For more English lessons, check out Modal Verbs (Can, Could, May, Might, Must, Should) and Expressing Obligation (Must, Have to, Should, Ought to).