Language Use:
ESL Guide to Modal Verbs for Requesting & Permissions
What is a modal verb?
A modal verb is an auxiliary (helping) verb that expresses a particular quality of a verb. Modal verbs are used with the infinitive (base form) of the main verb to modify its meaning. Several modal verbs are used to make requests.
MODALS INCLUDE WORDS LIKE:
Can, Could, May, Might, Must Shall, Should, Will, Would and Have To.
What is a request?
A request is the act of asking for something, politely, formally or in a different manner. Several modals can be used to make requests. Some requests are more formal than others. The word please makes any request a polite request.
What are examples of requests with Can and Will?
- Question: modal + subject + base verb
- Can I have some of the vegetables?
- Can you bring me a soda?
- Can we join you for some cake?
- Can you check my homework?
- Can Tim borrow your shovel?
REQUESTS WITH CAN:
USED WITH ALL SUBJECTS
- Will you take Harry these vegetables?
- Will you bring me a soda?
- Will you join us for some cake?
- Will you check my homework?
- Will you come here for a minute.
REQUESTS WITH WILL:
MOSTLY 2ND PERSON REQUESTS
What is an offer?
Offers are questions that put something forward for acceptance or rejection. Offers express a readiness to do or to give something. The word please makes any offer a polite offer.
What are examples of offers with Can, May and Would?
- Question: modal + subject + base verb
- Can I help you?
- Can I get you something to drink?
- Can we take your plates?
- Can I show you the way?
- Can I offer you some coffee?
OFFERS WITH CAN:
MOSTLY 1ST PERSON SUBJECTS
- May I help you?
- May I get you something to drink?
- May we take your plates?
- May I show you the way?
- May I offer you some coffee?
POLITE OFFERS WITH MAY:
MOSTLY 1ST PERSON SUBJECTS
- Would you like some help?
- Would you like a soda?
- Would you like me to take your plate?
- Would you like directions?
- Would you like some coffee?
OFFERS WITH WOULD:
MOSTLY 2ND PERSON SUBJECTS
What is permission?
Permission is approval or allowance to do something . Permission can be requested. Permission can be given.
What are examples of requests for permission with Can, Could, and May?
- Question: modal + subject + base verb
Permission Request –
With Modal Can
- Can I get my luggage?
- Can I have dessert now?
- Can we go over to Mary’s house?
- Can I borrow your ladder?
- Can we use the computers.
Permission Request – Polite
With Modal Could
- Could I get my luggage?
- Could I have dessert now?
- Could we go over to Mary’s house?
- Could I borrow your ladder?
- Could we use the computers?
Permission Request – Polite
With Modal May
- May I get my luggage?
- May I have dessert now?
- May we go over to Mary’s house?
- May I borrow your ladder?
- May we use the computers?
