Can, could and would

Can, could and would 
 1. Asking people to do things (requests): 
- We often use can or could to ask people to do something: 
E.g: 
 Can you wait a moment, please? or Could you wait a moment, please? 
 Liz, can you do me a favour? 
 Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the station? 
 I wonder if you could help me. 
- We also say “Do you think (you) could...?” (without using can): 
E.g: Do you think you could lend me some money until next week? 
- We can use will and would to ask people to do something: 
 Kate, will you do me a favor? 
 Would you please be quiet? I’m trying to concentrate. 
2. Asking for things. 
To ask for something, you can say Can I have...? or Could I have...? 
E.g: 
 (in a shop) Can I have these postcards, please? 
 (during a meal) Could I have salt, please? 
You can use May I have...? 
E.g: 
 May I have these postcards, please? 
3. Asking for and giving permission. 
To ask for permission, we usually use can, could or may: 
E.g: 
 (on the phone) Hello, can I speak to Tom, please? 
 “Could I use your phone?” “Yes, of course.” 
 Do you think I could borrow your bike? 
 “May I come in?” “Yes, please do.” 
To give somebody permission to do something, we use can or may: 
E.g: You can use the phone. or You may use the phone. 
May is more formal and less used than can and could. 
4. Offering to do things. 
E.g: 
 “Can I get you a cup of coffee?” “Yes, that would be very nice.” 
 “Can I help you?” “No, it’s all right. I can manage.” 
5. Offering and inviting. 
To offer something or invite somebody to do something, we use Would you 
like...? (not “do you like”) 
E.g: 
 “Would you like a cup of coffee?” “Yes, please.” 
 “Would you like to come to dinner tomorrow evening?” “Yes, I’d love to.” 
I’d like... is a polite and formal way to show what we want. 
E.g: 
 (at a tourist information office) I’d like some information about hotels, 
please. 
 (in a shop) I’d like to try on this jacket, please.