Can/Could/Would for Requests, Offers, Permissions and Invitations

Can, Could & Would in English (How to Make Polite Requests, Offers, Permission & Invitations)

One of the first things learners notice about English is that we often sound very polite even when we’re asking for very simple things. Can/could/would for requests and offers

We don’t usually say:

Open the window.

We say:

Could you open the window, please?

We don’t say:

Give me your pen.

We say:

Could I borrow your pen for a moment?

Why? Because in English, politeness is built into grammar — especially into modal verbs like can, could, and would. These three little words are everywhere in daily life, in emails, in shops, in offices, and — very importantly — in Cambridge exams (B1, B2 First, C1 Advanced).

In this lesson, you will learn exactly how to use can, could, and would to make polite requests, friendly offers, correct permission questions and natural invitations — and how to choose the right level of politeness every time.

The politeness scale in English

Very roughly, these forms sound like this:

Can = neutral, friendly, informal

Could = more polite, softer, more careful

Would = very polite, indirect, professional

Compare:

Can you help me? (friendly, normal)

Could you help me? (more polite)

Would you help me? (very polite, careful)

All are correct. The difference is tone.

Making requests

Using can (neutral, everyday)

• Can you help me with this exercise?
• Can you pass me the salt?
• Can you say that again? I didn’t hear you.

Using could (more polite)

• Could you do me a favour?
• Could you give me a lift to the station?
• Could you explain this again, please?

Using would (very polite, careful, professional)

• Would you give me a hand for a moment?
• Would you mind opening the window?
• Would you be kind enough to send me the file?

With softening phrases (very natural English)

• Do you think you could help me for a moment?
• I wonder if you could tell me the time.
• Excuse me, could you pass me the salt?

In exams and formal situations, could and would usually sound better than can.

Can/could/would for requests and offers

Making offers

Using Can I…? (friendly, natural)

• Can I help you with that?
• Can I get you something to drink?
• Can I carry that bag for you?

Using Would you like…? (polite and very common)

• Would you like a cup of tea?
• Would you like to sit down for a moment?
• Would you like some help with this?

Asking for permission

Using Can I…? / Could I…?

• Can I open the window?
• Can I use your phone?
• Could I borrow your pen for a moment?

Using may (very formal, less common in modern English)

• May I come in?
• May I speak to Mr Harris, please?

Extra polite forms

• Do you think I could leave a bit earlier today?
• Would you mind if I opened the window?

Making invitations

Using Would you like…? (the classic invitation form)

• Would you like to come to dinner on Saturday?
• Would you like to stay for lunch?
• Would you like to join us for a walk?

Saying what you want politely

• I’d like to speak to the manager, please.
• I’d like to try this jacket on.
• I’d like to make an appointment.

Quick summary

When in doubt, choose could or would. They nearly always sound more natural, more polite, and more advanced.

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