Requests

Requests:

A. Making requests:

Expressions of request are made to ask for help, cooperation, aid, and so on. 

To make requests, we use the following structures and expressions:

a. Will you + verb1------?

Example:

Will You 

 i. bring me a pen?

ii. shut the door?

iii. open the window?

b. Would you please + verb1 --------?

Example: 

Would you please 

i. bring me the pen?

ii. shut the door?

iii. open the window?

c. Can/Could you please + verb1--------?

Example: 

Can you please 

i. lend me your pen?

ii. give me a glass of water? 

d. Do/Would you mind + verb+ing ---------?Example: 

Do/Would you mind 

i. shutting the door?

ii. opening the window? 

 

Responses to requests: 

We can respond to requests either positively or negatively.

Positive responses:

i. Yes, certainly.

ii. Yes, of course.

iii. Yes, of course. Go ahead.

iv. Certainly.

v. Okay. Here it is.

vi. Why not? 

 

Negative responses:

i. No, I'm afraid. The phone's dead.

ii. My pocket's empty.

iii. No, if you don't mind.

iv. No, I'm afraid. I can't/couldn't.

NOTE: 'Would' and 'could' are more polite and tactful than 'will' and 'can'. 'Will/would' is related to willingness while 'can/could' refers to the ability of the listener.