![man and women in class holding tablets](https://s3.amazonaws.com/smrtenglish.com/smrt-120/Unit%2004/4-3g1.jpg)
A: Would you mind showing me how to log in?
B: Sure. No problem.
Making Requests with "I"
May Could Can |
I borrow that book? |
May I and could I are used to make polite requests. They are equally polite. May is slightly more formal.
- May I sit down?
- Could I look at the photos?
- Could I turn on the TV?
- May I talk to you?
- Could I get a large coffee, please?
Can I is less formal and polite. It is more common when the speaker is talking to someone he or she knows well.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/smrtenglish.com/smrt-120/Unit%2004/4-3g2.jpg)
Hey John, can I talk to you?
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/smrtenglish.com/smrt-120/Unit%2004/4-3g3.jpg)
Can I eat dessert before dinner, Mom?
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