A: Would you mind showing me how to drive?
B: Not yet. You're still too young.
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.
Hey John, can I talk to you?
Can I eat dessert before dinner, Mom?
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