man and women in class holding tablets

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.

Hey John, can I talk to you?

Can I eat dessert before dinner, Mom?


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Exercise

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