Giving instructions and making requests

4.160 When you give an instruction or make a request, you usually use a modal in an interrogative sentence.

You use 'will', 'would', 'can', or 'could' with 'you' to tell someone to do something, or to ask someone to do something.

You use 'can', 'could', 'may', or 'might' with 'I' or 'we' or with other personal pronouns or noun groups to ask someone's permission to do something.

Instructions and requests are always made more polite by adding 'please'. 'Please' and other markers of politeness are explained in paragraph 4.176.

instructions and appeals 4.161, 'would', and 'could' are used with 'you' in two ways:

• you use them to give an instruction or an order

• you use them to ask for help or assistance

instructions 4.162 'Will' is used to give an instruction or order in a fairly direct way. It is slightly less forceful than using the imperative.

Will you please take her to her cubicle?

Will you please, at once, pack up and leave.

'Will' is used to ask for help in fairly informal situations.

Mummy, will you help me?

instructions and appeals: 'would' 4.163 When 'would' is used to give an instruction or order, it is more polite than 'will'.

Would you tell her that Adrian phoned?

Would you ask them to leave, please?

When 'would' is used to ask for help, it is less informal and more polite than 'will'.

Would you do me a favour?

instructions and appeals: 'could' 4.164 When 'could' is used to give an instruction or order, it is more polite than 'would'.

Could you make out her bill, please?

Could you just switch the projector on behind you?

When 'could' is used to ask for help, it is more polite than 'would'.

Could you show me how to do this?

appeals: 'can' 4.165 'Can' can be used with 'you' to ask for help. You usually use 'can' when you are not sure whether someone will be able to help you or not.

Oh hello. Can you help me? I've been trying to get a London number for ten minutes and I can't get through.

requests 4.166 'Can', 'could', 'may', and 'might' are used with 'I' or 'we' when you are asking for something, or are asking permission to do something.

These modals can also be used with 'he', 'she', or 'they', or with other noun groups, when you are asking for something on behalf of someone else. For example, you can say 'Can she borrow your car?' or 'Could my mother use your telephone?'

requests: 'can' 4.167 'Can' is used to make a request in a simple and direct way.

Can I ask a question?

'Can I change this?' I asked the box office lady, offering her my ticket.

requests: 'could' 4.168 'Could' is more polite than 'can'.

Could I have a bottle of Vermouth, please?

Could I just interrupt a minute?

requests: 'can't' and 'couldn't' 4.169 You can make a request sound more persuasive by using 'can't' or 'couldn't' instead of 'can' or 'could'. For example, you can say 'Can't' I come with you?' instead of 'Can I come with you?'.

Can't we have some music?

Couldn't we stay here?

4.170 'May' and 'might' are more formal than 'can' and 'could'. People used to be taught that, when asking for something, it was correct to say 'may' rather than 'can', and 'might' rather than 'could'. However 'can' and 'could' are now generally used. Requests beginning with 'might' are unusual, and are considered by most people to be old-fashioned.

May I have a cigarette?

May we have something to eat?

May I ask what your name is?

Might I inquire if you are the owner?

4.171 'Would like' can be used with 'I' or 'we' in a declarative sentence to give an instruction or order. It is followed by 'you' and a 'to'-infinitive clause.

Penelope, I would like you to get us the files.

'Want' can be used in a similar way to 'would like'. This use of 'want' is dealt with in paragraph 4.240.

4.172 An instruction or order can also be given using 'will' in a declarative sentence. This form is used when the speaker is angry or impatient.

You will go and get one of your parents immediately.

You will give me those now.

4.173 'Shall' is sometimes used in a declarative sentence to give an instruction or order. This is a very formal use.

After ten o'clock at night there shall be quietness on the upper corridor.

4.174 The imperative mood can also be used to give an instruction or order. This use is explained in paragraph 4.31.

4.175 You can use 'would like' or 'should like' in a declarative sentence to make a request. 'Would like' and 'should like' are followed by a 'to'-infinitive clause or a noun group.

I would like to ask you one question.

I'd like to have a little talk with you.

I should like a large cutlet, please.

4.176 All the ways of giving instructions or making requests described above can be made more polite by using 'please'.

Can I speak to Nicola please?

Could you tell me please what time the flight arrives?

Please may I have the key?

You can also make a request more polite by adding the name of the person you are addressing at the beginning or end of your question.

Martin, could you make us a drink?

Can I talk to you, Howard?

Another way of making a request more polite is to add an adverb such as 'perhaps' or 'possibly' after the subject of the verb.

Could I perhaps bring a friend with me?

May I possibly have a word with you, please?