No I can’t!

Can I stop yet?

No, you can’t!

Can you
swim? I’m sorry, I don’t
think I can.

Can you help me

please?
 Information

Permission
No I can’t!
Can you
swim?

No, you can’t!

Can I stop yet?

I’m sorry, I don’t

think I can.

Can you help me

please?

Request
Information

Can you swim? with this question we are asking about ability and we expect the answer to
be yes or no

Permission
Can I stop yet? here, we are asking for permission and expect the answer to be yes or no.

Request
Can you help me please? here, we expect the answer and an action. We are requesting
someone to do something for us.
 Making a request.
You are in a meeting and you haven’t heard/understood what has been said:

• Excuse, me...
• I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that
• I’m sorry, I didn’t quite hear that
• I’m sorry, I didn’t quite understand that
Can you...
repeat that please?
speak a little slower please?
speak a little louder please?
explain that to me please?

If you are too embarrassed to ask in front of other colleagues, or it doesn’t seem appropriate, then
try to speak with the manager/chairman after the meeting...

“Excuse me, can I have a minute of your time please...”

Note: If you would like to be more polite, the replace ‘can’ with ‘could’ when making
a request.
 A B
1. Can I buy a packet of candy? a. No, I can’t.
2. Can you turn off the light, please? b. No, it’s dinner time.
3. Can you drive? c. A little.
4. Can I watch a movie? d. Yes, she’s a good
5. Can you lend me an eraser? player.
6. Can Sandra play golf? e. Sorry, I haven’t got
7. Can you speak Chinese? one.
8. Can you pass me the fish sauce? f. Here you are.
g. Sure.
h. Yes, all right.
Are these functions- permission or request?

Can you give me a salad please?

Can I have a glass of wine?

Would you mind giving me a cup of tea?

Can you pass me that book?

May I sit here?

Could you help me with this can?

Do you mind if I have some more bread?

Would you mind opening this box for me, please?

I wonder if I can have another glass of wine.

 Responses
• Sure
•Not at all
• Certainly

Of course

No, of course not

Here you are.