Page 33 - SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY

f I would like to introduce Mathew f Here is Mathew from England
from England

Fig 1.3.3 Sample of making requests and their responses
On certain occasions, we would have to ask problem?”
others for help, to do certain things for us. It is
very important to be polite and make requests. While making requests, the auxiliary verbs
If you don’t ask politely, the listener may feel “could” and “can” can be followed by verbs.
that you are being rude. To avoid such a situa- In ‘formal’ conversations use “would
tion, be kind in your actions and words. you mind’’ + verb + -ing form. For example

During an informal conversation with your “Would you mind shutting the window?” “Do
friends and family, you can use these phrases. you mind shutting the window?” These are the
formal ways of requesting.
“Can you come with me, please?”
Now let’s see few more phrases to make
“Could you help me to solve the maths requests and their responses

REQUEST RESPONSES

o Can you come here? o Yes, of course
o Could you come here? o Certainly
o Do you mind coming here? o Right away
o Would you mind coming here, please? o In a minute…
o Sure
o Ok
o No problem at all

Fig 1.3.4 Phrases of making requests and their responses

SGOU - FYUGP - SLM - English for Communication 27