Asking for permission
Can I...? Example: Can I borrow your pen? ( ¿puedo tomar prestado tu lapicero?)
Could I...? Example: Could I call you tomorrow? (¿Podría llamarte mañana?)
Could I possibly...? Example: Could I possibly use your mobile phone?
Is it all right if I...? Example: Is it all right if I come later?
Do you think I could...? Example: Do you think I could call you tonight
Asking for a favor
Can you...? Can you open the door, please?
Could you...? Could you call me later?
Do you think you could...? Do you think you could send me the information?
Would you...? Would you send me the information?
Do you mind -ing...? Do you mind sending me an e-mail?
Would you mind -ing...? Would you mind sending me the prices?
A PRACTICAR:
Favors Quiz
Provide the correct form of the verb in parentheses to complete the sentences to double-check the correct grammar forms.
- (give) Would you please _______ me a ride?
- (help) Would you mind ______ me with my homework?
- (use) May I ______ your telephone?
- (give) I'd be happy _____ you a hand with your homework.
- (drive) I'd be glad _____ you to the party.
- (give) I'm afraid I can't ______ you any advice on that.
- (cook) Sorry, but I'm unable ______ dinner this evening.
- (answer) Would it be too much trouble _______ a few questions?
Answers
- give
- helping
- use
- to give
- to drive
- give
- to cook
- to answer
Practice Situations
Find a partner and use these suggestions to practice asking for favors, as well as granting and refusing favors as shown in the examples. Make sure to vary the language you use when practicing rather than using the same phrase over and over again.
Ask someone to ...
- loan you $50 for the weekend
- help you with your homework
- assist you with some paperwork such as filling out a form
- give you a ride
- check your writing or correct your grammar
- practice speaking English with you
- cook a meal
-
let you take a day off work