Exercise 4. Complete the sentences with the modal verbs can, could, will, would, may, and might expressing request.

1. …………I ask who is calling? 2. I didn’t catch that. …………….. you repeat what you said? 3. Thanks. I’ll leave it to you then. ……………..you mind giving me a ring later on to confirm everything? 4. The number’s engaged. ………………..you hold on? 5. ………………….I have your name? 6. That’s right. I prefer to see Mr Watson before the meeting……………………you kindly arranging that for me? 7. I’m afraid it’s a bad line…………………you speak up? 8. Perhaps………………..you ask Mr Bird to call me back? 9.. I beg your pardon?.....................you speak English? 10. Mark,…………………you post this for me on your way to the office? 11. We………………..be grateful if you could correct the statement. 12. The fax you sent me was illegible. ……………you take a copy of the original and send it by regular mail?

Exercise 5. Study the politeness scale of an offer; refer to it in the next exercise.

Shall I help you with your baggage? Less polite

Can I take your coat?

Will you sit down?

Won’t you put your bag?

Would you like a cup of tea?

Would you like me to post these letters for you?

Could I help you to write an order? More polite

Exercise 6. Rank the following phrases according to the politeness scale of an offer, from less polite to more polite.

____ Would you like one of these chocolates?

____ Won’t you use my cellar-phone?

____ Can I be of any service to you?

____ Would you like me to carry this parcel?

____ Shall I dial a number for you?

____ Could I give you a lift home?

____ Will you take off your raincoat?

Exercise 7. Complete the following sentences with the modat verbs shall, can, could, may, might, and would for suggestion, permission and asking for instructions.

1. I’m sorry, Ms Miller has already left the office……….I ask her to call you tomorrow? 2………….I interrupt you? 3…………..we stop the discussion here or go on?,4. It’s too late. ………..we discuss it tomorrow morning? 5. I’d like to negotiate the transporting costs with you. ………. we say Monday, the 3rd of May? 6. I beg your pardon. Whom ……….. you like to speak to? 7. ………….you manage to continue the deal in the afternoon? 8. Mr Frank is at the meeting now…………I get him to call you back? 9. Sandy,……….I borrow your pen for a moment? 10. It’s lunch time already. Ms Collin,………….I finish that later?

Exercise 8. Group the following phrases according to their meaning: request, offer, suggestion, asking for permission and instructions.

1. Can I get a monthly ticket for the bus?

2. Would you prefer tea or coffee?

3. May I have your telephone number?

4. Could I come to the interview at a later date?

5. Shall I help you with your invoice?

6. May I have my annual leave in June?

7. Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me?

8. Will you wait for a minute?

9. Would you spell that for me, please?

10. Shall we say two o’clock?

11. Can I smoke here?

12. Could we manage Friday morning?

13. Shall I make some more copies?

14. Won’t you stay a little longer?

15. Might I use your lap-top computer?

16. Harris & Co, can I help you?

Supposition

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