Say it naturally - Making Requests

• “Bring me the Hastings account”
• “Excuse me, Ms. Stevens. Please bring me the Hastings account!”
• Can’t you read the sign, mister? No smoking allowed !
• It’s against the law to smoke in elevators, mister !
• Excuse me, but would you mind putting out your cigarette until you’re out of the elevator?
• I’m sorry, sir, but smoking in elevators isn’t allowed.
• Please don’t smoke in here, sir. It’s against the law, and it’s also very annoying to nonsmokers.

• May I have an apple?
• May I have a Coke?
• May I have another helping of rice, please?

• Could I borrow ten dollars?
• Could I borrow your rake?
• Could I borrow that book, please?

• Can I use that umbrella?
• Can I use your hairdryer?
• Can I use the phone, if you don't mind?

• Would you mind if I had a sandwich?
• Would you mind if I borrowed your newspaper?
• Would you mind if I used your car this afternoon?

• Could I trouble you to get me a cold drink?
• Could I trouble you to help me with this?
• Could I bother you to answer the phone?

• Will you answer the phone while I'm out, if you don't mind?
• Will you hand me that picture frame, please?
• Will you please clean your room before going outside?

• Would you mind not smoking at the table?
• Would you mind speaking more slowly, please?
• Would you mind retyping this letter before you leave?

• How about helping me with the dishes?
• How about picking up some soft drinks on your way home?
• What about turning your stereo down a little?

• Yes, I’m more than willing to contribute to the Cancer Society (Formal)
• Certainly, I’d love to help with the dance decorations.
• Certainly, I’d like to help with the dance decorations.
• Of course, it’s no problem to change your appointment to Friday
• No, it wouldn’t be any trouble to get you more tea.
• Not at all. (In response to “Would you mind...?")
• I don’t mind one bit watering your plants while you’re away.
• Sure, I’ll be glad to help you fix dinner.
• No problem. I’ll be happy to pick up the kids after school (Informal)
• No sweat. I don’t mind lending you my skis (Very informal)
• Piece of cake! I’d be glad to show you how to use the key. (Very informal)

• I’m afraid I can’t lend you that book because... (offer excuse) (Formal)
• I wish I could let you borrow $20.00, but...
• I’m sorry, but...
• It’s impossible for me to change your appointment because...
• I can’t pick up your drycleaning because..
• Sorry, but I... (Informal)