14. Making Polite Requests
[7/13/2009 05:17:00 PM | ]

English Explanations
1. Use these questions with could and can to make polite requests.

2. You can use could you or can you plus the base form of a verb to politely ask someone to do something for you. Add please to the end of the request to make it more polite. Can you is slightly less formal than could you.
3. You can use Could I have or Can I have plus a noun phrase to politely ask someone to give you something. Add please to the end of the request to make it more polite.

MAKING REQUESTS

Could you (help us), please?
Can you (answer the phone), please?
Could I have (your name), please?
Can I have (the chicken), please?



RESERVING A HOTEL ROOM

I'd like to reserve a room.
Do you have a room for (three) nights from (June 14) to (June 17)?

Would you like a double room or a single room? A double/single room, please.

How much does it cost per night?
That sounds good. I'll take it.
I need a credit card number to reserve the room.
What's your credit card number?
What time is check-in/check-out?