- LPU MCA Semester 1
- PEL546
- Unit 3
PEL546 · Unit 3: Modals review
Modal verbs for requests, suggestions, offers and invitations
10 practice questions · in the MTE and ETE syllabus
Key points
- Could you and would you mind are very polite
- Shall I offers, shall we suggests
- Would you like to invites or offers
- Decline with I'm afraid plus a reason
Requests: can, could, will and would, with could you and would you mind plus -ing the most polite: Could you pass the salt? Would you mind helping me?
Offers: shall I plus a base verb (Shall I open the window?), can I and would you like: Would you like some tea?
Suggestions: shall we (Shall we go? Reply: Yes, let's), let's, why don't we, could and should: You could try the new cafe.
Advice: should and ought to: You should see a dentist.
Invitations: would you like to: Would you like to join us for dinner?
Declining politely: begin with I'm afraid and give a reason: I'm afraid I'm using it at the moment.
Directness decreases as politeness increases: Help me with this (command), Can you help me? (informal), Could you help me? (polite), Would you mind helping me? (very polite).
Exam trap: shall is used with I and we for offers and suggestions, not with you.
Try two questions
Which is the most polite request?
- Would you mind helping me with this?
- Help me with this.
- You will help me with this.
- Do help me or else.
Show the answer
A. Would you mind plus the -ing form is a very polite request.
Why not B: This is a direct command.
Why not C: This sounds like an order.
Why not D: This sounds like a threat.
Choose the correct reply to Shall we go?
- Yes, you shall.
- Yes, I do.
- Yes, let's.
- Yes, we go.
Show the answer
C. Let's is the usual agreement to a suggestion with shall we.
Why not A: This is not a natural reply to a suggestion.
Why not B: Do does not answer a shall question.
Why not D: This is not a natural reply to a suggestion.