Introduction

In the TOEIC Listening & Reading test, you will often encounter situations where making polite requests is necessary. Being able to ask for things politely is a crucial skill in business settings, as it helps maintain professionalism and fosters positive interactions. This lesson will help you understand how to form polite requests and avoid common mistakes.

Explanation

Polite requests in English often use modal verbs like "could," "would," "can," and "may." These words help soften the request, making it sound more courteous. Here are some examples:

Could you send me the report by Friday?
Would you mind closing the window?
Can you help me with this presentation?
May I use your phone for a moment?

Notice how these requests are structured. They usually start with the modal verb, followed by the subject and the main verb. This structure is key to forming polite requests.

Common mistakes

Using "can" instead of "could" or "would": "Can" is less formal and sometimes too direct. For example, Can you pass the salt? is less polite than Could you pass the salt?
Forgetting to use a question form: A request should be in the form of a question. You send me the report is incorrect; Could you send me the report? is correct.
Using "please" incorrectly: Both “Could you help me, please?” and “Please, could you help me?” are correct; the first is more common and natural in standard usage.

Tips for the TOEIC test

Listen for context clues: In the listening section, pay attention to the tone and context to understand if a request is being made.
Look for modal verbs: In the reading section, identify sentences with modal verbs to spot polite requests.
Practice rephrasing: Try to rephrase direct requests into polite ones to enhance your understanding.

Mini practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb to make polite requests:

_______ you please forward the email to the team by tomorrow?
_______ I ask you to review this document before the meeting?
_______ you mind if I took a look at the financial report?

Answers

Could
May
Would

Introduction

Explanation

Polite requests in English often use modal verbs like "could," "would," "can," and "may." These words help soften the request, making it sound more courteous. Here are some examples:

Could you send me the report by Friday?

Would you mind closing the window?

Can you help me with this presentation?

May I use your phone for a moment?

Notice how these requests are structured. They usually start with the modal verb, followed by the subject and the main verb. This structure is key to forming polite requests.

Common mistakes

Using "can" instead of "could" or "would": "Can" is less formal and sometimes too direct. For example, Can you pass the salt? is less polite than Could you pass the salt?

Forgetting to use a question form: A request should be in the form of a question. You send me the report is incorrect; Could you send me the report? is correct.

Using "please" incorrectly: Both “Could you help me, please?” and “Please, could you help me?” are correct; the first is more common and natural in standard usage.

Tips for the TOEIC test

Listen for context clues: In the listening section, pay attention to the tone and context to understand if a request is being made.

Look for modal verbs: In the reading section, identify sentences with modal verbs to spot polite requests.

Practice rephrasing: Try to rephrase direct requests into polite ones to enhance your understanding.

Making polite requests in English

Introduction

Explanation

Common mistakes

Tips for the TOEIC test

Mini practice

Answers

Making polite requests in English

Introduction

Explanation

Common mistakes

Tips for the TOEIC test

Mini practice

Answers