Could is used to make polite requests, both to ask for something and to ask for permission, and it sounds more formal than can. Could never takes -s and never needs do or does, as in could you help me or could I have some water.
Grammar Rule
Could is used to make polite requests, both to ask for something and to ask for permission. It is more formal than can.
Could for Polite Requests: Structure
| Use | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ask for something | Could + subject + verb…? | Could you help me, please? Could you open the door? |
| Ask for permission | Could + subject + verb…? | Could I have some water? Could I ask you something? |
Remember: could never takes -s and never needs do/does.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using could to make a polite request. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Modal Verb «Could» – Polite Requests (Could you help me?)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is could used for?
Could is used to make polite requests, either asking for something or asking for permission.
Is could more formal than can?
Yes. Could sounds more polite and formal than can in requests and permission questions.
Does could need do or does in questions?
No. Could is a modal verb, so questions are formed by inverting could and the subject, as in could you help me.
How do you ask for permission with could?
Use could I plus the base verb, as in could I have some water or could I ask you something.