How Do You Ask, Offer and Suggest?
You already ask for help with Can you…? and Could you…?. A few more patterns cover the rest: asking politely, offering, and suggesting.
REQUESTThe other person does it
Would you mind closing the window? No, not at all.
OFFERYou do it
Shall I carry that bag for you?
SUGGESTIONYou do it together
How about having lunch at that new place near the river?
Ask who will do it: them (request), you (offer), or both of you (suggestion).
TRY IT
- Question 1
"It's too hot in here. blank I turn on the fan?"
The forms
REQUESTS
Can / Could youbase verb? ·Would you mind-ing?
Could you send me the photos?
From casual to polite: Can you, Could you, Would you mind.
PERMISSION
Can / Could / May Ibase verb? ·Do you mind if Ipresent simple?
May I use your bathroom?
May I is the most polite.
OFFERS
Shall Ibase verb? ·I'll / Let mebase verb
Your hands are full. I'll get the door.
Shall I asks first. I'll and Let me just do it.
SUGGESTIONS
Let's / Why don't we / Shall webase verb
Shall we meet at the café at seven?
No to after Let's.
SUGGESTIONS WITH -ING
How about / What about-ing?
What about inviting Hoa too?
Both mean the same.
How about going? · Let's go.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"I'm bored. blank a film tonight!"
When to use them
Saying no politely
I'd love to, but I'm working on Saturday.
Say you'd like to, then give the reason.
Common phrases: I'm afraid I can't · Maybe next time
Looking after a guest
Let me get you some tea.
A visitor has just arrived at your home.
Would You Mind: Yes or No?
Would you mind…? asks "Is it a problem for you?". So to agree, you say it is not a problem.
| AGREE | REFUSE | |
|---|---|---|
| Could you…? | Sure. / Of course. | Sorry, I'm afraid I can't. |
| Would you mind…? | No, not at all. / Of course not. | Sorry, I'm a bit busy right now. |
| Do you mind if I…? | No, go ahead. | Sorry, I'm using it. |
In casual speech, Sure! is also common. Just avoid Yes, I would: it means you mind.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"Would you mind watching my bike for a minute?" "blank"
Common mistakes
Incorrect:Would you mind to help me?
Correct:Would you mind helping me?
Mind + -ing.
Incorrect:How about go to the cinema?
Correct:How about going to the cinema?
How about + -ing.
Incorrect:Let's to go. / Let's going.
Correct:Let's go.
Let's + base verb. No to, no -ing.
Incorrect:Do you mind if I will sit here?
Correct:Do you mind if I sit here?
After if, use the present simple.
Incorrect:Shall I to help you?
Correct:Shall I help you?
No to after shall.
Quick check · 5 questions
Choose the correct form:
Would you mind turning your music down a bit? I'm trying to study.
- A. turning — Correct
- B. to turn
- C. turn
Answer: A. turning
Not to turn, not turn.
You are happy to help. Choose the best answer:
"Would you mind holding the door for me?" "Of course not."
- A. Yes, I would.
- B. Of course not. — Correct
- C. Yes, I mind.
Answer: B. Of course not.
Yes, I would means "yes, I mind". That is a refusal.
Your teacher is carrying a pile of heavy books. Choose the best offer:
Shall I take some of those books?
- A. Shall I take some of those books? — Correct
- B. Shall I taking some of those books?
- C. Shall I to take some of those books?
Answer: A. Shall I take some of those books?
After shall, use the base verb: no -ing, no to.
Choose the correct form:
It's a lovely evening. Why don't we go for a walk by the lake?
- A. go — Correct
- B. going
- C. to go
Answer: A. go
It is a normal do question, so the base verb follows.
Choose the correct form:
Do you mind if I borrow your charger for a minute?
- A. borrow — Correct
- B. borrowing
- C. will borrow
Answer: A. borrow
After if comes a normal clause: I borrow.
See whether it really stuck.
Start the quiz · 14 questions