Business English A2 · Lesson 5B

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

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Grammar focus of this lesson

Polite modals (could · would · shall · might)

2 structures

can / could for polite requests
Asking for things and offering help politely.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›Can you…? — neutral. Could you…? — more polite.
- ›Can I / Could I… ? to ask permission.
- ›Add please and soften with possibly / just.
- ›Answers: Of course. / Sure. / I'm afraid I can't.
Examples
- “Could you send me the file, please?”
- “Can I use this room for ten minutes?”
- “Could I possibly call you back later?”
Watch out · Could is not past here — it's politeness.
Your own example
will / might for predictions and possibility
will = fairly sure. might / may = maybe.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›will / won't + base verb; 'll for spoken decisions and offers.
- ›might / might not = perhaps (about 50%).
- ›Add probably, maybe, I think to soften.
- ›Never will to / might to.
Examples
- “I'll send it before lunch.”
- “It probably won't be ready today.”
- “We might open a second office in Porto.”
Watch out · For plans already decided, prefer going to.
Your own example