Casual and formal ways to ask for something

Master workplace English by focusing on intention: the same modal can changes meaning depending on who controls the action. Use it to sound clear, polite, and professional without learning new grammar.

How does can change your English at work?

Understanding can becomes simple when you separate permission from request. The structure looks the same, but the job is different. The key is control of the action: who will do it.

When do you ask for permission with can I?

Use can I when you want to do the action yourself.

• Can I open the window?.
• Can I share my screen?.
• Can I join the meeting?.
• Can I leave early today?.
• Can I work from home tomorrow?.

Core idea: you perform the action, so you need permission.

How do you make a request with can you?

Use can you when you want someone else to do the action.

• Can you send me the file?.
• Can you cancel the meeting?.
• Can you send me the report?.
• Can you check this?.
• Can you cover the meeting for me?.

Core idea: another person performs the action, so you make a request.

Who controls the action in permission and request?

Control decides meaning. Same word, same grammar level, different intention.

• Talking to your manager: “Can I work from home tomorrow?”. You are asking for permission because you will do it.
• Talking to your best friend at work: “Can you cover the meeting for me?”. You are making a request because they will do it.

Remember: you don’t need new grammar; you need clarity about intention. Ask yourself: who will act, me or you.

What skills and keywords will you practice in this course?

You will see how small choices with can express different intentions at work: permission, request, and offer help. The focus is practical and clear, guided by Vicky Pena—a teacher with over 12 years of experience who brings energy and purpose to every lesson.

• Communication skills: asking for permission politely. making direct requests. offering help appropriately.
• Key concepts: permission. request. intention. control of the action.
• Useful workplace phrases: can I share my screen?. can I join the meeting?. can you send me the report?. can you check this?. can you cover the meeting for me?.
• Pro tip: the word is can, but the intention is different. decide based on who controls the action.

Have a real example or a sentence you use at work? Share it in the comments and get feedback on making it clearer and more natural.