Making Requests with "Can"

Learn how to use can to make clear, polite requests in English. Understand the structure can you + base verb, place please naturally, and respond appropriately in real workplace situations.

How to make requests with can?

Using can for requests is simple and effective. The core pattern is can you + base verb. The base form means the verb without -ed or -ing. Add please to sound more polite.

• Structure: can you + base verb.
• Base form: verb without -ed or -ing.
• Politeness: add please for a softer tone.
• Placement of please: at the end with a comma before it, or right after can you.
• Example: "Can you turn down the AC, please?"
• Example: "Can you please turn down the AC?"

Key vocabulary to notice: can, can you, please, base form, turn down the AC.

What is the difference between permission, offers, and requests?

The meaning changes with the subject and intention. Focus on who will do the action and why you are asking.

• Asking for permission: you want approval to act. "Can I cancel the meeting?"
• Offering help: you propose doing the task for someone. "Can I cancel the meeting for you?"
• Making a request: you ask another person to act. "Can you cancel the meeting, please?"

Notice the switch between I and you. That change signals permission, offer, or request.

How to accept or decline requests politely?

When someone asks you to do something, respond briefly and clearly. Use friendly acceptance or gentle refusal.

• Accepting: "Sure." "Of course." "Yeah, no problem." "Certainly."
• Declining: "No, I can’t." "I’m afraid I can’t."
• Example exchange: "Can you review this by 5:00 PM?" → "Yeah, no problem."
• Example exchange: "Can you record the meeting?" → "I’m afraid I can’t. I’m not the host of the meeting."

Practice with real needs using the same pattern.

• Need a document: "Can you please send me the sales report?"
• Need more time: "Can you give me one more hour? Just one more hour. I’ll get it done."
• Need contact info: "Can you give me the client’s email, please?"

Vocabulary to keep handy: review, record the meeting, sales report, presentation, client’s email, host of the meeting.

Want feedback on your phrasing? Share your own polite request examples in the comments and try replying with an acceptance or a gentle refusal.