Offering – the modals would, can, could, may, shall & will
Offers are used to say what someone is willing to do for someone else. The other person can accept the offer or refuse it. Offers are always in the present because they require an answer. To make an offer, you can use the modals: would, can, could, may, shall, and will. After any modal the following verb must always be in the simple form. Following are examples of offers using these modals and positive and negative responses to these offers. Whether it is accepted or not, it is customary to thank the person for the offer.
Would you like + noun:
Examples:
Would you like something to drink?
Yes, that would be very nice. Thank you.
Would you like a napkin?
No thank you. I’ve already got one.
Would you like + infinitive:
Examples:
Would you like me to read you a story?
Yes, please.
Would you like to come with us to the coffee shop?
I’m sorry. I’ve got a lot of work to do. Maybe next time.
Can I: [What can I, How can I]
Can I help you?
Yes, could you tell me where the bookstore is?
Can I bring something to the party?
That’s not necessary, but thank you for the offer.
What can I do for you?
You could set the table if you don’t mind.
How can I help you?
I’d like to see your winter boots, please.
I could:
I could give you the rest of the day off.
Thank you. I appreciate that so much.
I could stay with you while you’re sick.
Thanks for the offer, but I think I’ll be okay.
May I:
May I give you some advice?
I’d appreciate that.
May I be of assistance?
No, I can handle this, but thank you.
Shall I / we:
Shall we look for your glasses?
That’s a good idea. Thanks for your help.
Shall I call you a cab?
No thanks. I think I’ll take the bus home.
I will:
I will bring some beer to the barbecue.
Thanks, and I’ll get us a couple steaks.
I will help with the planning.
That’s not necessary. Everything is already done.
Quiz: Making an offer - exercise
- Question 1 of 10
1.
You want to help your friend make a decision, so you say
Good answer!
Wrong answer
- Question 2 of 10
2.
You want to go for coffee with your friend, so you say
Good for you!
Afraid not
- Question 3 of 10
3.
You want to make sure your friend gets home safely, so you say
You got it!
You missed it
- Question 4 of 10
4.
You have some candy you’d like to share, so you say
Way to go!
Not this time
- Question 5 of 10
5.
You notice that your friend is cold, so you say
Perfect!
Not so good
- Question 6 of 10
6.
You want to bring something to the company picnic, so you say
Sweet!
Sorry. No
- Question 7 of 10
7.
Your friends have dropped by on a Friday evening, so you say
Correctly done!
No good
- Question 8 of 10
8.
You work in a store, and when someone comes in, you say
Right!
No way
- Question 9 of 10
9.
Your guests have just arrived and are sitting down, so you say
Nicely done!
That’s not it
- Question 10 of 10
10.
Your friend is shy and doesn’t know how to talk to his coworker, so you say
Awesome!
Try again