Why should we use COULD as the answer?

Natalia Imbrug · Wed Mar 28, 2007 4:42 am *Why should we use COULD as the answer?*

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #49 "Modal Verb Questions", question 4

......... you please bring me my notebook?

(a) Shall
(b) Could
(c) May
(d) Must

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #49 "Modal Verb Questions", answer 4

Could you please bring me my notebook?

Correct answer: (b) Could
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Why should we use COULD as the answer? Thank you, Ma'am/Sir

Natalia Imbrug

Mister Micawber · Wed Mar 28, 2007 7:05 am *Why should we use COULD as the answer?*

.
'Could' is the only word in the list that is used for requests of another person.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

Yankee · Wed Mar 28, 2007 13:56 pm *Why should we use COULD as the answer?*

As Mister Micawber says, the word 'could' is the only word that works in the sentence.

The word 'may' is often used to politely request permission from another person. When 'may' is used to make a request, the word 'may' is not followed by the word 'you'. For example:

May I borrow your car?
May I go with you?
May I please have my notebook back?

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