students

A: Would you mind showing me how to log in?
B: Sure. No problem.

Making Requests with "I"

May
Could
Can
I borrow that manual?

May I and could I are used to make polite requests. They are equally polite. May is slightly more formal.

  • May I turn base leg now?
  • Could I look at the aerial photos?
  • Could I turn on the weather radar?
  • May I call the tower?
  • Could I get a large coffee, please?

Can I is less formal and polite. It is more common when the speaker is talking to someone he or she knows well.

workers talking

Hey John, can I talk to you?

light aircraft flying

Can I enter base leg rather than downwind, tower?


Unlock full access by logging in. Registered users can explore the entire lesson and more.

keyboard_arrow_up