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Red chalk 48 Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Can , could and may

Hello !

I know when we talk about our selves we use to say "may"

But sometimes i get confused between "can" and "could" if i say can you pass me this plate but i saw some people who use to say could you pass me this plate

Could is the past form of can so why people use to say could as a first form

Can is correct or could as a first form?

  

Top answer

" for requests. ". It is polite to also add "please".

— GPY

  • " for requests.
  • ".
  • It is polite to also add "please".
  • ".
  • This is because "this" implies that the plate is already close to you or in your possession.
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1 Answers
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It is common to use "Could you ..." for requests. It feels a bit softer and more polite than "Can you ...". It is polite to also add "please".

You would not say "Could you pass me this plate?". This is because "this" implies that the plate is already close to you or in your possession. "that plate" is fine.

Remember that the word "I" is always capitalised. It is alway

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