Polite Questions in English

Which word would you use to ask a question in a very formal setting?

• May

• Can

• Might

• Could

In which situation would you most likely use 'could'?

• Asking a friend for a favor

• Requesting something from a colleague

• Talking to a family member

• Speaking to a client

Which pronouns can 'may' be used with?

• I and we

• You and they

• He and she

• It and they

What is the correct way to ask for orange juice in a fancy restaurant?

• Might I have some orange juice?

• Can I have some orange juice?

• Could I have some orange juice?

• May I have some orange juice?

How would you respond positively to 'Could I have some orange juice?'

• Sure, here you go.

• Yes, of course.

• Certainly.

• I'm afraid we're all out.

What would be a negative response to 'May I have some orange juice?'

• Sorry, we're all out.

• I'm afraid we're all out.

• No, you can't.

• I'm sorry, we're all out.

Which phrase would you use to ask a friend to open a window?

• Can I open the window?

• Could I open the window?

• May I open the window?

• Might I open the window?

What is the appropriate way to ask a hotel guest if they need help with a taxi?

• Might I help you get a taxi?

• Can I help you get a taxi?

• May I help you get a taxi?

• Could I help you get a taxi?

How would you ask a salesperson to speak to the manager?

• Might I speak to the manager?

• May I speak to the manager?

• Could I speak to the manager?

• Can I speak to the manager?

Which phrase would you use to ask your child to clean their room?

• Might you clean your room?

• Could you clean your room?

• Can you clean your room?

• May you clean your room?