Polite Questions in English

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

• Can

• May

• Could

• Might

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

• Talking to a close friend

• Speaking with a colleague

• Addressing a client

• Chatting with a sibling

Which pronouns can 'may' be used with?

• He and she

• You and they

• I and we

• 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.

• I'm afraid not.

• Certainly.

What is the appropriate response to 'May I help you?' in a store?

• No, thank you.

• Yes, of course.

• I'm afraid not.

• Certainly.

What is a polite way to ask a child to clean their room?

• May you clean your room?

• Could you clean your room, please?

• Can you clean your room?

• Might you clean your room?

Which phrase would you use to ask a professor for permission to submit a paper late?

• Can I submit my paper late?

• Could I submit my paper late?

• Might I submit my paper late?

• May I submit my paper late?

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

• Could

• Can

• May

• Might

How would you ask a receptionist to connect you to the sales department?

• May you connect me?

• Could you connect me, please?

• Can you connect me?

• Might you connect me?