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Beginner English Grammar (A2) Lesson 20 of 25

Can - Requests

Read and listen to four conversations using the grammar.

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Conversation 1

Woman: Hello. Can I get your name?
Man: Yes. My name is Tom Wilson.
Woman: Great. And can I see your ID?
Man: Sure. Here it is.
Woman: Thanks. And can you sign here?
Man: Certainly.

Conversation 2

Man: Hello! Can I take your order?
Woman: Yes, can I get the chicken sandwich?
Man: Certainly. And can I get you something to drink?
Woman: Yes, can I get a diet soda, please?
Man: Sure. Anything else? Can I interest you in something on the side?
Woman: Yes, can I get some fries with that?
Man: Of course. Anything else?
Woman: No, that will do.

Conversation 3

Woman: So Bob, can you come to the party?
Man: Yes, I can, but can I get your address?
Woman: It’s really long. Can I email it to you?
Man: That will work. Oh, and can I get your number?
Woman: Yes, it's 555-4343-3222.
Man: You know what, can you just put it in the email?
Woman: Sure. Can do.

Conversation 4

Woman: Hello! Can I help you?
Man: Yes, can I get a cafe mocha, please?
Woman: OK. And can I get your name?
Man: It’s Jason. And can I get that without cream?
Woman: Of course. Anything else?
Man: Yeah, can I get one of these muffins?
Woman: Sure. That comes to $5.45.
Man: Great. Can I pay by debit card?
Woman: You sure can.
Man: Awesome! And can I get a receipt?
Woman: Of course. Here’s your receipt.
Man: Thanks.
Woman: You can pick up your order over there.
Man: OK.

Can - Requests / Permission - Grammar Notes

Point 1: Use can for polite requests.
  1. Can you hold the door for me?
  2. Can you come to work early tomorrow?
  3. Can you spell your name for me?
  4. Can you not sit there?
Point 2: When answering polite requests, we usually do not say 'Yes' or 'No!' We use special phrases.

To reply 'Yes' you can say:

  • Sure
  • Of course.
  • I would be glad to.

To reply 'No' we might say the following:

  • I'm sorry, (give reason).
  • I'd rather not.
Point 3: Use can to ask for permission.
  • Can I leave early?
  • Can I borrow your car?
  • Can I sit here?
  • Can I go home early?
Point 4: When answering polite requests, we usually do not say 'Yes' or 'No!' We use special phrases

To reply 'Yes' you can say:

  • Sure
  • Of course
  • Be my guest

To reply 'No' we might say the following:

  • I'm sorry, (give reason)
  • I'd rather you didn't.
Answer these questions about the interview.

Gap Fill: Complete the conversation with the correct word!

Grammar Listening Practice


A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-16 Adverbs of Time
It’s at one. It starts soon.

A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-17 Imperatives
Drink tea or water. Don't drink soda.

A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-18 Adverbs of Quantity
I watch a lot of TV.

A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-19 Also, Too, As Well - Similarity
I have a dog, and I also have a cat.

A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-20 Can - Requests
Hello, can I get your name?

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