As a manner of speaking in the English language, making a request is used to ask someone to do something for you. However, this function needs particular styles where the expressions should mostly be polite depending, of course, on the person you ask for the favour. Here are some of those expressions:

Making a Request

• Can you move that box out of my way, please?
• Will you turn down that radio, please?
• Could you possibly give me that red pen over there?
• Would you bring me a glass of water, please?
• Would you like to put that case on the reception desk, please?!
• Would you mind sending these letters for me, please?!
• I wonder if you could hand me that book over there, please.
• etc

Responding to a request

            Normally, we should respond positively to a request, but there are times when we cannot actually do the favour. Therefore, for each situation there are appropriate expressions varying from formal to less formal,

Responding Positively

• Yes.
• Okay.
• Of course
• With pleasure
• Sure!
• Yes, certainly
• Certainly

Responding Negatively

• I'm sorry, but I can't. I'm very busy for the moment.
• I'm sorry, but no!
• No, certainly not.
• No, I'd be happy to.
• Sorry, I wish I could.
• I'm afraid I can't.

Practice

• Your partner: I need a red pen. Will you lend me yours, please?
  • You: Yes, of course. Here you are.
  • You: No, I'm sorry, I need it.

• Your classmate: Would you help me with this quiz, please?
  • You: Sure!
  • You: No, I wouldn't.

• Your colleague: Would you mind bringing me that chair over there, please?
  • You: Yes, certainly.
  • You: I wish I could, (but no!)