Can/ Could/Would……….you?

(1)  Requests :

• Can (or could) you wait for a moment, please?
• Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the railway station?
• Could ( or would) you lend me some money until next week?

(2)  Asking for things:

• Can I have these postcards, please?
• Yes of course, you can have them.
• Could I have the salt, please?

(3)  Asking for and giving permission:

• Could I use your phone?  Yes of course.
• May I come in?  Yes, please do.
• You can use my phone. (OR)  You may use my phone.( Note:-  ‘May’ is formal and less usual than ‘ can ‘ or ‘ could ‘)

(4)  Offering to do things:

• Can I get you a cup of coffee?
• Can I help you?
• No, thank you.  I can manage.
• ( You can also use  I will …..to offer to do things.)  You look tired.  I will get you a cup of coffee.