Video Transcript

Hi everyone! Today, we are learning how to be extra polite in English. Whether you are at a café or a supermarket, these two phrases will make you sound like a pro: ‘Would you like…?’ and ‘Can I have…?’ Let’s get started!

First, imagine you are the waiter. When you offer something to a guest, use ‘Would you like…?’ It is much more polite than just saying ‘Do you want?’

For example: ‘Would you like some coffee?’ or ‘Would you like a menu?’

Now, imagine you are the customer. To ask for something politely, use ‘Can I have…?’ and always remember to say ‘Please’ at the end!

Try this: ‘Can I have a glass of water, please?’ or ‘Can I have the bill, please?’

Now it’s your turn! You are in a café and you want a cup of tea. How do you ask politely? That’s right! You say: ‘Can I have a cup of tea, please?’

Great job! Practice these phrases the next time you go shopping or to a restaurant. See you in the next lesson!

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This short, essential lesson focuses on two key phrases needed for formal and polite requests, especially when ordering food, asking for items, or offering something to someone.

Lesson Goals

• Learn the structure for making polite requests (Can I have…?).
• Learn the structure for making polite offers (Would you like…?).
• Practice using polite language in service situations (café, store).

☕ Offering Food and Drink: Would you like…?

Would you like…? is the standard, polite way to offer food, drink, or anything else to a person. It is used in formal situations and with people you don’t know well.

A. Structure: Making an Offer

• Would you like + Noun?
  • Would you like some coffee?
  • Would you like a sandwich?
• Would you like + to + Verb? (Offering an action)
  • Would you like to order now?
  • Would you like to sit here?

B. Answering the Offer (Politely)

• Positive: Yes, please. / Yes, I would love some.
• Negative: No, thank you. / No, I’m fine, thanks.

🛒 Requesting Items: Can I have…?

Can I have…? (or the slightly more formal Could I have…?) is used when you are asking for something in a store, café, or restaurant.

A. Structure: Making a Request

• Can I have + Noun + please?
  • Can I have a cup of tea, please?
  • Can I have the bill, please?
  • Can I have some sugar?

Note: Always add please when using Can I have…? to ensure your request is polite, not demanding.

Practice: Polite Dialogue

Your Task: Complete the short dialogue using polite expressions.