Can/could and requests

[toloue_man]

As far as I'm concerned, requests fall into two broad categories. One is request for permission and the other is simple requests that do not involve permission. Now, I would like to know when the subject of request, both in requests for permission and simple requests, is "you", are "can" and "could" the only auxiliaries that can be used with that request?

 

[5jj]

If you are asking permission to do something, the subject of the verb is I, not you. The most common modals used are can and may:

Can/May I take the afternoon off, please?

If you are simply requesting something, several modals can be used:

Can/could/will/would you lend me £10, please?

 

[toloue_man]

But "may" and "might" cannot be accompanied with "you" in simple requests, do you agree?

 

[5jj]

Yes