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What Do We Mean by Offer?
An 'offer' is a statement that is used to indicate you are willing to do something for someone. In this case, You might need some modal verbs to make offers politely.
Here is the list:
Using 'Can'
The modal verb 'can' is used to make offers that are considered less formal. This modal verb can be used in either affirmative sentences or interrogative ones, to offer something. Here are some examples.
Can I get you a cold drink?
I can make you some coffee.
Using 'Could'
First of all, you need to know that 'could', in this case, is not used in the past tense meaning.
Using 'could' is more formal and less definite to make offers. It means that you suggest something, but you are not sure whether the listener would accept it or not.
Could I give you a present to cheer you up?
I could book the hotel for you.
Using 'Would'
Mostly the modal verb 'would' is used in combination with the main verb 'like' to soften the conversation and give offers in a more polite way. In this case, we ask whether the listener wants us to do something, or need something.
Would you like a little bit of fresh air?
Would you like me to pack up for you?
Using 'May'
Using the modal verb 'may' to make offers is considered a very formal way in English. The important thing is to know that to make offers using the modal verb 'may' we need a first-person singular or plural pronounpronoun, we mean 'I and we'.
Check out the examples.
May I help you?
May we carry your bags?
Using 'Shall'
The same rules for 'may' are applied for the modal verb 'shall', as well. We mean 'shall' is considered formal and it needs the pronouns 'I and we' to make a polite offer.
Shall I open the door for you, sir?
Shall we give you a copy of the photos?
Making Offers with Words Other Than Modals
Although the main idea of this article is to learn to make offers through modal verbs, it is good to know these tips.
Using 'Let'
Let is not considered a 'modal verb,' but when we are almost sure that the person would accept our offer or say 'yes' to what we offered, we can use the term 'let' before 'objective pronouns' to make an informal offer.
Check out the examples.
Let me cook for tonight.
Let's go to MacDonald's.
The Main Verb 'Want'
The main verb 'want' is used to make informal offers. This structure is actually very common among English speakers, but it is not considered academic.
Do you want a bowl of noodles?
Do you want to tell me about it?
Review
Some verbs are used to make offers. To offer something is to suggest to do something. here are the verbs that are used to make offers.
can
could
would
may
shall
Quiz:
Which of the following sentences is the most formal way to make an offer?
Can I grab you a sandwich?
Do you want me to clean the table?
May I assist you with your coat?
Let me take your bag.
Choose the sentence that uses "would" correctly to make a polite offer.
Would I give you a ride to the station?
Would you like me to show you around the office?
Would we help you with your luggage?
Would they offer us a discount?
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Which of the following uses "let" correctly to make an offer?
Let I help you with that.
Let's I bring the files.
Let us to make you dinner.
Let me carry that box for you.
Match each sentence beginning with the correct ending.
Complete each sentence with the correct verb. (There is one extra option.)
me cook dinner for you tonight. You must be tired.
you like me to call a taxi for you?
we bring you some refreshments while you wait?
I assist you with your presentation materials?
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