Speaking · Free lesson
Could you…? Make a clear, polite request
A colleague has two versions of a file. You need the updated one before a meeting, so you want to request the right version and explain your deadline clearly.
Professor Scott MendozaMeaning in this lesson
Could you…?
A common question pattern for politely asking someone to do something.
Example
“Could you send me the updated file by three, please?”
I am asking you to send a particular file no later than three.
The short answer
Use “Could you + base verb…?” to make a polite request: “Could you send me the updated file, please?” Add a useful detail, such as which file or when you need it. In this request, could does not mean the action happened in the past.
Be polite and specific at the same time.
Start with Could you, then use the base form: send, open, check or repeat. Do not add to after you. Please can soften the request, but it is not required in every polite sentence. Clear details help the other person act on your request.
Ask for the right file.
Could you send me the updated file, please?
Of course. When do you need it?
By three, if possible. The meeting starts at three thirty.
Updated identifies the version. By three gives the deadline. If possible leaves room for the colleague to say whether that timing works.
Make the request useful
Choose the action
Could you send…?
Identify what you need
…me the updated file…
Add a practical detail
…by three, please?
Try it now
Check what you’ve learned.
Read all answers and explanations
Which request uses could you with the correct verb form?
Could you send the file?Use the base form send after Could you. Do not add to or an -s ending.
“Could you open the window, please?” What is the speaker doing here?
Making a request now.Here, could is part of a present request. It does not place the requested action in the past.
The colleague has an old file and an updated file. Which request clearly asks for the updated one?
Could you send me the updated file, please?The updated file identifies the version you need. Something is vague, and the old file asks for the wrong version.
Put it into practice
Request a file and clarify the deadline.
You need the updated file by three for a three-thirty meeting. Ask for that version, then answer your colleague’s timing question.
- Colleague
I have both the old file and the updated one. What do you need?
See a model answer
- You
Could you send me the updated file, please?
- Colleague
Sure. When do you need it?
- You
By three, if possible. The meeting starts at three thirty.
- Colleague
Yes, I can send it before three.
A useful request combines a polite form with the right action, object and timing. The deadline reply continues the same practical conversation.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Do I always need please after Could you…?
No. Could you can make a polite request without please. Please is often helpful, but your tone and the situation also affect how the request sounds.
“Could you check this total?” is a normal request.
Is Can you…? rude?
Not automatically. It is common in everyday requests. Could you is often a little less direct; either form can work with an appropriate tone and context.
“Can you pass me that pen, please?” can be perfectly polite.
Take it into your day
Use Could you plus the base verb, then say exactly what you need. Give a deadline when it matters and respond to the other person’s questions.
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