B1 · 中級 チャプター 12

Mastering Ability and Polite Requests

5 トータルルール
59 例文
6 分
このチャプターのルール クイック練習

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Unlock your potential by mastering the art of ability and polite communication in English.

  • Identify the core functions of modal verbs.
  • Describe your past and present abilities accurately.
  • Formulate polite requests and offers for social situations.
Speak with confidence, request with grace.

学べること

Ready to speak more confidently and politely? This chapter will help you master expressing your abilities and making smooth requests using words like 'can,' 'could,' and 'would.' Soon, you'll be communicating clearly and effectively!

  • 英語の助動詞: can, should, must
    「can」「should」「must」を使いこなして、「能力」「アドバイス」「強い義務」をはっきりと自信を持って伝えましょう！
  • Can: 能力を表す (Can)
    「can」をマスターすると、「能力」や「日常のお願い」について自信を持って話せるようになりますよ。「ability」、「requests」
  • Could: 過去のスキルについて話す
    couldは「昔持っていた一般的な能力」を表し、was able toは「特定の成功」を表す、大切な使い分けです。
  • Could: 丁寧な依頼
    「Could」を使いこなすと、英語でのコミュニケーションがもっと「丁寧」で「効果的」になりますよ！
  • Would: 丁寧な依頼と提案
    「would」を使いこなして、英語の会話でいつも「polite」で「natural」に聞こえるようになりましょう。

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: confidently express personal talents and make polite requests in professional settings.

チャプターガイド

Overview

As a B1 English learner, you're past the basics and ready to communicate with more nuance and confidence. This guide will elevate your spoken English by focusing on
English mastering ability and polite requests
– essential skills for any intermediate speaker. You'll learn how to clearly state what you or others can do, confidently discuss past skills with could, and most importantly, transform direct commands into smooth, respectful requests using could and would.
Mastering these simple yet powerful modal verbs is a cornerstone of effective B1 English grammar, helping you navigate everyday situations from ordering food to asking for help, all while sounding natural and articulate.
Developing fluency isn't just about knowing vocabulary; it's about using grammar to express yourself appropriately in different social contexts. This chapter specifically targets how you express capability and how you interact with others politely. Whether you're traveling, studying, or working in an English-speaking environment, the strategies for mastering ability and polite requests outlined here will make your conversations much more effective and pleasant.
Get ready to speak with greater precision and charm!

How This Grammar Works

Let's dive into how these key modal verbs – can, could, and would – function as your communication superpowers. First, to express current skills or physical abilities simply and confidently, we use can plus the base form of the verb. Think of it as a direct statement of present capability.
For example,
I can speak three languages,
or
He can play the guitar very well.
This is straightforward and tells everyone exactly what's possible right now.
When you want to talk about skills or general abilities you had in the past, could is your go-to verb. It describes a long-term skill or a general capability at a previous point in time. For instance,
When I was younger, I could run really fast,
or
Before the injury, she could swim for hours.
It establishes a past ability that may or may not be true in the present.
This distinction between present can and past could is fundamental for discussing your personal history and experiences.
Now, let's explore how could and would transform your speech from direct to delightfully polite, especially when making requests. Using Could you + base verb is a fantastic way to turn a direct command (Open the window!) into a respectful, polite request. Compare
Can you help me?
(which can sound a bit direct) with
Could you help me, please?
The latter instantly sounds softer and more considerate.
Similarly, would takes politeness even further, often used for softening offers or requests, making you sound professional and naturally fluent. Think
Would you mind opening the door?
or
I would like to order a coffee.
These forms show respect and are essential for smooth social interactions, building on your understanding of can and could as ability indicators.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Incorrect:
    Can you pass the salt?
    (While grammatically correct, this can sound a bit demanding in some contexts.)
✓ Correct:
Could you pass the salt, please?
or
Would you mind passing the salt?
Explanation: Using could or would softens the request significantly, making it much more polite and less direct.
  1. 1✗ Incorrect:
    I would speak French when I was a child.
✓ Correct:
I could speak French when I was a child.
Explanation: Could is used for general past abilities, while would is typically for past habits or conditional statements, not general skills.
  1. 1✗ Incorrect:
    Would you help me tomorrow?
    (Sounds a bit like you're questioning their willingness or commitment.)
✓ Correct:
Could you help me tomorrow?
or
Would you be able to help me tomorrow?
Explanation: While
Would you help me?
isn't entirely wrong, could is often preferred for direct, polite requests for assistance. Adding be able to with would also works well.

Real Conversations

A

A

Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the station?
B

B

Of course! Just go straight ahead, and it's on your left.
A

A

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.
A

A

I'm trying to lift this box, but it's quite heavy.
B

B

Oh, I can help with that! I could lift two of these last week.
A

A

That would be wonderful. Thanks!
A

A

We need someone to translate this document. Does anyone here can speak Japanese?
B

B

Yes, I can speak Japanese fluently. I could translate it for you this afternoon if you'd like.
A

A

That would be a huge help!

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between 'can' and 'could' when making a request?

While 'can' makes a direct request (e.g.,

Can you open the door?
), 'could' makes it softer and more polite (e.g.,
Could you open the door?
). 'Could' implies a greater sense of respect or formality.

Q

When should I use 'would' for a polite request instead of 'could'?

'Would' often implies a slightly more indirect or conditional request, or an offer. For example,

Would you mind helping me?
is even softer than
Could you help me?
It’s also used for hypothetical situations or preferences, like
I would prefer tea.

Q

Can 'could' always replace 'can' when talking about past ability?

Yes, generally. 'Could' is the past tense form of 'can' for expressing ability. For instance,

I can swim
(present ability) becomes
I could swim when I was five
(past ability).

Q

Is there a trick to remember which one to use for politeness?

Think of could and would as adding an extra layer of deference or consideration. If you want to sound more formal, respectful, or gentle, opt for these over the more direct 'can'.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers heavily rely on could and would to navigate social interactions smoothly. While 'can' is acceptable, using 'could' and 'would' signals respect and consideration, especially with strangers or in formal settings. In the UK, for instance, politeness is highly valued, and these modals are used extensively.
In informal settings among friends, 'can' is common, but 'could' and 'would' still soften requests, preventing them from sounding like demands. Awareness of these nuances helps you sound more natural and avoid unintended bluntness.

重要な例文 (8)

1

I `can` help you with your presentation slides if you need a hand.

プレゼンのスライド、手伝うことができますよ。

英語の助動詞: can, should, must
2

You `should` really check out that new vegan place; their burgers are amazing!

あの新しいヴィーガンのお店、本当にチェックしたほうがいいよ。ハンバーガーが最高なんだ！

英語の助動詞: can, should, must
3

I can swim very well.

私はとても上手に泳げます。

Can: 能力を表す (Can)
4

You can use my laptop for your assignment.

あなたは課題のために私のノートパソコンを使っていいですよ。

Can: 能力を表す (Can)
5

She `could` speak three languages before she was ten.

彼女は10歳になる前に3カ国語を話せました。

Could: 過去のスキルについて話す
6

When he was younger, he `could` run much faster.

彼はもっと若かった頃、ずっと速く走れました。

Could: 過去のスキルについて話す
7

`Could you please clarify the deadline?`

締め切りを明確にしていただけませんか？

Could: 丁寧な依頼
8

`Could I borrow your charger for a moment?`

少しの間、充電器をお借りしてもいいですか？

Could: 丁寧な依頼

ヒントとコツ (4)

💡

助動詞＋動詞の原形＝魔法！

この黄金ルールをいつも覚えておいてくださいね！助動詞の後は、動詞の元の形をそのまま使います。「to」も「-s」も「-ing」もつけません！これだけでシンプルでわかりやすい英文になりますよ。"Always remember this golden rule: modal verbs are *always* followed by the base form of another verb. No 'to', no '-s', no '-ing'!"
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 英語の助動詞: can, should, must
💡

「can」を短いシナリオで練習しよう

「今日は何ができるかな？ (
What can I do today?
)」とか、「私のスマホは何ができないかな？ ("What can't my phone do?")」と自問自答してみてください。例えば、食べ物の注文など、実際の状況で使うと覚えやすいですよ！
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Can: 能力を表す (Can)
💡

過去の能力チェックリスト

昔「できた」ことや、過去に持っていた一般的なスキルについて話す時はcouldがぴったりです。もし、一度きりの成功、特に困難を乗り越えて「できた」場合は、
was/were able to
に切り替えましょう。
If it was a one-time success, especially against odds, switch to was/were able to.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Could: 過去のスキルについて話す
💡

「Please」でもっと柔らかく

「Could」だけでも丁寧ですが、「please」を加えると、さらに柔らかく、相手に受け入れてもらいやすくなります。まるで言語のカップケーキにキラキラの飾りをプラスするようなもの！「Could you please...?」のように使ってみてくださいね。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Could: 丁寧な依頼

重要な語彙 (5)

Modal a verb that expresses necessity or possibility Ability the power or skill to do something Polite showing good manners Request an act of asking politely Skill the ability to do something well

Real-World Preview

coffee

The Office Coffee Machine

Review Summary

  • Modal + Base Verb
  • Subject + can + verb
  • Subject + could + verb
  • Could + you + verb?
  • Would + you + like + noun/verb?

よくある間違い

Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without 'to'. Never use 'to' after can, could, or would.

Wrong: I can to run fast.
正解: I can run fast.

Modal verbs do not have an 's' in the third person. They stay the same for I, you, he, she, it, we, and they.

Wrong: She cans sing.
正解: She can sing.

While 'Could you' is polite, adding 'please' makes it even more natural and respectful in English culture.

Wrong: Could you help me? (too direct)
正解: Could you please help me?

Next Steps

You are becoming a truly eloquent speaker. Keep practicing, and don't be afraid to sound polite!

Listen to a podcast and note how hosts make requests.

Continue to: Rules, Advice, and Instructions

クイック練習 (10)

間違いを見つけて直しましょう

Find and fix the mistake:

Yesterday, I could finish all my homework, even though it was a lot.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yesterday, I was able to finish all my homework, even though it was a lot.
過去の特定の、成功した行動にはcouldよりも
was/were able to
の方が適切です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Could: 過去のスキルについて話す

丁寧な依頼を完成させる正しい形を選んでください。

___ you help me with this project report?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Could
「Could」は、仕事や学術的な文脈で助けを求める際に最も丁寧な選択肢です。「Can」はよりインフォーマルで、「Will」は未来の行動に関する直接的な質問です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Could: 丁寧な依頼

正しい形を選んでください

She ___ speak three languages fluently.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: can
「can」のような助動詞は、三人称単数でも形を変えず、動詞の原形（toなし）が続きます。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 英語の助動詞: can, should, must

正しい形を選びましょう

When I was five, I ___ read simple books.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: could
couldは、過去の一般的な能力を表すために使われます。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Could: 過去のスキルについて話す

文法的に正しく、かつ丁寧な依頼はどれですか？

正しい文を選んでください：

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Could you tell me the answer?
丁寧な依頼の場合、「could」が主語（「you」）の前に来て、動詞の原形（「tell」）が「to」なしで続きます。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Could: 丁寧な依頼

正しい形を選びましょう。

`Would you ___` me a hand with those bags?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: need
「would」の後には、動詞の原形が常に来ます。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Would: 丁寧な依頼と提案

間違いを見つけて修正してください

Find and fix the mistake:

You shouldn't to worry about the exam.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: You shouldn't worry about the exam.
助動詞の後は、主動詞の原形が直接続き、「to」は不要です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 英語の助動詞: can, should, must

文中の間違いを見つけて修正してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

Can you to pass me the remote?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Could you pass me the remote?
依頼には「can」よりも「could」の方が丁寧です。また、助動詞の後には「to」なしで動詞の原形が続きます。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Could: 丁寧な依頼

間違いを見つけて直しましょう

Find and fix the mistake:

She can to speak three languages.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She can speak three languages.
「can」のような助動詞の後は、常に「to」のない動詞の原型が来ます。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Can: 能力を表す (Can)

正しい文を選んでください

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We must submit the report tomorrow.
助動詞の後は動詞の原形が続き、「-s」はつきません。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 英語の助動詞: can, should, must

Score: /10

よくある質問 (6)

助動詞は、動詞を助ける（補助する）動詞の一種で、必要性、可能性、能力、義務などを表現します。常に動詞の原形の前につきますよ。例えば「I can swim」のように使います。
いいえ、それが助動詞のすごいところなんです！can、should、must のような助動詞は、主語が I、he、they、it のどれであっても、決して形を変えません。だから「she can speak」が正しくて、「she cans speak」は間違いなんですよ。
「can」は主に能力を表すのに使われます。つまり、誰かや何かが行動を実行するスキル、力、または能力を持っているということです。例えば、「I can speak three languages.」
否定文を作るには、「can」の後に「not」をつけます。最も一般的な短縮形は「can't」です。例えば、「I can't swim.」または「cannot」も使えます。
couldは「私はバイオリンが弾けました」
I could play the violin.
のように、過去に持っていた一般的な能力を表します。一方、was able toは「私はレースを完走できました」
I was able to finish the race.
のように、特に困難な状況で行動を成功させた特定の事例を指します。
はい、ありますが、通常は否定文の場合に限られます。「ドアを開けられませんでした」 "I couldn't open the door." は、特定の失敗した試みを指します。肯定文では、couldはほとんどの場合、一般的な能力を意味します。
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Rules, Advice, and Instructions
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