could you (A1)

modal verb phrase

Pronunciation: kʊd jʊ

Definition

A polite way to ask someone to do something, often used to make a request or ask for permission.

Examples

• Could you please close the window?

• Could you tell me how to get to the station?

• Could you lend me your pen for a moment?

How to Use could you

could you please (collocation)

An even more polite way to ask someone to do something. — "Could you please help me with this bag?"

could you tell me (collocation)

Used to politely ask for information. — "Could you tell me the time?"

could you pass (collocation)

Used to politely ask someone to hand you an object. — "Could you pass the salt?"

Synonyms of could you

Words with a similar meaning to could you:

• can you
• would you
• may I
• might I

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