... order to make our refusals softerand more polite.A: Could I hand in my homework tomorrow?B: I’m sorry, but you can’t. It’s due today. CHAPTER 17 : MODAL VERBS OF REQUEST AND PERMISSIONA - MODALS ... speak to strangers or to people in authority.Less formal More formal To a friend: Can you tell me the time? To a stranger: Could you tell me the time?Mother to Child: Will you be quiet? To a ... clean up this room?B: Yes, I can. It’s C-L-A-R-K-E. B: No, I won’t.+ We often use expressions such as OK, SURE, or CERTAINLY or OF COURSE whenagreeing to a request.A: Will you help me for a...