Modal Verbs for Professional Requests
B1-B2 Level
English Exercises is teacher-led by Charlie. About the teacher · How content is made
Modals also express rules, advice, offers, and careful disagreement. Must shows a firm obligation, as in company policies. Should gives advice or a recommendation without sounding as strong as a rule. Patterns such as Would you be able to..., I would be grateful if you could..., and Would you mind + -ing are especially useful in emails because they give the reader room to respond. Practising these choices helps you sound clear, respectful, and appropriately professional at work, especially when requests involve time, money, or approval.
Quick Rule
modal verb + base verb | would you mind + -ing | I would be grateful if you could + base verb
- 1.Could you send me the meeting notes when you have a moment?
- 2.Would you be available for a short call next Tuesday?
- 3.May I suggest an alternative approach to the project timeline?
- 4.You should not leave the approval request until the last minute.
- 5.We might explore a phased rollout to reduce the initial cost.
All 20 questions
Complete the professional requests using the most appropriate modal verb. Think about the level of formality needed for each situation.
_____ you be able to review the proposal by Friday? We want to make sure you have enough time.
Complete the formal request to a client.
_____ I help you with the presentation slides? I have some free time this afternoon.
Complete the offer to a colleague.
_____ I suggest an alternative approach to the project timeline?
Complete the request for permission to a senior manager.
All team members _____ submit their timesheets by 5pm on Friday without exception.
Complete the team obligation notice.
You _____ double-check the figures before sending the report to the finance team.
Complete the recommendation to a colleague.
_____ you send me the meeting notes when you have a moment?
Complete the polite written request to a senior colleague.
_____ you be available for a short call next Tuesday to discuss the next steps?
Complete the request to a new client.
I was wondering if you _____ forward me the latest version of the contract.
Complete the indirect email request.
We _____ consider pushing the launch date back by two weeks to give the testing team more time.
Complete the tentative suggestion in a team meeting.
_____ I book the large conference room for Thursday afternoon?
Complete the request to use a meeting room.
You _____ want to review the contract terms carefully before signing — there are a few important clauses.
Complete the formal recommendation to a client.
_____ I take the minutes during today's meeting?
Complete the formal offer at the start of a meeting.
As a reminder, all expense claims _____ be submitted within 30 days of the travel date.
Complete the email reminder about a company policy.
I _____ really appreciate it if you could share your thoughts on the draft report before our meeting.
Complete the polite request for feedback.
I _____ be grateful if you _____ take a moment to review the attached summary.
Complete the formal request in an email to a senior director.
That is an interesting point. However, I _____ suggest that we look at the costs more carefully before making a decision.
Complete the polite disagreement in a meeting.
You _____ not leave this until the last minute — the approval process takes at least three working days.
Complete the formal advice about a deadline.
_____ you mind sending me the updated figures before the end of the day?
Complete the very polite formal request.
One option we _____ explore is a phased rollout, which _____ reduce the initial cost significantly.
Complete the careful suggestion in a client presentation.
We _____ be most grateful if your team _____ provide us with the signed agreement at your earliest convenience.
Complete this very formal written request from one company to another.
Continue Practising
Continue practising with these related exercises
Business English Common Errors
MediumProofread common professional English mistakes in workplace sentences
20 questions
Business Email Phrases - Part 1
EasyLearn essential phrases for opening, closing, and structuring professional emails
20 questions
Business Email Phrases - Part 2
MediumMaster formal requests, apologies, and follow-up language in business emails
20 questions
-ed vs -ing Adjectives
EasyPractise bored/boring, interested/interesting, and other feeling adjective pairs
60 questions
Conditionals
MediumMaster all types of conditional sentences (zero to third)
330 questions
Present Perfect
MediumLearn to talk about experiences and unfinished time
240 questions