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can you help me vs could you help me

Both 'Can you help me?' and 'Could you help me?' are correct and commonly used in English. The choice between 'can' and 'could' depends on the level of formality you want to convey. 'Can you help me?' is more casual and direct, while 'Could you help me?' is more polite and formal.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 2072 views

can you help me

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is a direct and casual way to ask for help. It is suitable for informal situations.

Examples:

  • Can you help me move this table?
  • Can you help me with my homework?
  • Can you help me find my keys?
  • Can you help me understand this concept?
  • Can you help me carry these bags?

Alternatives:

  • Would you be able to help me?
  • Are you able to help me?
  • Could you assist me?
  • Might you lend a hand?
  • Is there any chance you could help me?

could you help me

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is a polite and formal way to ask for help. It is suitable for more formal or professional situations.

Examples:

  • Could you help me carry these boxes?
  • Could you help me understand this document?
  • Could you help me book a flight?
  • Could you help me with this project?
  • Could you help me prepare for the presentation?
  • Feb 27, 2014 ... On my polite-o-meter, the two sentences score very close: "Could you help me, please?", "Could you please help me?". The former sounds ...
  • Nov 11, 2010 ... So I would always use "Can you help me with this" or "Could you help me with this" unless I needed a more specific case (such as I KNOW that ...
  • Dec 14, 2006 ... Hola again! ;) So, my constructions are incorrect then? And, something else, would it be correct saying "could you help me with the ironing?
  • Could you help me, please? Could you lend me some money? Could I have a lift ? Could I bother you for a moment? If we use 'could' in reply to these requests, ...

Alternatives:

  • Can you help me?
  • Would you mind helping me?
  • Might I ask for your assistance?
  • Would you be so kind as to help me?
  • Is it possible for you to lend a hand?

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