Se i verbi descrivono offerte o inviti bisogna utilizzare
i verbi modali presentati nella tavola qui sotto. In generale
si formulano l' offerta o l'invito in forma di domanda
affermativa o negativa.
verbo
affermazione
will
Will you have a cup of coffee with me? Won't you have a seat?
would
Would you like something to eat? Would you like me to do your laundry while you are sick? Wouldn't you like some more tea? Wouldn't you like to come over for a chat?
I would like to offer you some more tea if I might.
shall*
Shall I offer you a drink? Shan't I take the heavy bag?
can*
Can I help you with the shopping? Can't we be of any help for you?
could*
Could I give you a hand with this? Couldn't we do anything to solve this?
may*
May I offer you a drink? May we help you with these bags?
* In generale si usano questi verbi se colui che
parla offre qualche cosa, ossia nel caso il soggetto
sia 'I' o 'we'.
Anche nel caso in cui non si ricorra al verbo modale è
più usuale esprimere un' offerta o proposta
in forma di domanda.