Can you …? Ask for help

Use Can you …? to ask a person to do something for you. Say please to be polite.

Can you + base verb (+ please)?

• Excuse me, can you call a taxi for me, please?
• Can you wait for me at the bus stop?
• Can you repeat that, please? — Sure.

Base verb after can

After can, use the base verb: help, show, tell. Do not add to, -s or -ing.

• Can you tell me the way to the station?
• Can you show me the platform?
• Can you give me a map, please?