GRAMMAR A. Circle the correct words.
1. A: Could / May you help me with the washing-up? B: I'm sorry, I can't / couldn't. I have to take out the rubbish.
2. Mary and Peter may / would get married on a Greek island next month.
3. I couldn't / might not come to the cinema with you tonight.
4. A: Could / Would I speak to Mr Davidson, please? B: I'm afraid he isn't here.
5. It may / would rain this afternoon, so take your umbrella with you.
6. A: Would / Might you like some more strawberry cake? B: Yes, please.
7. A: Would / Shall we have some ice-cream after lunch? B: Of course!

Правильные варианты:

1. Could you help me with the washing-up?
   — I’m sorry, I can’t. I have to take out the rubbish.
   Could используется для вежливой просьбы. Can’t означает, что человек не может помочь сейчас.

2. Mary and Peter may get married on a Greek island next month.
   May выражает вероятность: возможно, Мэри и Питер поженятся в следующем месяце.

3. I might not come to the cinema with you tonight.
   Might not означает «возможно, я не приду». Речь идёт о неопределённости в будущем.

4. Could I speak to Mr Davidson, please?
   Could I…? — вежливая форма просьбы, например при телефонном разговоре.

5. It may rain this afternoon, so take your umbrella with you.
   May rain означает, что дождь возможен, но не гарантирован.

6. Would you like some more strawberry cake?
   Would you like…? используется, когда предлагают еду, напиток или что-либо ещё.

7. Shall we have some ice-cream after lunch?
   Shall we…? используется для предложения сделать что-то вместе.