Meaning
Question offering to get someone something they may need. Another way of asking someone if they require assistance. Replacing can=may/could might be a more polite way of asking.
Today’s Sentences
- Can I get you a drink?
- Can I get you something to eat?
- Can I get you a blanket?
- Can I get you anything?
- Can I get you anything else?
- Writer’s Note
01
Can I get you a drink?
Situation 1
Thanks for coming to see me.
I thought of you and wanted to stop by.
Can I get you a drink?
A glass of water would be great.
Thanks.
Situation 2
Can I get you a drink?
Yes, I’d like an orange juice please.
Sure thing.
I’ll keep the menu in case we want to order something else.
Thank you.
02
Can I get you something to eat?
Situation 1
Can I get you something to eat?
Yes, we’d like a Caesar Salad, Gorgonzola Pizza, and the Grilled Salmon.
Anything else?
That’s all.
Thank you.
Situation 2
When did you get home?
Just now.
Can I get you something to eat?
Not right now.
I’ll wait for dinner.
03
Can I get you a blanket?
Situation 1
It’s chilly today.
Can I get you a blanket?
I’d love a blanket.
I’ll get you one from the closet.
Situation 2
It’s a little cold in my room.
Can I get you a blanket?
Yes, please.
Sure.
It’s a bit chilly in the hospital today.
04
Can I get you anything?
Situation 1
Are you ok?
I feel a little under the weather.
Can I get you anything?
I think maybe I’ll go to see the doctor.
Situation 2
Can I get you anything?
Yes, do you know what isle the sport’s equipment is?
They should be in aisle 4 and 5.
Thank you!
05
Can I get you anything else?
Situation 1
How is your food?
It’s really delicious!
Can I get you anything else?
Not for now.
Thank you for asking.
Writer’s Note
Don’t forget that adding please and/or thank you can make your request more polite. You can ask the same question but the overall tone of the sentence changes when you add a please or thank you. Being polite doesn’t cost you anything, in fact you can be upfront and frank but still be polite.
We all want to speak more like a native speaker. Have you tried blending ‘get+you’ together to make ‘getcha’? Your sentence would be ‘What can I getcha?’.
Also, try replacing ‘May’ instead of ‘Can’ and deliver the request in different ways through better word choices. Example, ‘Can I have a glass of water?’ ➡️ ‘MayI have a glass of water?’. ‘Can you turn on the light?’ ➡️ ‘Can you turn on the light, please? Thank you!’ 👌
