Meaning
這句話的結構可以拆解如下:
例如,如果你要出門旅行,可以說:「While I'm gone, could you water the plants?」(當我不在的時候,你能幫我澆水嗎?)這樣的請求既不失禮貌,又清楚地表達了你的需求。
Today's Sentences
- While I’m gone, could you make dinner?
- While I’m gone, could you rake the leaves?
- While I’m gone, could you clean the house?
- While I’m gone, could you take out the trash?
- While I’m gone, could you replace the lightbulb?
- Writer's Note
01
While I’m gone, could you make dinner?
Situation 1
Can we sit down and sort out what goes on at home?
Sure.
What’s on the list?
清單上有什麼?
While I’m gone, could you make dinner?
Of course.
Situation 2
While I’m gone, could you make dinner?
Sure.
It won’t be very good but I’ll try.
可能不會很好,但我會試試看。
I’ll cut up the ingredients for each day that I’m gone.
It'll be easier to cook the meals.
這樣煮飯會比較容易。
Great idea!
That would be so helpful!
這樣會很有幫助!
02
While I’m gone, could you rake the leaves?
Situation 1
I’m going on a business trip this week.
For how many days?
3 days.
While I’m gone, could you rake the leaves?
我不在的時候,你可以幫我掃落葉嗎?
Sure, I can do that.
Situation 2
While I’m gone, could you rake the leaves?
Actually, I hurt my back and I don’t know if I can help you with that.
You should get it checked out.
I'll deal with the leaves when I get back.
我回來後會處理這些樹葉。
I’ll try to make an appointment at the clinic.
03
While I’m gone, could you clean the house?
Situation 1
I’m scheduled for surgery this weekend.
Oh no, so sorry to hear that.
What can I do to help out?
我能做些什麼來幫助你呢?
While I’m gone, could you clean the house please?
Of course.
I’m here for you if you need.
如果您需要,我會在這裡幫助您。
Situation 2
While I’m gone, could you clean the house?
Can you clean it instead?
Well, we all use this house so you can contribute by vacuuming and cleaning every now and then.
Fine.
04
While I’m gone, could you take out the trash?
Situation 1
Will you be home this weekend?
No, I won’t be home until next Tuesday.
Didn’t you need me to do something around the house?
While I’m gone, could you take out the trash?
Situation 2
While I’m gone, could you take out the trash?
Sure.
Anything else?
還有其他需要幫忙的嗎?
The trash and maybe sort the recycling bins?
Of course.
05
While I’m gone, could you replace the lightbulb?
Situation 1
While I’m gone, could you replace the lightbulb?
Sure.
Do you know which lightbulbs need replacing?
您知道哪些燈泡需要更換嗎?
I know the master bedroom, kitchen and linen closet need replacing.
Okay, I’ll check the other rooms as well.
Situation 2
How is everything at home?
Everything is great.
Although, I don’t know if it’s just me but the house seems really dim.
不過,我不知道是不是只有我這樣覺得,這個房子似乎真的很暗。
While I’m gone, could you replace the lightbulbs?
Maybe that’s why the rooms don’t seem very bright.
I’ll change them.
我會改變它們。
Writer's Note
"Could you" is a polite way of asking someone to do something for you. After all, if you're going to ask you might as well ask nicely, right?
Usually "could" is used in the following situations:
- General Ability
Example 1: I could play soccer really well in my teen years.
Example 2: We could play video games for hours after school. - Ask for Permission
Example 1: Could I share your umbrella? Thank you so much!
Example 2: Could I use your bathroom, please? - To Request Something
Example 1: Could you bring me a blanket, please?
Example 2: Could you get me a glass of water? - Possibility in the Past
Example 1: What a close call! You could have gotten into an accident!
Example 2: Did you buy your tickets already? You could gotten them for free if you waited another day! - Suggestion
Example 1: We could go watch the fireworks on the weekend?
Example 2: Do you think we could meet another day, instead? - Conditional of "Can"
Example 1: If we had some extra money, I'm sure we could afford to buy that car.
Example 2: If you came into the store yesterday, you could have been part of a surprise sale!
例子 1: 我在青少年時期可以踢足球踢得非常好。
例子 2: 我們放學後可以玩好幾個小時的電動遊戲。
範例 1: Could I share your umbrella? 謝謝你!
範例 2: Could I use your bathroom, please?
例子 1: Could you bring me a blanket, please?
例子 2: Could you get me a glass of water?
例子1: 好險!你差點就發生意外了!
例子2: 你已經買票了嗎?如果再等一天,您可能可以免費獲得!
範例 1: 我們可以在週末去看 "fireworks" 嗎?
範例 2: 你覺得我們可以改天見面嗎?
例子1:如果我們有多餘的錢,我相信我們就能負擔得起買那輛車。
例子2:如果你昨天有來店裡,你就能參加驚喜特賣會!