Arguing about english grammar, to use can you or will you?

Question

Recently i had a discussion with my friend regarding the right usage of english...

when you ask somone to pick a phone line, should you say

ken, can you pick up the flashing phone line
or
ken, will you pick up the flashing phone line

ken being a senior staff...not a friend

which is right!!

Answer 1

I live in the USA, so I can only discuss American English. As I understand the usage, and as I use the words FORMALLY, the following applies:

"ken, can you pick up the flashing phone line"
Is a question that asks Ken if he is capable or able to perform the task of answering the phone line that is flashing. The answer would be "yes" or "no" and that would answer your question. It is similar to asking someone if they know what time it is. It differs from asking someone to tell you what time it is.

ken, will you pick up the flashing phone line
This is a question that requests an action. Ken could say "no" and in doing so refuse your request for assistance. But if Ken says "yes" he would follow the response by answering the line you indicated.

In today's English, it is very nearly a moot point and I would certainly never argue the issue. It has become acceptable.

Another example is "may or can". May is asking permission. Mother may I go to the movies? By saying yes Mother grants the requested permission. Mother can I go to the movies? Mother could respond in the positive only to indicate she considered you able or physically capable of going without granting the permission you think you are requesting.

But this is the same as your example in that it has become acceptable either way and would only be an issue in the most formal communication.

In the fewest words possible, we are “splitting hairs”...

I hope I haven’t trampled on any English teachers but the above is what I was taught decades ago in elementary and high school.

Answer 2

Odd one this

most people say that will you is correct as it is actually asking the person to perform a task.

personally I would say can you as it sounds more respectful to a superior (adding please makes the meaning of the sentence clear you want the task performed)

You need to remember that inflections in your tone of voice can also affect how the sentence is received.

Also if you caught his attention by waving and pointed to the flashing line he would probably know what you meant and then you wouldn't have to chose the perfect word, (not wise if he's the sort of boss that would not appreciate that manner of communication)

My old English teacher told me that communication involves body language and hand gestures as well as tone of voice, all that sorted before you should even consider what words you wish to chose.

Answer 3

I am an English teacher. Here's your answer...

Can you pick up the phone is a polite request. Can you bring me a coca-cola? Could you.... is even more polite.... POLITENESS.
It does not mean .. are you able to pick up the phone, is it within reach? Come now.. in English we are never confused between "can you pick up the phone" and "can you pick up a fridge?". It means "able to", but we know the diff.

However, IN ENGLISH, and not in other languages, we use the future auxiliary verb, WILL, to also be polite. This is unique in English.
I'll get that heavy bag for you Mom...
I am cold, dear. "I'll turn up the heat for you".
But in a polite question, it can be... "Will you turn up the heat for me?" or even more polite... "Would you turn up the heat?"

In conclusion.... both are right.. but only in English.

Answer 4

"Ken, will you pick up the flashing phone line?" is correct:

You're telling Ken that you would like him to pick up the phone; you aren't asking if he's physically capable of picking it up (if you used 'can')

Answer 5

Previous responders have beaten the "are you able" issue to death, and the English teacher of Dutch and French students had an amazingly good insightful answer.

Only two points to make:

1. If you add "please" to either can or will, you have achieved full understanding.

2. I'm more interested in your use of the word "usage." Does not the noun "use" convey the full meaning?

Answer 6

I'd say the second one.....because it sounds more professional....and besides in the first one you are asking ken if he is able to pick up the phone, well sure anybody can....but in the second one you know he can but will he?.....i'm sorry if i have confused you

Answer 7

"Will you pick up the flashing phone line?" sounds rude. It's like saying: "Are you gonna do it or not?"

"Can you pick up the flashing phone line?" sounds a little dry.

Saying "please" after asking something makes the sentence sound better because it is polite.

God bless you

Answer 8

I would say, "Ken, could you pick up the flashing phone line, or are you blind, m-fer?"

Yep, "Could" works for me. "Will" is asking if they intend to, and "Can" is asking if they are able to. "Could" is telling the person you expect them to do it unless they have a stake impaling them to the chair.

Answer 9

will ou is correct. can you means are you able to do something.
eg can you pick up the phone meaning
are you physically able to pick up the phone is this an action you are capable of performing>

Answer 10

ken, will you pick up the flashing phone line
that is correct grammer......no matter who the person is.....
will, is a ?.......not a command