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Advanced English: Polite Requests

Jul 26, 2024

Advanced English: Polite Requests

Introduction

  • Host: Harry
  • Objective: Improve understanding of polite requests in English.
  • Audience: Students looking to enhance grammar, vocabulary, business and conversational English.

Ways to Ask Politely

1. Can You

  • Use: Everyday polite requests.
  • Examples:
    • "Can you please get me a clean plate?"
    • "Can you get me a knife and fork?"
  • Note: Intonation is key for politeness.

2. Would You / Would You Kindly

  • Use: A more formal way to ask.
  • Examples:
    • "Would you kindly pass me the salt?"
    • "Would you kindly bring me a glass of water?"
    • "Would you mind telling me where the nearest bank is?"

3. Do You Think You Could

  • Use: Making specific requests with conditions.
  • Examples:
    • "Do you think you could make the meeting earlier?"
    • "Do you think you could drop me at the train station?"
    • "Do you think you could copy those slides to me?"

4. Would You Consider

  • Use: Asking for thoughtful consideration in requests.
  • Examples:
    • "Would you consider cancelling the launch for a few days?"
    • "Would you consider inviting spouses to the party?"

5. I Wonder / I Was Wondering

  • Use: Non-intrusive way to ask.
  • Examples:
    • "I wonder if we could postpone the meeting."
    • "I was wondering if you could cancel the meeting."

6. You Couldn't...Could You?

  • Use: Overlaying direct requests with politeness.
  • Examples:
    • "You couldn't pass me the salt, could you?"
    • "You couldn't get me a seat at the window, could you?"

7. Do You Mind / Would You Mind

  • Use: Followed by verb in -ing form.
  • Examples:
    • "Do you mind sending me a message?"
    • "Would you mind dropping me off at the railway station?"
    • "Would you mind calling down to my office?"

8. Could You

  • Use: Simplest yet polite.
  • Examples:
    • "Could you please tell me the time?"
    • "Could you please show me where the hotel is?"

9. Would It Be Okay If

  • Use: Asking for permission tactfully.
  • Examples:
    • "Would it be okay if I left the office earlier?"
    • "Would it be okay if we got a takeaway tonight?"

Responses to Polite Requests

Positive Responses

  • Not At All: Indicates willingness positively.
  • No Problem: Casual, widely used.
  • I'd Be Glad To / I'd Be Happy To: Slightly formal.
  • My Pleasure: Very formal.

Negative Responses

  • I'm Sorry But...: Followed by a reason.
    • Example: "I'm sorry but I can't because my boss is coming."
  • I Would Love To But...: Followed by a reason.
    • Example: "I would love to but I'm not going home tonight."

Importance of Politeness

  • Equally important in issuing requests and responding.
  • Using indirect questions seen as polite and effective.
  • More likely to receive a positive response.

Conclusion

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