Polite requests
Could, would, would you mind, sounding polite in English.
The rules
- "Could you… please?" is politer than "can you"; imperatives sound rude to strangers.
- "Would you mind" is always followed by -ing: "mind opening".
- "Would you mind" asks if it bothers you, agreeing means saying "not at all" or "no problem".
- Asking permission politely: "Could I…?" ("May I" is even more formal.)
- "Would it be possible to…?", the ultra-polite request formula.
- Offers use "Would you like…?", "Do you want that I…" is not English structure.
- "I was wondering if you could…", extremely polite, great for emails.
Examples
- Could you pass the salt, please?
- Would you mind opening the window?
- Not at all.
- Could I borrow your charger for a minute?
- Would it be possible to reschedule.
- Would you like some help?
- I was wondering if you could review my essay.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.Which request is the most polite?
2.Would you mind _____ the window?
3.Someone asks "Would you mind waiting?" You are happy to wait. What do you say?
4._____ I borrow your charger for a minute?
5.Which is the most natural way to offer help?