Words of Courtesy When Making Requests

In every language there are words of courtesy. Courtesy helps people connect and creates a more peaceful communicative environment. Furthermore, have you ever noticed that people just seem to respond better when we are courteous with them? Courtesy when making requests in English depends a lot on your word choices.

For example, if you say:

Give me the pen over there

It is direct and considered rude.

But, if you say:

Would you mind handing me that pen over there

It is considered polite.

Sometimes, when we learn a new language, we tend to pick up the direct speech but neglect the courteous speech. So, let's review a few expressions that will help us sound more courteous when we make requests using English.

EXAMPLES

Would you mind...

Could I ask...

Can I trouble you...

IN USE

Would you mind passing the pepper.

Could I ask you to close the door.

Can I trouble you for some coffee.

NOTE: We do not use question marks with these courteous expressions because they are not interrogatives, but polite requests.
22 juin 2017
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CORPORATE BUSINESS ENGLISH TRAINER 📢 Don't just study English 📚 😕 — learn to use it — with me! 😀 ========================================== ★ Do you want a promotion but need better English skills? ★ Do you lack confidence using English in meetings and presentations? ★ Do you want to change jobs but need higher-level English skills? ★ Do you have an upcoming job interview in English? ★ Do you need more confidence introducing yourself? ★ Do you have an important client who speaks English? ★ Do you want to improve your English conversation skills? ★ Do you need help improving English pronunciation? Intonation? Grammar? ★ Do you need help with IELTS-Speaking preparation? ★ Do you need help with writing in English? ★ Do you have English business materials that need editing and proofreading? ========================================== ★★★ I can help you! ★★★ ========================================== 📌 SERVICES * 👉 Business-focused conversation classes 👉 Job in...
Flag
Anglais
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États-Unis
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Parle:
Anglais
Langue maternelle
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Tagalog
A2
CORPORATE BUSINESS ENGLISH TRAINER 📢 Don't just study English 📚 😕 — learn to use it — with me! 😀 ========================================== ★ Do you want a promotion but need better English skills? ★ Do you lack confidence using English in meetings and presentations? ★ Do you want to change jobs but need higher-level English skills? ★ Do you have an upcoming job interview in English? ★ Do you need more confidence introducing yourself? ★ Do you have an important client who speaks English? ★ Do you want to improve your English conversation skills? ★ Do you need help improving English pronunciation? Intonation? Grammar? ★ Do you need help with IELTS-Speaking preparation? ★ Do you need help with writing in English? ★ Do you have English business materials that need editing and proofreading? ========================================== ★★★ I can help you! ★★★ ========================================== 📌 SERVICES * 👉 Business-focused conversation classes 👉 Job in...
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