Intermediate · Polite and useful grammar · topic 27 of 59 · 15 min
Polite requests and offers
Explanation
Hindi has "आप" and "कृपया" to show respect. English does not have a special "you". Instead, it uses softer sentence shapes. The longer and more indirect the request, the more polite it sounds.
| Level | Request | Where to use |
|---|---|---|
| Direct (can sound rude) | Send me the file. | Avoid, except with very close friends |
| Basic polite | Can you send me the file, please? | Friends, family, colleagues |
| More polite | Could you send me the file, please? | Office, shops, strangers |
| Very polite | Would you mind sending me the file? | Seniors, customers, big favours |
| Very polite (formal) | I was wondering if you could send me the file. | Emails, bosses, officials |
Could you help me with this form, please?
Say it: kud yoo HELP mee with this FORM, pleez?
क्या आप इस फ़ॉर्म में मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं?
Would you mind closing the window?
Say it: wud yoo MYND KLOH-zing the WIN-doh?
क्या आप खिड़की बंद कर देंगे?
After "Would you mind", use the -ing verb. To say yes, answer "No, not at all" (it means "I don't mind").
May I use your charger?
Say it: MAY ai YOOZ yor CHAAR-jer?
क्या मैं आपका चार्जर इस्तेमाल कर सकता हूँ?
"May I" is the most formal way to ask permission.
I'd like to book a room for two nights.
Say it: aid LYK to BUK a ROOM for TOO NYTS
मैं दो रातों के लिए एक कमरा बुक करना चाहूँगा।
Do you think you could check it once more?
Say it: doo yoo THINK yoo kud CHEK it wuns MOR?
क्या आप इसे एक बार और देख सकते हैं?
Offers
Shall I carry that bag for you?
Say it: SHAL ai KAR-ee that BAG for yoo?
क्या मैं आपका बैग उठा दूँ?
Would you like some tea?
Say it: wud yoo LYK sum TEE?
क्या आप चाय लेंगे?
Reply: "Yes, please." or "No, thank you." Not just "No."
Saying yes and no politely
| Yes | No (softly) |
|---|---|
| Sure. / Of course. / No problem. | I'm sorry, I can't right now. |
| Certainly. (formal) | I'd love to, but I'm busy today. |
| Go ahead. (for permission) | I'm afraid that's not possible. |
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Polite requests and offers · 1/7
Hello! Today we learn to ask for things politely in English.
Prefer a video by a teacher? Find free videos on “polite requests in english could you would you mind in hindi” on YouTube ↗
In real life: Asking a colleague for help
Kavya: Hi Sameer, sorry to disturb you. Do you have a minute? Sameer: Sure, what's up? Kavya: Would you mind checking my presentation before the meeting? I'm not sure about the numbers. Sameer: Not at all. Could you send it to me on email? Kavya: Of course. I'll send it right away. Thanks a lot! Sameer: No problem. Shall I add a summary slide too? Kavya: That would be great, thank you.
Practice (0/4 done)
Make this polite request.
Would you mind checking my form, please? I want to be sure it is correct.
क्या आप मेरा फ़ॉर्म जाँच देंगे? मैं पक्का करना चाहता हूँ कि यह सही है।
Listen and type the sentence.
Rewrite these as polite requests: "Give me your pen." "Repeat that." "Send the bill." "Move your bag." "Call me later."
"Would you mind waiting a minute?" To say yes politely, you answer:
Quick quiz
Related help
Before this, learn
This topic builds on these. If something here feels new, open them first.
Related topics
- If sentences: zero and first conditionalPolite and useful grammar · same module
- Can and could: ability, permission and possibilityPolite and useful grammar · same module
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- The English alphabet and its soundsFirst words: sounds, hello and you
- Office emails and messagesEnglish at work and interviews
- Small talk and active listeningClear pronunciation and listening
Questions people ask about this
Open a question to see the answer and why. The first ones are this topic's own quiz, so try the quiz above before you peek.
Which is the most polite?
Answer: Would you mind closing the door?
"Would you mind + -ing" is very polite.
Complete: "Would you mind ___ me the salt?"
Answer: passing
After "Would you mind", use the -ing form.
"Would you like some coffee?" Polite "yes"?
Answer: Yes, please.
"Yes, please" is the natural polite answer.
Instead of "Please do the needful", it is clearer to...
Answer: say exactly what you need
Clear, specific requests are better understood everywhere.
Which is the polite way to bargain?Related
Answer: Can you give me a discount?
"Can you give me a discount?" is clear and polite.
Which request is the most polite?Related
Answer: A glass of water, please.
Adding "please" makes a request polite.
To a listener abroad, "I have a doubt about your plan" may sound like...Related
Answer: you think the plan is wrong
Abroad, "doubt" means not believing. For a question, say "I have a question about your plan".
How do you make the V sound?Related
Answer: Touch your top teeth to your lower lip
V is made with the top teeth on the lower lip. W is made with round lips.
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Next steps
- 2 more topics in “Polite and useful grammar” before its exam: If sentences: zero and first conditional, Comparing: bigger, more expensive, the best.
- Module 7 exam: polite and useful grammar · 13 questions · 20 min, without help. 5 topics of this module still to finish first.
- Then the next module, Real-life conversations. 59 topics left in the course before the final exam.