Polite requests in English

Cecily G.

Dear students,

How can you make a request politely in English?

Here are some ways:
  • "Could you please...?"
  • "Would you mind (doing)...?"
  • "Would it be possible to...?"
There are more phrases you can use to make a polite request. Can you think of any? 

Example requests:

"Would you mind speaking more slowly?"

"Would it be possible to change the day of my appointment?" 

"Could you please close the window?" 

Depending on whom you are speaking to, it can be very important to use phrases like these when making a request. Each one has a certain flavor and also depends on tone of voice. Learn about that more and practice in a lesson with me!

Thanks for reading, 

Cecily
This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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