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Polite English expressions

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English Learning for Beginners: Polite Expressions

Dialogue

Alice: Hi Bob, what’s got you looking so thoughtful? Did you finally decide to wear matching socks?

Bob: Oh, Alice! Very funny. Actually, I’m trying to be more… polite. My grandmother sent me a “gentle reminder” to work on my manners.

Alice: Your grandmother? The one who bakes those amazing cookies? You’d better listen to her! So, what’s your first lesson?

Bob: Well, instead of just pointing and saying “Gimme that!” I should say, “Could I please have that?”

Alice: Exactly! And for extra points, you could add “if it’s not too much trouble.” Imagine the surprise on people’s faces!

Bob: Haha, I can see it now. And when someone helps me, “Thank you so much” is better than a quick “Thanks.”

Alice: Definitely! “Thanks” is okay for friends, but “Thank you so much” shows real appreciation. It’s like adding sprinkles to an already good cupcake.

Bob: Sprinkles! I like that. What about when I need to ask a stranger for directions?

Alice: Ah, that’s where “Excuse me” comes in handy. “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the library, please?”

Bob: Oh, right! Not just “Library! Where is it?” like I usually do.

Alice: *Chuckles* No, definitely not like that. And if you accidentally bump into someone, a quick “Sorry!” or “Pardon me!” works wonders.

Bob: So many words! My brain feels like it’s doing polite gymnastics. What if I want to offer you something?

Alice: “May I get you a coffee?” or “Would you like some water?” is lovely. Much nicer than “Coffee? Want some?”

Bob: I see. So, instead of “Pass the salt,” I should say, “Would you mind passing the salt?”

Alice: Perfect! You’re getting the hang of it, Bob. Soon, you’ll be the politest person I know!

Bob: Thanks for teaching me, Alice! I really appreciate your patience. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go apologize to my neighbor for asking for his lawnmower with a grunt.

Current Situation

In English-speaking cultures, polite expressions are extremely important for smooth and positive communication. They are not just “fancy” words; they are essential tools for showing respect, consideration, and good manners in everyday interactions. Whether you’re talking to friends, family, colleagues, or strangers, using polite language can make a big difference in how you are perceived and how your messages are received.

From simple “please” and “thank you” to more complex phrases for making requests or apologies, these expressions help build good relationships, prevent misunderstandings, and create a more pleasant environment. Even small polite gestures can leave a lasting positive impression, making your interactions more effective and enjoyable.

Key Phrases

  • Please: Used to make a request or command more polite.
    Example: “Could you please close the door?”
  • Thank you / Thanks / Thank you so much: Used to express gratitude. “Thank you so much” is more formal and stronger than “Thanks.”
    Example: “Thank you so much for helping me with my homework.”
  • Excuse me: Used to get someone’s attention, politely interrupt, or ask to pass through.
    Example: “Excuse me, is this seat free?”
  • Sorry / I’m sorry: Used to apologize for a mistake or inconvenience.
    Example: “Oh, sorry! I didn’t see you there.”
  • May I…? / Could I…? / Can I…?: Used to make polite requests or ask for permission. “May I” is generally more formal than “Could I,” which is more formal than “Can I.”
    Example: “May I have a glass of water, please?”
  • Would you mind…? / Would you be so kind as to…?: Very polite ways to make requests, often for something that might be an inconvenience.
    Example: “Would you mind opening the window?”
  • I appreciate…: Used to express gratitude and value for something someone has done.
    Example: “I really appreciate your help with the report.”
  • You’re welcome / No problem: Standard responses when someone thanks you. “No problem” is a bit more casual.
    Example: “You’re welcome! Glad I could help.”
  • Pardon me?: Used to politely ask someone to repeat what they said because you didn’t hear or understand.
    Example: “Pardon me? Could you repeat that?”
  • Is it okay if…?: Used to ask for permission or check if something is acceptable.
    Example: “Is it okay if I borrow your pen for a moment?”

Grammar Points

  • Modal Verbs for Requests:

    Modal verbs like ‘can’, ‘could’, ‘may’, and ‘would’ are crucial for politeness in English. They change a direct statement into a polite request.

    • Can: The most common, but less polite. Used for casual requests among friends.
      Example: “Can you pass the salt?”
    • Could: More polite than ‘can’. Good for general polite requests.
      Example: “Could you please pass the salt?”
    • May: Most formal and polite for asking permission.
      Example: “May I use your phone?”
    • Would: Used in polite questions, especially with “mind.”
      Example: “Would you mind closing the door?”
  • Turning Statements into Questions:

    Asking a question is generally more polite than giving a direct command. Instead of saying “Give me the menu,” which sounds like an order, turn it into a question.

    Example: “Give me the menu.” (Impolite)
    “Could I have the menu, please?” (Polite)

  • The Power of “Please”:

    Adding “please” to any request, question, or even command significantly increases its politeness. It softens the tone and shows respect.

    Example: “Close the door.” (Direct)
    “Close the door, please.” (Polite)
    “Could you please close the door?” (Very Polite)

  • Using “Excuse me” to Initiate:

    “Excuse me” is a versatile phrase used before you start speaking to someone, especially a stranger, to get their attention politely. It’s also used to apologize for minor interruptions or to ask someone to move.

    Example: “Excuse me, do you know the time?”
    “Excuse me, I need to get past.”

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences with appropriate polite expressions from the list above.

  1. ____ I have a glass of water, ____?
  2. ____ me, is this seat taken?
  3. ____ you mind helping me with this box?
  4. ____ for being late.
  5. ____ you so much for the gift!

Exercise 2: Make it Polite

Rewrite these impolite sentences to make them polite requests or statements.

  1. Give me the menu.
  2. Open the window.
  3. Tell me your name.
  4. Move! (when someone is in your way)
  5. I want a coffee.

Exercise 3: Match the Phrase

Match the polite phrase to the situation where you would most likely use it.

  1. You bump into someone.
  2. You want to ask a question in class.
  3. Someone holds the door for you.
  4. You didn’t hear what someone said.
  5. You offer help to a friend.

Phrases: a) Excuse me, b) Thank you, c) Pardon me?, d) Sorry!, e) Can I help you?

Answers

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

  1. Could I have a glass of water, please? (Other options for first blank: May, Can)
  2. Excuse me, is this seat taken?
  3. Would you mind helping me with this box?
  4. Sorry for being late. (Other option: I’m sorry)
  5. Thank you so much for the gift!

Exercise 2: Make it Polite

  1. Could I have the menu, please? (or May I have the menu, please?)
  2. Would you mind opening the window? (or Could you please open the window?)
  3. Could you please tell me your name? (or May I ask your name?)
  4. Excuse me, may I get past? (or Pardon me, could I get through?)
  5. May I please have a coffee? (or I’d like a coffee, please.)

Exercise 3: Match the Phrase

  1. You bump into someone. -> d) Sorry!
  2. You want to ask a question in class. -> a) Excuse me
  3. Someone holds the door for you. -> b) Thank you
  4. You didn’t hear what someone said. -> c) Pardon me?
  5. You offer help to a friend. -> e) Can I help you?

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