How to classify the word PLEASE

Question

Hello,

In which category is the word PLEASE? Is it a verb, an adverb, etc...? Do we need to use comma after it? Example: 'Please, pass me the salt'. Is the comma necessary after the word 'please'?

Thank you.

Miriam · Accepted Answer

In the examples you posted, 'please' is an interjection. You usually place a comma after it.

Miriam

Suzi · Answer

I'd say it was being used as an adverb in the example quoted,

not sure about comma use -

Miriam · Answer

The question was about word category, that is, about what part of speech a word is. There is a 'please' which is a verb in English, and there is one which is an interjection. The word 'please' in the above example is an interjection.
Interjection: a phrase, word, or set of sounds us as a (sudden) remark, usually expressing a strong feeling such as shock, disapproval or pleasure.

Usually, a comma is placed after 'please' when the word is in initial position (a pause is made in actual speech):
"Please, pass the salt."

and also when 'please' is at the end of a clause/sentence:
"Pass the salt, please."

The comma is sometimes omitted when 'please' appears in mid-position:
"Can you please pass the salt?"

Miriam

Suzi · Answer

whatever!
(that's an interjection!)
maybe "please" can be used as an interjection, but that usually suggests a single word... I would still classify as an adverb in the example quoted here!

Miriam · Answer

I understand it isn't always easy to tell what words/phrases are interjections.
I can assure you, however, that please IS an interjection, not an adverb or anything else.
This is NOT my personal opinion, I wouldn't be so silly to insist on something only because I think it's correct. The worst thing one can do ~~as a teacher~~ is misguide people only because of... what? a 'hunch'?

My point here is: grammar allows for more than one possibility sometimes, but not always.
If you say "I teach English", "teach" in this sentence is a verb. And that will not change just because of a person's opinion. Grab a dictionary, or any grammar book, and you will find that "please" is an interjection in the examples the Guest and I posted.
Again, "please" can be only a verb or an interjection. An adverb is not a possibility.

Miriam

Mask · Answer

From GuruNet:

Please
[...]
adv.
If it is your desire or pleasure; if you please. Used in polite requests: Please stand back. Pay attention, please.
Yes. Used in polite affirmative replies to offers: May I help you? Please.

Suzi · Answer

miriam, hold the lectuer and arrogant tone

both are quite unecessary, but since you persist:

I dont know what dictionary you have access to - BUT
check it out on the merriam-webster site:

Main Entry: 2please
Function: adverb
1 -- used as a function word to express politeness or emphasis in a request
2 -- used as a function word to express polite affirmation

The example first posted: "please pass me the salt" seems the same as thier example:
"Please come in"

Further more - they do not have please entered as in interjection at all! So where are you deriving your voice of authority from? Sounds to me like you need a refund!

Miriam · Answer

I don't respond well to rudeness and bad manners, so I'm done with this thread.
People always have the freedom to choose what explanations they will accept, in this or in any other matter.

Miriam

Suzi · Answer

I find it deeply ironic that you suggest that the "rudeness and bad manners" has come from anyone but yourself! My tone, in this and any other thread, is open and discursive. It was YOU who launched into the "high moral ground" and since you are, evidently, wrong you ought to apologise!

Anonymous · Answer

I agree with you .
'Please' in the given example is an adverb.

How to classify the word PLEASE

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