"Kindly" vs "please"

Question

Hi everybody,"Kindly send me the information" = "Please send me the information" ?I don't really know how to use the word "kindly".  Is "kindly" and "please" can be interchange?Is it correct to say, "Kindly write me the contact info of your boss."?Thank you!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

'Kindly' is used more in Asian Englishes than it is in AmE and BrE. 'Please' is more business-like.

Anonymous · Answer

Mister Micawber'Kindly' is used more in Asian Englishes than it is in AmE and BrE. 'Please' is more business-like.

Sorry MM, I have to disagree. May I ask you how you come up with this opinion? The word " Kindly" -is not a word invented by Asians. Whether people could use it correctly or not, I've seen this word used just as loosely as "please" in emails and business correspondence. To me, it has something to do with people misusing it, natives and non-atives alike, and also depends on regions and the person. That's my two cents.

Mister Micawber · Answer

I come up with this opinion after having read thousands of business emails submitted here and at other forums by students from all over the world.  But I am happy to discuss your impressions. Why not register as a member?  Anonymous posts garner little credibility.

Anonymous · Answer

Mister MicawberWhy not register as a member? Anonymous posts garner little credibility.

That won't be necessary Mr.M. My comment was not meant to earn credibility from the forum which you seem to have plenty of, nor to engage myself to a thick discussion. Rather, it was a different impression gathered from experience, just as you reading emails and postings gathered from learners. I just felt it was a loosely formed statement, and I tossed in my unwanted two cents.That's all!

Anonymous · Answer

Finally what is correct? kindly or please?

Fivejedjon · Answer

In polite requests, 'please' is more appropriate in British and North American English.

Anonymous · Answer

Mister Micawber was correct that "kindly" is mainly used in Asian varieties of English. It's not normal in American or British English.

Kasiya · Answer

I take the view, that the use of the words 'kindly' and 'please' will depend on the context. I do agree that the word 'please' connotes politeness which is also found in 'kindly'. Kindly comes with some emotion in it as to require a person to do the thing requested.

Regards,

Kasiya- Zambia

Regards,

Kasiya- Zambia

Anonymous · Answer

Short answer: Yes, it is correct to say "Kindly write me the contact info of your boss." Though that statement feels 'wonky' in other ways... I would say "Kindly forward me your boss's contact information." But that's just personal opinion.

"Please" and "kindly" can sort of be used interchangeably... most Average Joes wouldn't really differentiate between the two save for possibly considering "kindly" to sound a bit ostentatious. But there is a subtle difference in the two words that is usually overlooked.

Though both are polite ways of wording something, “kindly” should be used when a request is expected to be obeyed (think: a polite command). A teacher may ask a student to “Kindly put away the cell phone.” Or a manager may tell a subordinate “Kindly print and review these files before the meeting.” Whereas “please” is more of a polite request that the person being asked may choose to honor or not. According to the dictionary: “the use of please with requests, etc., is presumably a reduction of the clause (it) please you may it please you, later reinforced by imperative use of intransitive please to be pleased, wish”

But so few people speak strict and proper English 100% of the time (myself included) and language evolves constantly. “Please” and “kindly” are no exception, so their meanings have intertwined over time so much so that they are socially and grammatically acceptable to use in place of each other. As with any language, a lot is situational, and I would not advise to ignore a teacher, parent, or manager’s request simply because they said “please” instead of “kindly”.

Anonymous · Answer

I am answering to this question based on my understanding….to explain it in better way, referring a business letter with request of a proposal submitted to the client for approval.

“Please approve the proposal, enable us to proceed further.” :- this sort of request indicates that the proposal is in align with all the technical as well as commercial parameter, So requesting to approve it without any hesitation…that is with pleasure.

“Kindly approve the proposal, enable us to proceed further.” :- this request indicates that the proposal is having some sort of issues related technical or commercial parameter , So requesting to approve it with kindness ( more polite )that is with mercy for the sake of the business considering the requirement of the situation.

Hope …. My understanding is correct. Please correct me if I am wrong.

"Kindly" vs "please"

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