Past Tense To Be Polite
I was told "What was your name?" is more polite than "What is your name?"
Can I use the following to be polite?
"Was it grammatical?" (more polite than "Is it grammatical?")
"Was I clear?" (more polite than "Am I clear?")
"I didn't understand you." (more polite than "I don't understand you.")
In a coffe shop, "I would have this." (more polite than "I'll have this.")
Top answer
The reason it is polite is because the person already heard your name, but then s/he forgot it. S/he is asking politely for you to repeat it. It means, "I heard your name, but I can't recall it.
- The reason it is polite is because the person already heard your name, but then s/he forgot it.
- S/he is asking politely for you to repeat it.
- It means, "I heard your name, but I can't recall it.
- " The person could just as easily say, "I'm sorry.
- "
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The reason it is polite is because the person already heard your name, but then s/he forgot it. S/he is asking politely for you to repeat it. It means, "I heard your name, but I can't recall it. Please tell me your name again." The person could just as easily say, "I'm sorry. I forgot your name" or "Could you tell me your name again?"
0anonymousI was told "What was your name?" is more polite than "What is your name?"
Can I use the following to be polite?
"Was it grammatical?" (more polite than "Is it grammatical?")
"Was I clear?" (more polite than "Am I clear?")
"I didn't understand you." (more polite than "I don't understand you.")
0
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