The politeness level of expressions to offer something

Question

Nice to meet you. This is the first post in the forum.

I would like to know about the difference of the politeness level of the following expressions:

1)Would you ...?

2)Would you please ...?

3)Could you ...?

4)Could you please ...?

Thanks in advance.

Marius Hancu · Accepted Answer

2 more polite than 1

3 and 4 perhaps more polite than 1 and 2, because they don't inquire the will (as does "would") of the other person.

Bubblebath · Answer

Marius Hancu2 more polite than 1

3 and 4 perhaps more polite than 1 and 2, because they don't inquire the will (as does "would") of the other person.

Much appreciated, Marius.

Would you please tell me what the proper situation to use each expressions is ?

ie.

1) is often used at work place etc.

Nona the brit · Answer

Any expression is politer if you add 'please'.

We can't really say where to use each expression as every situation varies, and it's certainly not the case that you would use one in the workplace and one at home. All these expressions can be used to either make a request, or to make an instruction/order more polite.

Bubblebath · Answer

Nona The BritAny expression is politer if you add 'please'.

We can't really say where to use each expression as every situation varies, and it's certainly not the case that you would use one in the workplace and one at home. All these expressions can be used to either make a request, or to make an instruction/order more polite.

Thank for your reply, Nona.

And how about the frequency to use them? ie. which expression is usual or rare?

Nona the brit · Answer

All are common. Could/would is slightly politer than can.

Neeraj Jain · Answer

You asked about the proper situations. I have witnessed "could you" and "could you please" being used at the workplace right here in India.

The politeness level of expressions to offer something

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