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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

What is more polite : "can you do this ... please" or "can you please do this ..."

I am always at loss of which way of saying is more polite:

"Can you do this, that and that please"
or
"Can you please do this, that and that".

Is there a (mnemonic) rule which could help to remember how to put a more polite sentence.

Cheers.
  

Top answer

Hello I don't think one of them is any more polite than the other. If you want to make it more polite then use could instead of can .

— LouiseT

  • Hello I don't think one of them is any more polite than the other.
  • If you want to make it more polite then use could instead of can .
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3 Answers
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Hello

I don't think one of them is any more polite than the other. If you want to make it more polite then use could instead of can.
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Tone of voice will affect this.

I can say something with all the polite words but a sarcastic voice and it's not very polite.
Likewise, I could say "Pass the salt?" with an uplifted tone, a "polite" voice and an ingratiating smile and it's polite.
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Interrogative clauses like this are used as directives: I'm asking you to do something. The past tense "could" (or "would") sound more polite and diffident than present tense "can" (or "will").

BillJ
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