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Tenacious Learner Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Would you ...? vs Could you ...?

Hi teachers,
Is there any difference in these two polite requests (petitions)?
Would you get me a drink?
Could you get me a drink?

Is it true that 'would' is more polite than 'could'?
If so, would they be correct? They go from most formal and polite to less formal an polite.
Examples:
1. Would you get me a drink?
2. Could you get me a drink?
3. Will you get me a drink?
4. Can you get me a drink?

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

Tenacious Learner Hi teachers,Is there any difference in these two polite requests (petitions)? Is it true that 'would' is more polite than 'could'? If so, would they be correct?

— CalifJim

  • Tenacious Learner Hi teachers,Is there any difference in these two polite requests (petitions)?
  • Is it true that 'would' is more polite than 'could'?
  • If so, would they be correct?
  • They go from most formal and polite to less formal an polite.
  • Examples:1.
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6 Answers
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Tenacious LearnerHi teachers,Is there any difference in these two polite requests (petitions)? Would you get me a drink?Could you get me a drink?Is it true that 'would' is more polite than 'could'? If so, would they be correct? They go from most formal and polite to less formal an polite. Examples:1. Would you get me a drink? 2. Could you get me a drink?3. Will you get me
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Hi Jim,
Thanks for your reply.
CalifJimForms with can/could are more polite than forms with will/would.
CalifJimForms with -ould are more polite than their counterparts.
I don't get it. Let's see if I understand that.
According to your second explanation this is the result:
Could and would are more p
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Use the first one first; then the second. What else?

CJ
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CalifJimUse the first one first; then the second. What else?
Hi Jim,
I got it now!
Forms with could and would are more polite that forms with will and can.

TL
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Note that native speaker judgments may vary, especially with regard to positions 2 and 3.

CJ
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CalifJimNote that native speaker judgments may vary, especially with regard to positions 2 and 3.CJ
Hi Jim,
Thanks! I'll be aware of that.
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