It was not uncommon to come across the opinion that a question containing a negative provokes the respondent to a negative in the answer. It is both so and not so. Could you... is the most polite phrase in Russian. In this stable turn, which gives the utterance the genre of a request, the possibility of refusing to fulfill the request is recognized by the speaker behind the interlocutor. I happened to meet both supporters and ardent opponents of this way of formulating a request, although this expression was encountered in the speech of both.

In this phrase (Could you…) danger lies - this is sincerity, a kind of "open visor" in front of the interlocutor. In other words, if you do not trust your speech partner, you should not clothe the request in this form. As a “log in the face” a replica-answer may sound: - No, they couldn't! A rude answer may follow, even if the request itself has not yet been made: - Could you… - No, they couldn't! A sharp answer shows not only the inability of the addressee to fulfill the request, but also the unwillingness to fulfill it, and sometimes even listen.

Meanwhile, this method of verbal formulation of a request is much more complicated and interesting than it might seem at first glance. The grammar of this phrase has a deep meaning (it is no coincidence that the phrase is etiquette, i.e. stable and ritual). Verb form could would, being a prerequisite for the request itself, it expresses a condition - the possibility, ability and desire of the addressee to perform one or another action.

In Russian, it is quite possible to express a request using the verb be able without denial (Could you give me your seat?). In this case, the statement does not contain a declaration of the interlocutor's right to refuse. Thus, the etiquette speech formula contains a subtext contained in the grammatical means of the language (and therefore hidden, implicit): "I ask you to perform the desired action, provided that you have the opportunity and desire to perform this action."

Compare requests that are similar in meaning, expressed using different language means:

Give up your seat!

Give up your seat, please!

Could you give me your seat?

Could you give me a seat?

Give me your seat!

Would you give me your seat?

Will you give me your seat or not?

All of these statements are requests. They are synonymous, but with a common meaning, they differ in the impact that they have on the interlocutor. In the first case, only the desired action and its object are manifested, in the second, the action is complemented by politeness. In the last two statements, the rudeness of the speaker is obvious. No less important is the intonation with which phrases are pronounced.

Does it appear in the speech formula Could you... the helplessness of the asker? I think, yes. But in some cases, weakness turns into strength. In the traditions of Russian culture (and many other cultures) to help those who need it. Once again, we repeat that the etiquette speech formula Could you… is not suitable for all request formulation situations. This request will achieve its goal, will have an impact only on a kind-hearted and kind-hearted person who is well-disposed towards you, who is used to helping people.

The fact that the formula in question cannot be combined with words of politeness (please be kind etc.), proves that the grammar of this construction already contains politeness. Be careful when choosing words and phrases. Each word or construction has its own energy, its own power.

In vain you are so only with the Russians, the British also cannot be understood with the mind. They live on their island, and their house is a fortress, they are all enslaved and unsociable. And yet, pathological politeness lives in them from birth. However, as they say: When in Rome do as the Romans do(They don’t go to a foreign monastery with their charter). Since you have begun to learn English, please learn English politeness. Maybe we just don't have enough. I often repeat that beautiful English speech - grammatically correct, lexically rich and pronounced in the right way - wins the interlocutor to you. Correct speech and pronunciation make an impression, so do not underestimate the desire for perfectionism in the language. With it, you can get a lot of goodies. Believe me, all the torment you go through in order to speak English well is not in vain. They will bear fruit. But it's not just how you say it that matters, but what you say. Therefore, you need to know what conversational forms to use so that people clearly feel your polite attitude towards them.

1. Could/would

One of the basic rules of politeness is to replace can in requests with could or would and add please.

For example:

Can you give me your book? -> Could you give me your book please?

(Can you give me your book? -> Could you give me your book?)

Can you call me later? -> Would you call me please?

(Can you call later? -> Could you call later?)

Come tomorrow. -> Would you be so kind to come again tomorrow?

(Come back tomorrow. -> Would you be so kind as to come again tomorrow?)

2. Word shock absorbers

When you need to convey unpleasant information, report a refusal, disagreement, etc., use the so-called “shock absorber words” (softeners):

I'm afraid- Afraid

so sorry- Sorry

to be honest- Honestly

unfortunately- Unfortunately

with all respect- with all due respect

For example:

With all respect I have to decline your offer. (With all due respect, I must turn down your offer)

I am afraid you don't have enough experience. (I'm afraid you don't have enough experience)

It's a matter of choice of words. Instead of straightforward certainty, there should be polite uncertainty that masks reality. A modal verb is also often added to this end. might/may.

For example:

(Completion of the project will be delayed. -> Completion of the project may be delayed)

In the best tradition of British understatement, we use the following shock absorber words: a little, a bit, a little bit, slightly, slightly, small, one or two before nouns. All in order not to sound rude, too assertive and unrestrained.

For example:

We are having problems with the new product. -> We are having one or two problems with the new product.

(We have a problem with a new product. -> We have a small problem with a product)

We will run over budget. -> We might run slightly over budget.

(We'll go over budget. - We'll go slightly over budget)

The marketing campaign is behind schedule. -> The marketing campaign is a little bit behind schedule.

(Marketing campaign is behind schedule. -> Marketing campaign is slightly behind schedule.)

3. Negative questions

To soften the effect in cases where you want to offer something, it is better to use negative questions:

We should redesign the company logo! -> Shouldn't we redesign the company logo?

(We should redo the company logo! -> Shouldn't we have redone the company logo?)

We must hire a new advertising agency. -> Couldn't we hire a new advertising agency?

We must hire a new advertising agency. -> Wouldn't it be better to hire a new advertising agency?

4. Past Continuous

Another way to make a sentence more diplomatic and less direct is to use the Past Continuous.

I hope we can sign the contract today. -> I was hoping that we could sign the contract today.

(I hope we can sign a treaty today. -> I was hoping to sign a treaty today)

Using the Past Continuous makes your sentence hypothetical. In Russian translation, the difference is not noticeable, but in English, Past Continuous adds politeness to your speech.

I think we need to hire more employees. -> I was thinking we need to hire more employees.

(I think we should hire more workers. -> I think we should hire more workers)

I aim to finish this project by the end of the month. -> I was aiming to finish this project by the end of the month.

(I expect to finish the project by the end of the month. -> I expect to finish the project by the end of the month)

5. Passive Voice

You have broken my computer! (You broke my computer!)

This sentence in the active voice is so direct that it borders on rudeness. And if you want to avoid a bloody scene (that is, you don't want to directly accuse a person), you should use the passive voice. It will help you be more diplomatic:

My computer has been broken! (My computer is broken!)

Thus, you shift attention from the culprit of the action to the object of the action and mitigate the person’s personal responsibility for what he did.

You said you were going to sign the deal today. -> It was understood that you were going to sign the deal today.

(You said you would sign the deal today. -> It was agreed that you would sign the deal today)

You agreed to lower your fees. -> It was agreed that you were going to lower your fees.

(You have agreed to lower your rates. -> It has been agreed that you will lower your rates)

Let's also take a look at some expressions and structures that you can use in certain situations to sound polite.

Gratitude

(Here are your keys. - Thank you)

Thank you for helping with the report.

(Thanks for your help with the report)

Thank you so much for your advice.

(Thank you for your advice)

Request

In addition to using could And would With please, For example:

Would you close the window, please?

(Could you please close the window?)

Could you give me your phone number, please?

(Could you give me your phone number, please?)

You can use expanded constructs with the union if:

If it is possible, would you be so kind to look through my papers?

(If possible, would you be so kind as to review my documents?)

If you don't mind would you please stop smoking?

(If you don't mind, could you please stop smoking?)

Please go and fetch stone, if you will.

(Please go and fetch Mister Stone if possible)

Asking for permission

The standard way to ask for permission is to use the modal verb May:

May I go now, please? (Can I go please?)

You can also use the following:

Do you mind if I watch the news?

(Do you mind if I watch the news?)

Would it be a problem if I watched the news?

(Will it be a problem if I watch the news?)

Polite treatment in English speech and writing is expressed using modal verbs. May , might , can , could , would , will .

The grammatical constructions of the expression of permission or request in English can be divided into three groups:

  • Designs with I as subject
  • Designs with You as subject
  • Designs with Would you mind

Let's consider each of them separately.

Designs with I as subject
Might is used very rarely and is a fairly formal form of expressing a request. Used primarily in British English.
For example:
Might I have a cup of tee? (Can I have a cup of tea?)
Might I borrow your umbrella? (Can I use your umbrella?)

May And Could are the most commonly used verbs to express a request or permission. Used to address in a formal way when talking with unfamiliar people.
For example:
May I please see you passport? (May I see your passport?)
Could I borrow your book please? (Can I borrow a book from you?)

Can used to express a request or permission when talking with close and well-known people, that is, in informal communication.
For example:
Can I borrow a few dollars? (Can you borrow me a few dollars?)
Can I have a look at your picture? (Can I see your picture?)

Designs with You as subject
Would you And Will you in expressions, requests have the same meaning. Would you is used more often and is considered a more polite form, so using Will you , always add please, this will make your request sound more polite. Although the level of politeness is also determined by the tone of the conversation.
For example:
Would you remove your socks from the table please? (Could you take your socks off the table?)
Will you please pass me the pepper? (Could you pass me the pepper?)

could you has almost the same meaning as Would you . But there is still a slight difference. Would you used in situations where you are absolutely sure that the person you are contacting is able to fulfill your request. could you used when you are really asking if the person is physically able to comply with your request.
For example:
Could you pass by a supermarket on the way home? (Could you stop by the supermarket on your way home?)
Could you finish this work for me please? (Could you finish this job for me?)

Can you used in informal communication, as it sounds less polite than could you or Would you .
For example:
Can you please wash the dishes? (Could you wash the dishes?)
Can you please buy me an ice cream? (Could you buy me ice cream?)

Designs with Would you mind
Design would you mind if I followed by a verb in the simple past tense, it means “do you mind if I ...” or “would it bother you if I ...”, that is, it is used rather than as a request or permission, but as a form of politeness. Moreover, the verb in the simple past tense, in this case, reflects actions in the present or future.
For example:
It's extremely hot today. Would you mind if I opened the window? (Very hot today. Do you mind if I open the window?)
I don't feel well today. Would you mind if I stayed at home? (I don't feel well today. Do you mind if I stay at home?)

Sometimes in colloquial speech, instead of the simple past tense, the simple present is used.
For example:
Would you mind if I invite my friends tonight? (Do you mind if I invite my friends over tonight?)
Would you mind if I go out tonight? (Do you mind if I go out today?)

In order to politely ask your interlocutor for something, you can use the construction would you mind+gerund (verb with -ing ending). This form of request in English has the meaning “wouldn’t it make it difficult for you to do such and such?”
For example:
Would you mind opening the window? (Does it make it difficult for you to open the window?)
Would you mind mailing this letter for me? (Would it make it difficult for you to send this letter for me?)

The importance of mastering the forms of polite address is unconditional. Even if your English is far from perfect, but the interlocutor sees that you are trying to speak as politely as possible, do not hesitate, he will try very hard to understand you and help you if necessary.

Try to make some sentences yourself based on the material covered. Remember, using a language is the best way to learn it.

The British have earned the title of the most suave nation in the world. Wherever you are - in a store, public transport or just on the street, you will hear “Sorry”, “Please” and “Welcome” every now and then. But did you know that, even using all these words, you can suddenly be considered an unceremonious rude? The reason is ridiculously simple - polite phrases in English are built according to completely different rules than in Russian.

In order not to shock the interlocutors, it is important to use the "magic words" in the correct construction and take into account purely English phraseological units that comply with the rules of good manners.

Polite requests in English

Consider a situation where you say to the interlocutor: “Prepare this for tomorrow” or “Call me back” (attention: this is wrong!). For a Russian person, these are simple requests that do not carry a negative connotation, but for a foreigner, this is a signal that you are a very ill-mannered person who gives rude orders.

The first line of the hit parade of offensive phrases is the phrase "Do it!". Adopt the polite “Let's do it!” To avoid sharp edges of misunderstanding.

What do we know about the word "please"? "Please" means "please" and is used in requests.

- Could you tell me the time, please?

- Could you tell me the time, please?

- Thank you!

Since childhood, we are used to: if you want to get candy, do not forget to add “please”. However, this is not enough in English. The use of "Please" in appeals-requests adds an unpleasant shade of familiarity to what has been said.

For example, you ask a friend to "Give me, please, a coat." It will sound something like this: "Give me a coat." If not “Please,” you say, then how to ask for a favor in English so as not to inadvertently offend a person.

In order for the request to acquire a touch of courtesy, use modal constructions:

Could / would - Could you

Could / would you ..., please?

Could / would you be so kind as to ...

For example:

- Could you check your e-mail, please?

- Could you check your e-mail?

- Certainly!

― Jane, would you be so kind as to call him on Monday?

- Yes, of course!

Jane, could you (be kind) call him on Monday?

- Yes, sure!

When shopping or in a restaurant, use the following constructions in colloquial speech:

Can / could + please - Could you + please
Can / could I have…, please?

Can / could I please have ... ?

For example:

― Can I have some tomatoes and fresh green, please?

- Can I have tomatoes and fresh herbs, please?

- Could I please have a glass of water?

- Can I have a glass of water, please?

Examples of a kind request in English

Would you do me a favor?

Could you do me a favor?

Could you do me a favor?

May I ask you for a favor?

Could you possibly + Ving?

Could you possibly help me to open the window?

Could you help me open the window? (Could you by any chance help me open the window?)

Could you please + Ving?

Could you please translate a letter?

Could you translate the letter?

Could I trouble you to + Ving?

Could I trouble you to explain this definition?

Would it be difficult for you to explain this definition?

Could I bother you to + Ving?

Could I bother you to sign some documents?

Will it make it difficult for you to sign some documents?

Would you mind + Ving?

Would you mind turning the radio on?

Could you turn on the radio?

Would it be too much trouble for you to + Ving?

Would it be too much trouble for you to pick John up from school?

Am I going to bother you a lot if I ask you to pick up John from school?

I wonder if you could help me with smth./to do smth?

I wonder if you could help me with this test / to take the test?

Can you help me with this test / pass the test?

Can you give me a hand with smth?

Can you give a hand with my baggage?

Can you help me with my luggage?

Would you be so kind to help me with smth?

Would you be so kind to help me with the housework?

Would you be so kind as to help me with the cleaning please?

Could you spare me some time? I need help, please.

Could you spare a minute? Please, I need help.

Can I ask you a favor?

Give me a hand with this, will you?

May I ask a favor? Can you help me with this?



How to ask permission?

When we ask permission to perform our own actions, we need the following scheme. It can also be used in a formal setting:

May I…? Can I...?

For example:

― May I use your laptop? I don't have an internet connection.

- May I use your computer? I don't have an internet connection.

Another useful construct:

Do you mind if I + Ving? Do you mind if...

― Do you mind if I open the door?

- Do you mind if I open the door?

― Do you mind my asking you a difficult question?

Do you mind if I ask you a difficult question?

How to say thank you for a service rendered in English

It is important to be able to express your gratitude. In informal communication, liberties are permissible, in other cases one should not deviate from the norms of traditional courtesy.

Thanks a lot!

Thanks a million!

A million thanks!

I am really grateful for…

I am very grateful for...

Thank you so very much for…

Thank you very much for... (very polite)

Can't thank you enough for…

Even a huge thank you for... will not be enough!

I really appreciate your help!

I really appreciate your help!

You are the best!

You are the best! (informal)

Thank you! (informal slang)

Thank you! (informal slang)

The English weave much more polite expressions into colloquial speech than we do. Sometimes there is a feeling of depreciation of politeness - courtesy loses its personal, targeted coloring and is perceived as a speech norm memorized to automatism. You just have to deal with it!

I hope that this article will be useful to those who have not yet attended Yes Foreign Language Center courses. From now on, you will be more confident in using polite phrases in English, and at the right time you will not be denied a small favor.


Afanaskina Ekaterina Vladimirovna - expert of the educational and methodological department

Center for Foreign Languages ​​"YES".

Lesson topic: Polite words. Request.

The purpose of the lesson: Learn how to write a good request.

Tasks:

Educational: learn to use various means of expressing politeness; to acquaint with etiquette expressions of the request; to teach how to choose the appropriate means of expressing a request for a given situation; use intonation as a means of polite request.

Developing: develop children's speech, thinking, vocabulary.

Educational: develop a culture of communication.

Equipment: presentation "Politeness from an early age" (Annex 1) , multimedia equipment, recording of fairy tales by A.S. Pushkin, a recording of the cartoon "The Return of the Prodigal Parrot", "The Lion and the Turtle", the story of V. Oseeva "The Magic Word" (Annex 2) , cards with the task, a dictionary of polite words.

During the classes

I. Organizational moment

Hello guys! I'm glad to meet you. Let's greet each other with smiles.

Thanks, have a seat.

Guys, do you think we have a regular lesson? (No.) And why?

You are right, today we have not an ordinary lesson, but a travel lesson. Raise your hand if you love to travel. Why? ( Learn something new and interesting.

We will also set this goal. Today at the lesson - we will learn a lot of new things and go on a trip to the film studio, which is called "Politeness from an early age." ( Appendix 1, Slide 1)

II. Updating of basic knowledge. Statement of the educational problem

What does it mean to be polite? (Know the rules.)

There is such a dictionary, which is called - explanatory. This dictionary explains the meanings of words.

In the explanatory dictionary of Sergei Ivanovich Ozhegov about a polite person it is said like this: "Polite - observing the rules of decency, well-mannered." (Appendix 1, Slide 2)

And where should the instillation of decency be observed?

Politeness is one of the most important qualities of a well-mannered person. Earlier the word "vezha" meant "expert" - one who knows the rules of decency and forms of expression of a good attitude towards people. (Appendix 1, Slide 2)

In the everyday life of a polite person, there are always words that we call "magic". With the help of these words, you can even restore a good mood to a sad or offended person.

III. Speech warm-up

Look, please, is there something written on the door here? (Appendix 1, Slide 3)

Read with different intonation. (Appendix 1, Slide 3)

Please don't slide down the railing!
You can get in the teeth of crocodiles!
They lurk on every platform
And everyone who moves out is grabbed by the heels.
And dragged to the bottom of the African Nile.
Please don't slide down the railing!

IV. Message about the topic and purpose of the lesson

Guys, this is a riddle. The theme of our lesson-travel was hidden in it. Can you please tell us what they are asking us for? What do you think our trip to the film studio will be about? (Polite words.)

Right. The theme of our lesson: Polite words. Request. (Appendix 1, Slide 4)

Today we have to answer the following questions:

  • What is a request?
  • How to ask correctly and what “magic” words should be used?
  • How is a request different from a command?

(Appendix 1, Slide 4)

V. Learning new material

What is a request? Consult in pairs.

While the guys are thinking, look (child looks in the dictionary), which definition is given in the explanatory dictionary.

So what is a request? (When one person asks another in a polite manner.)

Read. (Appendix 1, Slide 5) A request is an appeal to someone to do something.

Find the main keywords in this definition. (Appeal calling.) (Appendix 1, Slide 5)

We are invited to listen to recordings made at the studio and determine which character's speech contains a request. (Record sounds.)

Do you know what song this entry is from?

We continue our journey through the film studio.

I have two assistants. Now they will show you a little skit.

scene

Chair. Two children. One silently asks the other to give way.

And you need to determine what they will do.

What they were doing? (They asked for something.)

How was this request made? (With the help of hands.)

What is the name of the movement of the hands, the body? (Gesture.)

(Appendix 1, Slide 6)

What was missing from the scene? (Words.)

The film studio is shooting a children's film based on the story of Valentina Oseeva "The Magic Word" (Annex 2). Actors, please take your seats. Characters: for the old man - .., Pavlik - .., sister Lena - .., grandmother - .., author - ... ( Dramatization of an excerpt from the story.)

Guys, you need to listen carefully and say what word is being discussed.

Guys, what word did the old man say to Pavlik? (Please.) Right.

Continuation of the dramatization of the passage.

Why did the boy want to return to the old man?

Also why is this word called "magic"? (Changes the mood, changes the attitude of other people.)

But there are other words that you need to remember and use in your speech. (Appendix 1, Slide 7)

Read them in the Dictionary of Polite Words.

Read the words of the first column, ... read the words of the second column.

Let's make sentences-requests with these phrases. (Appendix 1, Slide 7) What expressions do you remember?

To fulfill the request (Appendix 1, Slide 8) What should you use in your speech? (Polite words.)

How polite words should be pronounced ? (In a quiet voice, looking directly into the eyes of the one you are talking to.) (Appendix 1, Slide 8)

Guys, what do you think, after these words you want to fulfill the request? (Appendix 1, Slide 8)

PHYSMINUTKA

Now we will learn competently, to express an appeal with a request. (Appendix 1, Slide 9)

1. Appeal.
2. Please help.
3. Gratitude.

In this sequence, the request should be built.

Where do we start? If this is your age, then we will address him by name. And if an adult - by name and patronymic.

Today we are very lucky: at the film studio "Politeness from an early age" they offer to be screenwriters and write our own script.

On the cards that lie on your tables, plots are written.

Task number 1. Read. Please make a request using the Polite Words Dictionary and the plan.

1 situation. You got sick and didn't come to school. You need to know your homework for the next lesson.

2 situation. Drawing lesson.

1st plot. You got sick and didn't come to school. You need to learn your homework. Who does not like to think long, can choose it.

2nd plot. Drawing lesson. For those guys who like to fantasize.

Raise your hand, who has already decided on the plot. Listen carefully to the task: you need to write a request using the Polite Words Dictionary that you have on your desks and the plan.

Who is ready? Please. Who chose a different situation? Thank you. I hope the others have also made literate requests.

The film journey continues. Read an excerpt from the fairy tale by Alexei Tolstoy "The Golden Key, or the Adventures of Pinocchio." And determine whether Malvina used the request when talking with Pinocchio.

Task number 2. Read an excerpt from the book by Alexei Tolstoy "The Golden Key, or the Adventures of Pinocchio" and determine whether Malvina used the request when referring to Pinocchio.

Then the girl said to him sternly: Pull your leg out from under you and lower it under the table. Do not eat with your hands, there are spoons and forks for this.

So what did Malvina use when referring to Pinocchio? (Order.) And what did she do? (Ordered.) (Appendix 1, Slide 10)

What words did she use? Highlight them.

And why does Malvina turn to Pinocchio to you if they are the same age?

- Please define the difference between an order and a request? (Appendix 1, Slide 11)

There are magic words in the request, but in the order? (No.)

The request is carried out at will, but the order? (Required.)

And now let's return to an excerpt from the fairy tale "The Golden Key, or the Adventures of Pinocchio." How was it necessary to tell Malvina so that Pinocchio wanted to do everything?

Correct the words of Malvina.

VI. Anchoring

At the film studio "Politeness from an early age" they offer to be critics. Who are the critics? ( Who criticizes the work.)

Critics are people who evaluate work (Movies, books.)

You need to evaluate the work and say where is the request and where is the order. (Appendix 1, Slides 12, 13)

(Recording of cartoons.)

VII. Lesson summary

This is the end of our journey.

Let's see if we answered all the questions, shall we? (Appendix 1, Slide 14)

Dear guys, I am sure that everything you learned today will definitely help you in life. In various life situations, you can show yourself as a polite person with whom it is pleasant to communicate and it is pleasant to give him joy.

This request of mine will be for children whom I have already known a little. I ask you to be polite not only in words but also in deeds.

And as a keepsake, I want to give you the Dictionaries of Polite Words, which will serve as a hint to you.