How to Make Polite Requests in English: Phrases and Examples
Make polite English requests with useful phrases, clear details, short dialogues and advice for responding naturally.
You need help at a shop, a colleague has a document you want, or the person next to you is speaking too quietly. You know what you need. The challenge is asking in a way that is clear and comfortable for both people.
A useful request names the action and gives the other person enough information to respond. You do not need a long introduction or several apologies. Start with a phrase you can use naturally, then add the detail that matters.
Could you + base verb + specific detail: “Could you send me the updated timetable, please?” For permission, change the subject: “Could I use this chair?”
First decide what you are asking for
An action
“Could you check the address on this form?” You want the other person to do something.
Permission
“Could I leave my bag here for a few minutes?” You want to do something yourself.
An item or service
“Could I have a paper receipt, please?” Say what you need so the listener can help.
Clarification
“Could you explain the final step again?” Identify the part you did not understand.
Compare “Could you open the window?” with “Could I open the window?” Both are requests, but they give the action to different people. Practise that small change before adding more complicated language.
Choose a phrase that fits the situation
Can you ...?
“Can you hold this bag for a moment?” A familiar, everyday choice with friends and colleagues.
Could you ...?
“Could you show me where the entrance is?” A useful polite option when speaking to someone you do not know well.
Would you ...?
“Would you check these dates before I book?” Follow would you with the base form of the verb.
Would you mind ...?
“Would you mind moving your jacket?” Use an -ing form after mind in this pattern.
Could I ...?
“Could I borrow your charger until lunch?” This asks permission; it does not tell the listener to borrow something.
Would it be possible to ...?
“Would it be possible to collect the order tomorrow?” Useful when you want to check whether an arrangement is available.
These are choices, not a fixed politeness ladder. Your tone, relationship and the size of the favour also matter. A simple request delivered calmly can be more comfortable than a very formal sentence in a casual conversation.
Add the detail that makes the request answerable
“Could you help?” may leave the listener unsure what you need. Try “Could you hold the door while I carry this box?” The action and reason are both clear. If timing matters, include a realistic time: “Could you check one paragraph before our call at three?”
You can give a short reason without sharing every part of the problem. “Could you speak a little more slowly? I'm still learning English” gives the listener something practical to do. If the request is optional, make space for a refusal: “If you have a few minutes, could you check this?”
A short everyday conversation
Customer: “Excuse me. Could you help me adjust this seat?”
Mechanic: “Of course. Does it need to be a little lower?”
Customer: “Yes, please. Could I try it before you tighten it?”
Mechanic: “Certainly.”
Customer: “That feels much better. Thanks for your help.”
The customer names the problem, asks permission to test the change and thanks the mechanic. Notice that each turn is short. A clear request often starts a conversation rather than solving everything in one sentence.
Reply clearly, especially after “mind”
“Would you mind closing the door?” asks whether closing it would bother you. “Not at all - I'll close it” clearly agrees. A bare “yes” can be confusing because it may sound as though you object. Use a complete reply to show what you mean.
If you cannot help, you can say “Sorry, I can't do that before lunch. I can check it this afternoon.” You do not have to promise something you cannot do. If someone declines your request, acknowledge the answer and consider a smaller request or another plan.
Common mistakes to watch for
- “Could you to check this?” Use “Could you check this?” The verb after could does not need to.
- “Would you mind to wait?” Use “Would you mind waiting?”
- “Could I borrow me your pen?” Use “Could I borrow your pen?” or “Could you lend me your pen?”
- A hidden deadline. If you need an answer today, say so when you ask instead of adding it after someone agrees.
Requests that are easy to understand and answer
Make the action clear
Could you send me the file, please? asks the listener to act. Could I sit here? asks permission for your own action.
Help the listener respond
Would you mind repeating the name? uses -ing after mind. Not at all - I will repeat it makes an agreement clear instead of leaving a bare yes or no open to interpretation.
Offer a realistic alternative
Sorry, I can't finish it by noon. I can send it by four, if that helps acknowledges the request and names what is possible.
A five-minute practice routine
Write one request for home, one for work or study, and one for a public place. Say each aloud twice, changing the object or time on the second attempt. Then imagine the listener says “Which one?” or “When do you need it?” and give a short answer.
For conversation repair, try our conversation guide. For written requests at work, see the professional email guide.
Courtesy works best with clear meaning
Can you in context
It is common in everyday requests. Choose wording and tone that fit the relationship and situation.
Please and the surrounding tone
Please can soften a request, but it does not replace a clear action or considerate tone. One well-placed please is usually enough.
Clarification after a misunderstanding
Repeat the important detail with simpler words. You can also show the item or write down a name or time.
Further reading
See Cambridge's guide to requests for the language patterns. The situations, dialogue and practice examples here are original.
Practise requests you will actually use
Choose a useful request, change the situation and practise the whole phrase aloud. Save your own examples for another day.
