Listening Time: English Practice American English - How To Ask For Things Politely
4 snips
Dec 12, 2025 Discover the nuances of making polite requests in American English. Learn why direct commands can come off as rude and how to transform them into polite questions using 'can' and 'could.' Explore the art of crafting indirect questions, especially in social settings like restaurants. Gain tips on phrasing inquiries gently, such as 'Could you tell me what time it is?' This insightful discussion emphasizes the importance of politeness and proper word order in communication.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Indirect Questions Change Tone
- Americans prefer indirect questions when asking for things rather than direct commands.
- Using questions instead of commands changes the social tone and reduces perceived rudeness.
Please Alone Can Still Sound Bossy
- Saying "please send it to me" can still sound like a command rather than a polite request.
- The speaker explains that using please with a command doesn't always make it polite.
Use Can or Could For Requests
- Use "Can you..." or "Could you..." to turn commands into polite requests.
- Phrase requests as questions like "Can you send it to me please?" to sound polite.