Business English from All Ears English BE 500: Think or Thinking? Which to Use in Business Communication
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Dec 7, 2025 Discover the nuances of using 'I am wondering' versus 'I was wondering' for softer requests in business communication. Learn how past tense can make inquiries more polite. The hosts also explore the differences between 'think' and 'thinking' phrasing, showcasing how tone affects meaning. Role plays illustrate these concepts, emphasizing polite phrasing in collaboration. Finally, they guide listeners on choosing the right tone and context to enhance professional interactions.
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Past Tense Softens Requests
- Changing "I am wondering" to "I was wondering" softens requests and makes them less direct.
- ChatGPT suggested past tense because it often reduces directness in business emails.
Developer's Overly Indirect Emails
- Lindsay shared a story about a web developer who always used past tense and sounded too indirect.
- That indirect style made her respect him less because his questions needed quick, direct answers.
Use Past Continuous To Be Polite
- Use "I was wondering" to make polite inquiries or soften requests when respecting someone's time.
- Reserve this phrasing for situations where politeness matters, like checking on a proposal or scheduling.