Illustrative Examples

1. -Will you help me move the table?

-Yes, of course.

2. -Will you give me a ring tomorrow morning about ten?

-All right.

3. -Could you lend me a pound till Saturday?

-I'm sorry, but I'm rather short of money at the moment.

4. -Could you tell me the way to the station, please?

- Yes. Turn left at the traffic lights and then keep straight on.

5.- Would you fill in this form, please?

- Certainly.

6. – Do you think you could give me a lift?

- Of course. Get in.

7. Would you mind waiting a moment?

- Not at all.

8. – Would you be so kind as to tell me the way?

- Certainly.

2. Practice Section

Exercise 1.Turn the following commands into polite requests.

1. Close the door. – to a fellow-student.

2. Tell me the time. – to a stranger in the street.

3. Fetch my coat. – to a friend.

4. Switch the light on. – a teacher to a student.

5. Sign this form. – to a tourist.

6. Pass the sugar. – to an acquaintance at the party.

7. Put the kettle on. – to a brother.

8. Lend me your pen. – to a teacher.

9.Give me your e-mail. – to a colleague.

10. Wrap the vase carefully. – to a shop-assistant.

Exercise 2. Reply immediately to the following requests.

1.Will you help me with my translation?

2.Would you mind changing places with me? 3. Could you cut some bread, please?

4. Would you leave your key at the desk when you go out, please?

5 .Do you think you could finish a bit earlier than usual today?

6. Will you lend me this book?

7. Would you be so kind as to give this note to Mr. Brent?

8.Would you please pass me the newspaper?

9.Would you mind leaving your dog outside?

10.Could you find out what time the train leaves, please?

If we want someone not to do something, we can say:

Please don't ...

e.g. a. Please don’t tell Barbara.

b. Please don't shout.

Would you mind not … ing? - more polite

e.g. Would you mind not talking so loudly?

Try not to …

e.g. Try not to be late.

The reply depends on the circumstances. Here are possible replies to the requests given as examples above.

a.. - Please don't tell Barbara.

-All right. or: -Don’t worry, I won't.

or: -Of course I won't.

b.-Would you mind not talking so loudly?

- I'm sorry. (I didn't realise we were disturb­ing you.)

c.- Try not to be late.

- I won't. or: I’ll do my best.

Exercise 3. What would you say in the following situ­ations?

1. A fellow-passenger is smoking in a non-smoking com­partment.

2. A fellow-student keeps drumming his fingers on the table.

3. A colleague is closing the window, on a very hot day.

4. A friend seems likely to spill tea on the tablecloth.

5. Two people are talking during a concert in front of you.

6. A guest is feeding your dog at the table.

7. Someone is pushing in front of you in a queue. .

8. A student is combing his/her hair in class. (You are a teacher.)

9. A man throws a paper bag on the grass in a park.

(You can use the general word “litter” here.)

10. A colleague is using your computer without asking

your permission.