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Polite Request and Indirect Questions

The document discusses the nature of polite requests and the use of modal verbs to convey them, emphasizing that certain modals like 'will' can sound direct or authoritative. It also covers indirect questions as a means of maintaining formality and politeness in communication. Examples are provided for both polite requests and indirect questions to illustrate effective usage.

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8 views3 pages

Polite Request and Indirect Questions

The document discusses the nature of polite requests and the use of modal verbs to convey them, emphasizing that certain modals like 'will' can sound direct or authoritative. It also covers indirect questions as a means of maintaining formality and politeness in communication. Examples are provided for both polite requests and indirect questions to illustrate effective usage.

Uploaded by

msrodriguezeip
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Polite Requests

A request is to ask someone to do something for one’s self. There are various ways of
making polite requests, mostly using modal verbs.

e.g.
1. Can I borrow your pen? / Can you help me?
2. Could I ask you for a favor? / Could you cover for me?
3. May I use your phone?
4. *Will you close the door?
5. Would you help me with the dinner?

The modal “will” might come across as more direct or authoritative, so it is better to avoid it
when asking for requests.

Note: It's important to note that certain modal verbs are paired with specific subjects, either
"I" alone, "you" alone, or both, depending on the nature of the request.

Indirect Questions

Indirect questions are primarily employed in situations requiring formality and politeness from
the speaker. Indirect questions use a phrase followed by a request or a question.

Examples with requests


e.g
1. Do you mind if I use your phone for a minute?
2. Do you think I could have more time to finish?
3. Do you think you could give the teacher my assignment?
4. Would it be OK if I returned the charger later?
5. Would you mind if I opened the window?
6. Would you mind turning down the volume?

Examples with questions


e.g
1. Do you know where the restrooms are?
2. Can I ask how much this shirt is?
3. Do you have any idea what time the concert starts?
4. I was wondering if you knew who the teacher was.
5. I’d like to know if there are any vegan options on the menu.
6. Could you tell me how to get to the nearest gas station?
7. Would you mind telling me where you got that book?
LONGER VERSION

A request is essentially the act of seeking assistance or action from another person to fulfill a
particular need or desire. This can encompass a wide array of situations and can range from
simple tasks to more significant favors. When making requests, individuals often employ
various linguistic strategies to convey politeness and respect, with modal verbs serving as a
primary tool in this endeavor. These modal verbs, such as "can," "could," "may," "would,"
and "might," allow individuals to express their needs while simultaneously acknowledging the
autonomy and potential reluctance of the person being asked. By utilizing these linguistic
devices effectively, individuals can navigate social interactions with grace and consideration
for the feelings and preferences of others.

e.g.
6. Can I borrow your pen? / Can you help me?
7. Could I ask you for a favor? / Could you cover for me?
8. May I use your phone?
9. *Will you close the door?
10. Would you help me with the dinner?

The modal verb "will" has the tendency to convey a sense of directness or authority in
communication, which may not always align with the desired tone when making requests.
Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from using "will" when seeking assistance or favors from
others, as it could potentially come across as imposing or commanding.

It's crucial to acknowledge that certain modal verbs are inherently paired with specific
subjects, such as "I," "you," or both, depending on the context and nature of the request
being made. This consideration ensures that the language used remains appropriate and
respectful within the given social interaction.

Indirect questions serve as a linguistic device commonly employed in scenarios


necessitating a formal and courteous tone from the speaker. This linguistic strategy involves
framing inquiries in a manner that veers away from directness, often by prefacing the
question with a phrase or statement. Such indirect questioning not only enhances the
politeness of the interaction but also demonstrates a level of deference and consideration
towards the individual being addressed.

Examples with requests


e.g
7. Do you mind if I use your phone for a minute?
8. Do you think I could have more time to finish?
9. Do you think you could give the teacher my assignment?
10. Would it be OK if I returned the charger later?
11. Would you mind if I opened the window?
12. Would you mind turning down the volume?

Examples with questions


e.g
8. Do you know where the restrooms are?
9. Can I ask how much this shirt is?
10. Do you have any idea what time the concert starts?
11. I was wondering if you knew who the teacher was.
12. I’d like to know if there are any vegan options on the menu.
13. Could you tell me how to get to the nearest gas station?
14. Would you mind telling me where you got that book?

REFERENCES
De Jesús Galván Muñoz, J. (n.d.). Introductory phrases for indirect questions.

https://avi.cuaieed.unam.mx/uapa/avi/ing_7/U_6/ing7_u6_t4/index.html

Indirect questions. (n.d.). https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/indirect-

questions.html

Interchange 2 (2017th ed.). (1991). Cambridge University Press.

Interchange 3 (2017th ed.). (1991). Cambridge University Press.

Requests, offers and invitations. (2018, October 31). LearnEnglish.

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/english-grammar-reference/

requests-offers-invitations

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