Questions tagged [politeness]
This tag is for questions regarding the polite use of words or phrases.
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How does it really feel when people say "thank you for your patience" to their clients in English? [closed]
Yesterday I invited a client twice.
For the first appointment I made, the client met with me but we could not complete our task due to lack of preparation. So the client left and I made the second ...
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How to ask to let you pass in the bus
For example, you are sitting near the window on the bus. A person sits next to you and blocks the passage (not on purpose).
And here is your stop and you need to get out. How to ask politely to let ...
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‘I’d appreciate it if you do that’ vs I’d appreciate it if you could do that’
I want to politely ask someone to finalize something.
Are both of the following correct? If so, what is the difference between their meaning. I also want to know if 1 (and perhaps 2 as well) is polite....
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"If you do not mind" or "If you agree": what is the best choice?
I am writing an email to my team to ask if I can use their time slot to discuss one of my open questions.
It looks like this question can be useful for all of us. I think it makes sense to discuss it ...
Anna Koroleva
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Does this sound rude? How could I have said it better?
Me: Good afternoon, ma'am Josie. Just letting you know I'm ready for the
interview. Could you please let me know if it will still happen this
afternoon? Thank you.
Josie: Hello. You were scheduled for ...
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What is a standard polite answer to a stranger to ask about the purpose of their approaching me?
When a stranger approaches me with a generic salutation without a specific request -- e.g., "Hi!", how should I politely inquire about their purpose or matter/ topic of addressing me ?
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Is the word 'watchdog' derogatory or disapproving?
In Cambridge Dictionary, The Free Dictionary, Merriam Webster, dictionary.com and The Britannica Dictionary, none say that 'watchdog', under the definition quoted below, is derogatory or disapproving.
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Could 'the' suggest a patronizing tone? [closed]
In this blog, the writer says as follows.
Example 3.
a. ✓ Asians usually have dark hair.
b. ☓ The Asian usually has dark hair.
You should never use this construction to talk about groups of people, ...
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Does 'I think' make a statement more euphemistic?
Does adding 'I think' before a statement about others' behaviours, opinions, characters or the like make it more euphemistic? Say, compare
1'. You're wrong.
1''. I think you're wrong.
2'. You're a ...
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I would appreciate it if you would do/did
Which of the following sentence sounds more correct/formal?
I would appreciate it if you would…
I would appreciate it if you did…
As for the first sentence, I know it is unusual to put would after ...
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"You have backups, right?" Does this sound sardonic / sarcastic?
Does "You have backups, right?" sound sardonic / sarcastic?
Context: a user finds out that his database is corrupt in a public discussion on a community forum. I suggest that the best ...
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"Would you be kind enough to answer me?" Or: "Could you kindly answer me?"
Do these two sentences have the same meaning? Which of these phrases sounds more natural?
Would you be kind enough to answer me?
Or:
Could you kindly answer me?
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Is the adjective 'cocky' a discrimination word?
When used as a noun, 'cocky' can mean 'a farmer whose farm is regarded as small or of little account'. Therefore, I suspect that the meaning of 'cocky' as an adjective stems from people's stereotype ...
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Would dream of ( in a positive clause)
But you are very welcome for my having given you my time, not that you would ever dream of taking the trouble to say "thank you" after I have gone the trouble of helping you and correcting ...
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What are some polite responses to someone introducing themselves over the phone?
If a person comes up to you physically and then introduces themselves, your generic reply is going to be "Nice to meet you". It's not going to work in remote communications because you don't ...
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