Lesson37
【Lesson 37】
◆English expressions to ask someone politely to do something for you
◆Key Expressions Part 1
Could you ~? / Would you ~?
Could I ask you to ~?
Would you mind ~ (~ing)?
◆Let’s try the following exercises.
Q: You have a test tomorrow. You need to study, but your next door neighbor is playing music loudly so you can’t concentrate. What would you say?
A: Excuse me, could you turn down the music a little?
Q: You must mail a letter by the end of the day, but you are busy with work. Your colleague says he’s going to the post office. What would you say?
A: Could I ask you to send this letter for me?
Q: You are traveling on a train and the wind is blowing in from the window. You want to close the window, but you can’t reach it. What would you ask the person sitting next to the window?
A: Excuse me, would you mind closing the window?
◆Key Expressions Part 2
If possible, I’d be grateful if you could ~
Would you be so kind as to ~?
I would appreciate it if you could ~
◆Let’s try the following exercises.
Q: You are in charge of a new advertising project, but you’re not quite sure what to do. Your colleague, who has lots of experience in organizing advertising projects, walks by. What would you say?
A: If possible, I’d be grateful if you could give me some pointers on organizing the advertising project.
Q: You came to your friend Jennifer’s house to return some books you have borrowed. Her mother answers the door and tells you that Jennifer is not home. You want to leave the books with her mother. What would you say?
A: Would you be so kind as to return these books to Jennifer?
Q: You are at a business meeting with an important client. You need him to sign a contract and send it to you by tomorrow. What would you say?
A: I would appreciate it if you could sign and send me the documents by tomorrow.