Making polite requests in English can sometimes be difficult, especially in a work setting. You want to be polite, but also clear about what you need. It’s important to make sure your request is understood, and that you come across as both professional and respectful. In this post, we’ll look at two simple phrases that can help you make polite requests, whether you’re in a semi-formal or formal situation.

1. "Could you please...?"

The phrase "Could you please...?" is a common and polite way to ask for something. It’s direct enough to clearly say what you need, but adding "please" makes it more polite. This phrase shows that you respect the other person’s time and effort, making it great for everyday requests.

Example:

• "Could you please send me the latest sales report?"
• "Could you please review the document and give me your feedback by the end of the day?"
• "Could you please update me on the status of the project?"
• "Could you please reserve a conference room for our meeting on Friday?"
• "Could you please help me with this task when you have a moment?"

This request is clear and polite, making it a good choice for many work situations, like when you’re asking a colleague for information or following up on a task.

When to Use It:

Best for: Everyday tasks, routine requests, or when you need something done soon.

Tone: Polite and professional, without being too formal.

2. "Would it be possible to...?"

The phrase "Would it be possible to...?" is a slightly more formal and softer way to ask for something. It’s a good choice when your request might take more time or effort, or when it’s not as simple as sending an email or sharing a document. This phrase shows that you understand the other person might have other things to do, which makes it a more considerate option.

Example:

• "Would it be possible to schedule a meeting for next Tuesday?"
• "Would it be possible to extend the deadline for this assignment by a few days?"
• "Would it be possible to arrange a call with the client later this week?"
• "Would it be possible to provide me with the detailed report before our meeting?"
• "Would it be possible to get your approval on this proposal before we move forward?"

This phrase is especially useful when your request might need some planning or organising. It’s polite, shows that you’re thinking about the other person’s situation, and is great for more sensitive situations.

When to Use It:

Best for: Requests that need more time, effort, or planning, like scheduling meetings, organising projects, or asking for special favours.

Tone: Using this phrase is a bit more formal and considerate than "could you please", making it good for important situations or when talking to senior colleagues.

Conclusion

Both of these phrases, "Could you please...?" and "Would it be possible to...?" are great tools to have when you’re making polite requests in business English. They help you ask for things politely without being too demanding, and they can be used in both semi-formal and formal situations. By using these phrases, you’ll sound more polite and professional, which will help you build good working relationships.

Final Tip:
Remember, the key to making good requests in English is to be polite but also clear about what you need. Think about the situation, and always consider the other person’s needs when making your request.

If you found these tips helpful, feel free to share them with your colleagues. 

All the best,
Claire