CLARIFICATION
POLITE REQUESTS
COMPLETE THE REQUEST
You work as an administrative assistant
in an office.
ASKING SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING?
ASKING PERMISSION
100
Repeat that. (Can/please)
Can you repeat that, please?
100

Mother: Will you close the door when you leave? Son: Yeah, sure.

Host: Would you please close the door when you leave? 

Houseguest: Of course.

100

Person A: ____________the mail, please? I left it on your desk. 

Person B: OK.

Will you take the mail, please? I left it on your desk.

100
______________the table? (set)
Would you mind setting the table?
100
________________if I closed the window?
Would you mind if I closed the window? No, not at all.
200
Speak a little louder. (will/please)
Will you please speak a little louder?
200

Friend: Could you move your chair? I can't see. Friend B: OK

Stranger 1: Would you please move your chair? I am not able to see. 

Stranger 2: Of course.

200
Person A: ______________a meeting with Jill Summers? Person B: Yes, of course.
Could you please set up a meeting with Jill Summers?
200
______________the chairs? (set up)
Would you mind setting up the chairs?
200
_____________ if I used the phone?
Would you mind if I used the phone? No, of course not.
300
Say that one more time. (can)
Can you say that one more time?
300

Friend I: Can you open the window? It's hot in here. Friend 2: That window doesn't open.

Stranger 1: Would you mind opening the window? It's very warm in here. 

Stranger 2: I'm sorry, but the window doesn't open.

300
Person A: _____________Martin Garcia for me? Person B: Sure. Right now?
Would you please call Martin Garcia for me?
300
___________some balloons? (blow up)
Would you mind blowing up some balloons?
300
______________if I helped you load your groceries?
Would you mind if I helped you load your groceries?
400

Repeat that. (would you mind)

Would you mind repeating that?

400

Co-worker 1: Could you hand me that paper? 

Co-worker 2: Here.

Employee: Would you hand me that paper, please? 

Employer: Yes, here it is.

400
______________you work until 5:30 tonight?
Can you work until 5:30 tonight? I'm sorry. I can't tonight. I can come in early tomorrow, though.
400
_____________ if I used the phone?
Would you mind if i used the phone?
400
_____________if I pick you up at 7 this evening?
Would you mind if I pick you up at 7 this evening?
500

Speak more slowly. (would/please)

Would you please speak more slowly?

                     or

Would you speak more slowly, please?

500

Father: Make sure the back door is locked before you go. 

Son: Uh-huh

Host: Would you please make sure the back door is locked before you go? 

Houseguest: Of course.

500

Person A:_____________me the file on the Jones account? Person B: Sure I'll be right back.

Can you please give me the file on the Jones account?

500
_____________the glasses? (wash)
Would you mind washing the glasses?
500
_____________if I call you sometime?
Would you mind if I call you sometime?
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