Making Polite Requests
Using modal verbs like “could”, would or “can” makes a request more polite, but there are also a lot of phrases we use to be less direct and more polite when we make requests. We mostly use these phrases in the following situations:
When the person to whom we are making the request does not have an obligation to say yes.
When we are asking the other person to do us a favour.
When we are making a request to someone who is at a higher level within the company.
We are requesting something from a customer.
Phrases for making polite requests:
I was wondering if you/I could…
I was wondering if you could lend me your car next Tuesday.
I was wondering if I could mention your company as a reference customer.
Do you think you/I could…?
Do you think you could help me out with these reports?
Do you think I could leave a few minutes early so I can pick up my child from school?
I would really appreciate it if you/I could…?
It would be great if you/I could…?
I’m sorry, but could I please…? (when asking for permission)
I’m sorry, but could you please…? (when bothered by something)
It would help me a lot if you/I could/would …?
Would you mind (verb)+ing …?
Would you mind if I borrowed …?
It would really speed up the process if you could ...?
To assist you, I would need …
In order to solve this issue, could you please …?
Requesting more details (especially in support)
To assist you with your request, I urgently need the following details …
In order to solve this issue, could you please send me the following details:
To enable us to resolve your issue
To investigate your issue
To give us a full picture of your issue
To facilitate our investigation into your issue
To expedite our investigation into your issue
Could/can you please provide me with…
Would you mind sending me…
I would really appreciate it if you could let me have…
it would be great if you could send me…
It would help me a lot if you could/would provide me with…
Have you already opened a ticket in this regard?
Have you already opened a ticket regarding this issue?