How to Be Polite

Can you wait a moment, please?

Could you wait a moment, please?

Would you please be quiet?

(in a shop) Can I have these postcards, please?

     Can I get these postcards, please?

                 May I have these postcards, please? 

(during a meal) Could I have the salt, please?

Could I use your phone? – Sure.

May I come in? – Yes, please do.

Is it all right if I come in? – Yes, of course.

Is it OK if I close the window?

Do you think you could turn the music down?

Could you turn the volume up?

Could you turn the volume down?

Can you turn the music up a little bit, please?

Would you mind if I turned the volume down? (I will turn the volume down)

Would you mind turning the volume down? (I want you to turn the volume down)

Could I leave work a bit earlier today? I've got a doctor's appointment at 5.

Can I get you a cup of coffee? – That would be nice.

Can I help you? – No, it’s all right. I can manage.

Can I give you a lift?

Would you like to sit down?

Would you like a cup of coffee? – Yes, please.

Would you like to eat with us tonight? – I’d love to.

Would you like something to eat? – No, thank you. I’ve just eaten.

Would you like to join us on Saturday? We're having a barbecue in the garden.

I’d like some information about hotels, please.

I’d like to try on this jacket, please.