When making requests, it’s useful to have a range of polite expressions to choose from. Instead of repeatedly using “May you please,” consider these alternative phrases to make your requests sound courteous and varied.
1. “Could You Please”
Scenario: Making a polite request for action or assistance.
Example 1: “Could you please provide the updated report by end of day?”
Example 2: “Could you please let me know if you need any further information?”
Explanation: This phrase is a polite way to ask someone to perform a task or provide information.
2. “Would You Mind”
Scenario: Asking for someone’s help or permission in a polite manner.
Example 1: “Would you mind sending me the details of the meeting?”
Example 2: “Would you mind reviewing this document for accuracy?”
Explanation: This phrase is used to request something while showing consideration for the other person’s feelings.
3. “Can You Please”
Scenario: Requesting assistance or information with politeness.
Example 1: “Can you please confirm your availability for the meeting?”
Example 2: “Can you please assist me with this issue?”
Explanation: This phrase is a straightforward and polite way to ask someone to do something.
4. “Would You Be Able To”
Scenario: Inquiring if someone is capable of performing a task.
Example 1: “Would you be able to provide feedback on this proposal?”
Example 2: “Would you be able to complete this task by tomorrow?”
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the person’s ability to carry out the request and is a polite way to ask for their help.
5. “Please Could You”
Scenario: Making a polite and slightly formal request.
Example 1: “Please could you review the attached documents?”
Example 2: “Please could you arrange a time for us to discuss this?”
Explanation: This phrase combines politeness with formality, making it suitable for professional settings.
6. “May I Request”
Scenario: Formally asking for something or making a request.
Example 1: “May I request a copy of the latest financial report?”
Example 2: “May I request your assistance with this project?”
Explanation: This phrase is a formal way to ask for something, often used in professional or official contexts.
7. “Would You Kindly”
Scenario: Making a polite request with a touch of formality.
Example 1: “Would you kindly provide your input on this matter?”
Example 2: “Would you kindly send me the required documents?”
Explanation: This phrase is a courteous way to make a request, often used in formal communications.
8. “If You Could Please”
Scenario: Requesting something with a polite tone.
Example 1: “If you could please send the report by Friday, it would be appreciated.”
Example 2: “If you could please let me know your decision by the end of the day.”
Explanation: This phrase is a polite way to make a request, emphasizing the desired action.
9. “Would It Be Possible To”
Scenario: Inquiring about the feasibility of a request.
Example 1: “Would it be possible to get an extension on the deadline?”
Example 2: “Would it be possible to arrange a meeting for next week?”
Explanation: This phrase politely asks if a request can be fulfilled, considering feasibility.
10. “Could You Possibly”
Scenario: Asking if someone is able to perform a task or action.
Example 1: “Could you possibly help me with this report?”
Example 2: “Could you possibly send me the information by tomorrow?”
Explanation: This phrase is a polite way to ask if someone is able to do something.
11. “I Would Appreciate It If”
Scenario: Expressing gratitude in advance for a requested action.
Example 1: “I would appreciate it if you could review this document.”
Example 2: “I would appreciate it if you could provide your feedback by the end of the day.”
Explanation: This phrase conveys appreciation for the requested action and emphasizes its importance.
12. “Can You Kindly”
Scenario: Requesting something with a polite and considerate tone.
Example 1: “Can you kindly provide the necessary details?”
Example 2: “Can you kindly confirm your attendance at the event?”
Explanation: This phrase combines politeness with a considerate approach to making requests.
13. “Would You Please”
Scenario: Asking someone to do something in a polite manner.
Example 1: “Would you please send me the updated schedule?”
Example 2: “Would you please confirm the meeting time?”
Explanation: This phrase is a courteous way to request an action or information.
14. “Might You Be Able To”
Scenario: Politely inquiring if someone can fulfill a request.
Example 1: “Might you be able to assist with this issue?”
Example 2: “Might you be able to provide the necessary documents?”
Explanation: This phrase gently asks if someone is capable of fulfilling a request.
15. “I Would Be Grateful If”
Scenario: Expressing gratitude in advance for a requested action.
Example 1: “I would be grateful if you could help me with this matter.”
Example 2: “I would be grateful if you could review the proposal.”
Explanation: This phrase shows gratitude for the anticipated assistance or action.
16. “Would It Be Alright If”
Scenario: Asking for permission or approval for a request.
Example 1: “Would it be alright if I submitted the report a day late?”
Example 2: “Would it be alright if I took the afternoon off?”
Explanation: This phrase inquires about the acceptability of a request or action.
17. “Please Would You”
Scenario: Making a formal request with politeness.
Example 1: “Please would you provide your feedback on the proposal?”
Example 2: “Please would you confirm the receipt of the documents?”
Explanation: This phrase is a polite and formal way to request an action or information.
18. “I Would Like to Ask”
Scenario: Making a request with a polite tone.
Example 1: “I would like to ask if you could review this document.”
Example 2: “I would like to ask if you could provide some guidance on this matter.”
Explanation: This phrase is a courteous way to request assistance or information.
19. “Would You Be So Kind As To”
Scenario: Making a polite and formal request.
Example 1: “Would you be so kind as to send me the updated report?”
Example 2: “Would you be so kind as to confirm your availability for the meeting?”
Explanation: This phrase adds a formal touch to requesting something politely.
20. “Could You Be So Kind As To”
Scenario: Politely asking for a favor or assistance.
Example 1: “Could you be so kind as to provide the necessary documents?”
Example 2: “Could you be so kind as to assist with this issue?”
Explanation: This phrase combines politeness with a formal tone in making requests.
21. “Would It Be Possible For You To”
Scenario: Asking about the feasibility of a request.
Example 1: “Would it be possible for you to provide the information by tomorrow?”
Example 2: “Would it be possible for you to assist with this task?”
Explanation: This phrase inquires about the feasibility of fulfilling a request.
22. “May I Ask”
Scenario: Making a request or inquiry in a polite manner.
Example 1: “May I ask if you could provide feedback on this proposal?”
Example 2: “May I ask if you could review the attached document?”
Explanation: This phrase is a polite way to make a request or ask for information.
23. “I Would Like to Request”
Scenario: Formally asking for something.
Example 1: “I would like to request your assistance with this matter.”
Example 2: “I would like to request an extension on the deadline.”
Explanation: This phrase is a formal and polite way to make a request.
24. “Might You Consider”
Scenario: Politely asking someone to think about a request.
Example 1: “Might you consider providing a detailed review of this proposal?”
Example 2: “Might you consider extending the deadline for the project?”
Explanation: This phrase asks someone to consider a request in a gentle manner.
25. “Please Be So Kind As To”
Scenario: Making a formal request with courtesy.
Example 1: “Please be so kind as to provide your comments on the draft.”
Example 2: “Please be so kind as to send the updated files.”
Explanation: This phrase combines politeness with formality in making a request.
Other Ways to Say Keep Up the Good Work
26. “If You Would Be So Kind”
Scenario: Politely requesting something with consideration.
Example 1: “If you would be so kind as to assist me with this issue.”
Example 2: “If you would be so kind as to send the necessary documents.”
Explanation: This phrase is a polite and considerate way to make a request.
27. “Could You Kindly”
Scenario: Requesting something with politeness and consideration.
Example 1: “Could you kindly provide the updated figures?”
Example 2: “Could you kindly confirm your attendance at the event?”
Explanation: This phrase is used to make a request in a polite and considerate manner.
28. “If It’s Not Too Much Trouble”
Scenario: Making a request while acknowledging the potential inconvenience.
Example 1: “If it’s not too much trouble, could you send me the report?”
Example 2: “If it’s not too much trouble, could you review this document?”
Explanation: This phrase acknowledges the potential effort required and requests assistance politely.
29. “May I Request Your Assistance”
Scenario: Formally asking for help or support.
Example 1: “May I request your assistance with the upcoming presentation?”
Example 2: “May I request your assistance in reviewing this proposal?”
Explanation: This phrase is a formal way to ask for help or support.
30. “Please Let Me Know If You Can”
Scenario: Requesting confirmation of ability to fulfill a request.
Example 1: “Please let me know if you can assist with this task.”
Example 2: “Please let me know if you can provide the required information.”
Explanation: This phrase asks for confirmation about whether someone can fulfill a request.
Conclusion
Exploring alternative ways to say “May you please” enhances your communication by offering a range of polite and varied expressions.
Whether you’re making formal requests or seeking assistance, these phrases provide nuanced ways to convey your needs respectfully and effectively. Use these alternatives to ensure your requests are clear, courteous, and contextually appropriate.
Hi! I’m Lauren Reynolds, the author of Grammar Glides. I create easy-to-follow content that helps you master English with confidence. Let’s make learning English simple and enjoyable together!