Introduction:
Hey there, language adventurers! Are you ready to master the art of asking and refusing requests in a polite and friendly way? In this fifth installment of our “Common English Phrases for Daily Conversations” series, we’ll cover how to make a request in English, common phrases for making requests, and how to gracefully say no when needed. So, let’s get started and become request rockstars!
The Basics of Making a Request in English
There’s an art to making a request without coming across as pushy. Here are some tips and phrases to get you started:
- Use “please” to make your request more polite: “Could you please pass the salt?”
- Start with a question: “Would you mind helping me with this task?”
- Make it a suggestion: “How about we take turns doing the dishes?”
Common Phrases for Making Requests: Variety is the Spice of Life!
Keep your conversations fresh with these common phrases for making requests:
- “Could you…?” – “Could you help me carry this box?”
- “Can I ask you to…?” – “Can I ask you to look after my dog this weekend?”
- “Would it be possible…?” – “Would it be possible to reschedule our meeting?”
Declining a Request: How to Say No Like a Pro
Sometimes, we need to say no to a request. Here’s how to do it without ruffling any feathers:
- Be polite: “I’m sorry, but I can’t help you with that right now.”
- Offer a reason: “Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment at that time.”
- Suggest an alternative: “I can’t do it today, but I’d be happy to help tomorrow.”
You’ve done it again! You’re now a pro at making and declining requests in English, all while keeping it polite and friendly. Remember, the key to success is practice, so go out there and put your new skills to the test! Stay tuned for more helpful tips in our “Common English Phrases for Daily Conversations” series.
Keep on requesting, language warriors!
