I often use this structure when making a written request because I think it sounds more polite than just "Please ...". Am I correct in this and, since the mood is interrogative, should there be a question mark at the end?
Answers with a reference would be appreciated. Please no smartarse relies: if you don't understand the question then don't answer it.
2006-08-22 20:59:21 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Using Modals
To show respect and politeness, most people use modal
expressions when making requests. For example:
Will you...?
Would you...?
[...]
Could you possibly open the door?
2006-08-22 21:06:53 · answer #1 · answered by Bogdan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Could you please correct my grammar! It should have been.
The answer to any question that starts "Could you..." or "Can you .." will come back (in a grammatically correct world) as a one word answer "yes" or "no". Could or Can are questions of ability.
Alternatively, "Would you please ... " is the polite way of asking someone to do something or to give you some assistance.
Your query about the question mark is correct as the sentence is used interrogatively.
2006-08-22 21:26:29 · answer #2 · answered by Tony T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the situation. Technically, it is a question, and so demands a question mark. Usually though, it would be taken as an order, and so a question mark would seem out of place, which is always a bad sign. The point of written language is to be understood, and anything which hinders this should be avoided. I would usually miss out the please and the ?, and just put thanks at the end. You aren't really asking if something is possible, you are giving an order.
2006-08-22 21:11:35 · answer #3 · answered by Oracle Of Delphi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, there should be a question mark, but people don't bother with it because they're too thick/lazy to know. Usually, by the time they have finished the sentence, they have forgotten they are asking a polite question - probably because in their internal monologue it's a demand.
2006-08-22 21:03:55 · answer #4 · answered by lickintonight 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I suggest "Would you please....or Will you please?"
Yes, it does take a question mark.
People often make the mistake of saying "Can I... or Could I....?".
A smart **** reply would be "Yes you can, or I could"
The correct way is to say "MAY I.....?". You will then get a yes or no.
2006-08-22 21:08:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
well i suppose it depends how you request or demand something but i agree the people that you are taking to don't speak like that and why do we get taught to speak that way its a bit lame ... I think what ever sounds good and gets the most replies is what you should use .. hope my opinion helps...
2006-08-22 21:04:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes the word "could you please "is the proper way to saywhen you are requesting someone to do something for you,likewise a favor. like "could you please tell our parents that i'll come home tonight? .... i used the same words. there should be ? at the end.
2006-08-22 21:15:18 · answer #7 · answered by babyblu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't use "Could you please..." - I think it sounds too passive, but that's just me. You would use a question mark at the end.
2006-08-22 21:04:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds more polite even in spoken form.Mostly it tends to fit in if u wld like some one to help u out in something and ofcourse wen u r directing ur request to a certain person.
eg-: Could you please answer my question?
Could you please hold this for me?
Could you please give me a massage?
For as long as its a question, a question mark is required
2006-08-22 21:08:36 · answer #9 · answered by smart_eluh 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-08-22 23:00:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋