Should we say: Please may I have a cup of coffee or Can I have a cup of coffee please?
2007-01-15 23:52:15 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Should please be at the beginning of the sentence or at the end of the sentence?
2007-01-16 00:30:46 · update #1
Please, may I have a cup of coffee.
2007-01-16 01:55:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The rule for using the word "May" or "Can" is ---You MAY if you think you CAN.
Always opt for "May".
Can is asking the other person if you have the ability.
As to the word please ; you can use it either way but it is more commonly used after the request is made.
"May I have a cup of coffee please?"
It is correct to use it at the beginning of the sentence, however, you will find that most American's do not use 'text book' English when they conversate. It is what makes learning English so very difficult. We have multiple words that mean the same thing as well as slangs and dialects that add to the many blends.
Unless, you are asking for test purposes ; don't worry so much.
You will find that often the correct response which would be "yes, you certainly may" or "No you may not" will not be what you are told. It will simply be a reply to the affirmative or the negative.
2007-01-16 08:21:40 · answer #2 · answered by GrnApl 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
To me it doesn't really matter when you say : Please may I have a cup of coffee OR Can I have a cup of coffee please.
To me both are the same and unimportant. As long as the person that I ask for, understand me, it's enough.
No rules in English language, as long as you could understand crystal clear of what people say to you in English and vice versa.
2007-01-16 08:49:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
May I have a cup of coffee, and if you say please at the beginning it's more formal than saying it at the end. Or, if you're one of those "Instant human add coffee" people, and you're surrounded by others of like disposition, then manners do not play a part. lol.
2007-01-16 08:54:18 · answer #4 · answered by GLSigma3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what you mean.
'may I have' - is a request for a cup of coffee.
'can I have' - is asking if you are capable of having coffee; for example you might ask your doctor this if you are under certain medications.
2007-01-16 08:00:36 · answer #5 · answered by Axel M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can have a cup of coffee, you can sing a song, you can do anything you want, but if you are giving (or asking) permission it is "may" . You can means it is possible for it to happen, you may means permission is given.
2007-01-16 07:58:12 · answer #6 · answered by =42 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
"Please, may I have a cup of coffee?", "May I please have a cup of coffee", or "May I have a cup of coffee please?" are all acceptable forms of this question. "Can" means "the ability to do something" and should never be used in this situation. Using "can" in this question makes it sound like you are asking if you know how to have a cup of coffee.
2007-01-16 07:59:10 · answer #7 · answered by Richard G 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you are alone at home and making coffee, you needn't say anything in any language.
2007-01-16 07:58:16 · answer #8 · answered by Tashi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither -You should say 'May I have a cup of tea please?' as coffee is bad for you
2007-01-16 07:57:36 · answer #9 · answered by Gezza D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you really want a cup of coffe, simply say:
"Please give me a cup of coffee." or,
"Give me a cup of coffee please."
2007-01-16 08:16:04 · answer #10 · answered by Timeless - watcher 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋