Courteous Expressions

Presented by:Mr. Ryan Lualhati

Courteous ExpressionsIn order to be polite when you are speaking English, you need to use these phrases correctly.

Excuse Me….You say Excuse me when you want to go past somebody. You also say excuse me to somebody you do not know when you want to attract their attention.

ExampleExcuse me, could you tell me the way to the station?

Excuse me, is anyone sitting here?

Sorry…You say sorry when you need to apologize for something small:

ExampleSorry I'm late.

I beg your pardon is a much formal expression for sorry.

ExampleI beg your pardon! I must have picked up the wrong bag by mistake.

Pardon meWhen you did not hear or understand what somebody said and want them to repeat it:

ExamplePardon, could you say that again?

I'm afraid…You use the phrase I'm afraid… when you want to apologize because you have to tell somebody something that they may not like.

Example'Do you have any decaffeinated coffee?' 'I'm afraid not.‘

'Has the last bus gone?' 'I'm afraid so.'

I wonder if…You use expressions which show hesitancy when you are asking somebody to do something or asking for a favor.

ExampleI wonder if I could have a copy of that letter.

Please…You say Please when you ask for something or introduces or ends a request.

ExamplePlease could I have the menu?

Could I have the menu, please?

Thank You …When somebody gives you something, or when you buy something or receive information. You are expected to say Thank you or Thanks. Some people may be offended if you say nothing.

ExampleYou say Thank you or Yes. Please when you want to accept something:

'How about another cup of coffee?' 'Thank you.' / 'Thanks.' / 'yes, please.'

ExampleYou say No, thank you or no, thanks when you want you want to refuse something:

' Would you like some more cake?' 'No, thank you.' / 'No, thanks,'