Polite Phrases

Uses of Could

Could is the polite form of “can” and makes requests, questions, and suggestions sound more respectful.

1. Polite Requests (Asking for Help/Favors)

Structure: Could + subject + verb?

Examples:

  1. Could you tell me the time? (Asking for information)
  2. Could I use your phone to make a call? (Requesting permission)
  3. Could you please keep your voice down? (Requesting someone to do something)
  4. Could I get a glass of water, please? (Requesting something)
  5. Could you help me with my project? (Asking for assistance)

Read also: Day 22: Was/were – past simple of ‘be’

Read also: 200 Idioms in English

Read also: Worksheet – Past simple

Read also: Exclamatory sentence worksheet

Read also: Polite phrases worksheet

2. Asking for Permission

Structure: Could + I/we + verb?

Examples: Polite Phrases

  1. Could I leave early today? (Requesting permission from a boss)
  2. Could we reschedule the meeting? (Changing plans)
  3. Could I use your car for a day? (Borrowing something)
  4. Could we have a break now? (Taking a pause)
  5. Could I join the team meeting? (Requesting permission to join)

Note: In formal settings, ‘May I’? is even more polite, but ‘Could I?’ is common in daily life.

3. Suggestions (Offering Help or Ideas)

Structure: Could + you + verb? / We could + verb.

  • Could you try this method? (Gentle suggestion)
  • We could meet tomorrow instead. (Less pushy than ‘Let’s meet tomorrow.’)

Example: Polite Phrases

A: I’m stuck on this math problem.

B: Could you ask the teacher for help?

A: I’m feeling tired and can’t focus.

B: Could you take a short break?

A: I’m not sure which restaurant to choose.

B: Could you try that new Italian place?

A: I’m having trouble with this project.

B: Could you ask your colleague for assistance?

A: I’m not sure how to solve this issue.

B: Could you investigate alternative solutions?

4. Hypothetical Situations (Unreal Possibilities)

Structure: Could + verb (for imaginary cases).

Examples: Polite Phrases

  1. We could travel if we saved money. (But we haven’t saved)
  2. She could win if she practiced more. (But she doesn’t)
  3. They could win the championship if they worked together. (But they don’t cooperate)
  4. I learn a new language if I had more time. (But I’m too busy)
  5. He could be successful if he took more risks. (But he’s too cautious)

Note: Here, ‘could’ ≠ past tense. It’s a conditional (would be possible if).

5. Polite Questions (Indirect/Subtle)

Structure: Could + subject + verb?

Examples: Polite Phrases

  1. Could this be the right answer? (Less direct than ‘Is this correct?’)
  2. Could there be another solution? (Softens criticism)
  3. Could we have missed something? (Polite inquiry)
  4. Could this approach work better? (Gentle suggestion.)
  5. Could I be misunderstanding the instructions? (Polite clarification.)

6. Past Ability (Formal Contexts)

Structure: Could + verb (only for general skills).

Examples: Polite Phrases

  1. She could read at age three. (General ability)
  2. I couldn’t swim until last year. (Lack of ability)
  3. He could speak French fluently when he was in college. (Past language skill)
  4. Mozart could compose music at a very young age. (Exceptional past talent.)
  5. She could solve complex math problems easily. (Solving ability)

Warning: For single actions, use “was/were able to”.

  • He was able to fix the car yesterday. (Not “He could fix”)

Common Mistakes

  • Incorrect: Could you please to send the file?

           Correct: Drop ‘to’- Could you please send?

  • Incorrect: Could I can go? 

           Correct: Remove ‘can’ – Could I go?

Summary Table: Polite Phrases

SituationExampleTone
RequestsCould you explain this?”Respectful
PermissionCould I join youFormal
SuggestionsYou could try restartingHelpful
HypotheticalsWe could win if we trainedConditional

Note: Pair ‘could’ with ‘please’ or ‘possibly’ for maximum politeness.

Example: Could you possibly lend me $10?

Why This Phrase Is So Polite

  • Could + possibly – Double politeness.
  • Sounds less demanding than.
  • Can you lend me $10? (Direct)
  • Give me $10. (Rude)

Similar Polite Phrases

  1. Could you please lend me $10?
  2. Might I ask you to lend me $10?
  3. Would you mind lending me $10?

For regular English-Speaking Course updates, kindly join our Telegram channel

Follow the Sarsa Education channel on Telegram: https://shorturl.at/R5WKa