Intonation and sounding polite
The same words can sound friendly or rude — the difference is in your voice.
10 minutes · A free lesson from Pronunciation
In English, politeness is carried by intonation and softening words as much as by the words themselves. A flat "Give me the file" sounds like an order. "Could you pass me the file?" with a gently rising voice sounds friendly.
Softening requests
Asking
- Could you…?
- Would you mind…?
- Do you think you could…?
- I was wondering if…
Saying no
- I'm afraid I can't…
- I'd love to, but…
- That might be difficult, because…
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Which request sounds friendliest?
- “Give me the file.”
- “Could you pass me the file?”
- “File.”
Show the answer
B: “Could you pass me the file?” — A softening word and a gently rising voice turn an order into a request.
Quick check: Which is a polite way to say no?
- “I'd love to, but…”
- “No.”
- “Do the needful.”
Show the answer
A: “I'd love to, but…” — I'm afraid I can't… and That might be difficult, because… work too.
Quick check: Which is clearer than “Please revert”?
- “Kindly do the needful.”
- “Revert soonest.”
- “Could you please send me the report by Friday?”
Show the answer
C: “Could you please send me the report by Friday?” — Say exactly what you need, and by when.
Quick check: Besides the words, what carries politeness in English?
- Intonation and softening words
- Speaking louder
- Speaking faster
Show the answer
A: Intonation and softening words — The same words can sound friendly or rude. The difference is in your voice.