Lesson No 35C-Polite Requests And Responses

Polite Requests and Responses

Making polite requests and knowing how to respond to them is essential for effective and respectful communication. Below are examples of common polite requests and their responses along with their pronunciations in Devanagari script.

Basic Polite Requests

1. Could you please [action]?
   • Could you please pass the salt?
     • कुड यू प्लीज़ पास द सॉल्ट?
2. Would you mind [action]?
   • Would you mind opening the window?
     • वुड यू माइंड ओपनिंग द विन्डो?
3. Can you [action], please?
   • Can you help me, please?
     • कैन यू हेल्प मी, प्लीज़?
4. Is it possible to [action]?
   • Is it possible to get a copy of this document?
     • इज़ इट पॉसिबल टू गेट अ कॉपी ऑफ दिस डॉक्युमेंट?
5. Could I ask you to [action]?
   • Could I ask you to take a picture for us?
     • कुड आय आस्क यू टू टेक अ पिक्चर फॉर अस?

Polite Responses

1. Positive Responses

English Phrase	Pronunciation (Devanagari)
Sure.	श्योर।
Of course.	ऑफ कोर्स।
No problem.	नो प्रॉब्लम।
I’d be happy to.	आय’ड बी हैप्पी टू।
Certainly.	सर्टेनली।
Yes, absolutely.	यस, ऐब्सोल्यूट्ली।

2. Negative Responses

English Phrase	Pronunciation (Devanagari)
I’m sorry, but I can’t.	आय’म सॉरी, बट आय कान्ट।
Unfortunately, I can’t help with that.	अनफॉर्च्युनेटली, आय कान्ट हेल्प विथ दैट।
I wish I could, but I’m unable to.	आय विश आय कुड, बट आय’एम अनएबल टू।
Sorry, I’m busy at the moment.	सॉरी, आय’एम बिज़ी ऐट द मोमेंट।
I’d love to help, but I can’t.	आय’ड लव टू हेल्प, बट आय कान्ट।

Example Dialogues

1. Requesting a Favor
   • Person A: Could you please help me with my homework?
     • कुड यू प्लीज़ हेल्प मी विथ माई होमवर्क?
   • Person B: Sure, I’d be happy to help.
     • श्योर, आय’ड बी हैप्पी टू हेल्प।
2. Asking for Directions
   • Person A: Would you mind telling me where the library is?
     • वुड यू माइंड टेलिंग मी व्हेयर द लाइब्रेरी इज़?
   • Person B: Of course, it’s just down the street on the left.
     • ऑफ कोर्स, इट्स जस्ट डाउन द स्ट्रीट ऑन द लेफ्ट।
3. Borrowing an Item
   • Person A: Can I borrow your pen, please?
     • कैन आय बॉरो यॉर पेन, प्लीज़?
   • Person B: No problem, here you go.
     • नो प्रॉब्लम, हियर यू गो।
4. Requesting Assistance
   • Person A: Could I ask you to help me carry these boxes?
     • कुड आय आस्क यू टू हेल्प मी कैरी थीज़ बॉकसेज़?
   • Person B: I’m sorry, but I can’t. My back hurts.
     • आय’म सॉरी, बट आय कान्ट। माई बैक हर्ट्स।
5. Seeking Permission
   • Person A: Is it possible to leave early today?
     • इज़ इट पॉसिबल टू लीव अर्ली टुडे?
   • Person B: Yes, absolutely. Just make sure to finish your tasks.
     • यस, ऐब्सोल्यूट्ली। जस्ट मेक श्योर टू फिनिश यॉर टास्क्स।

Tips for Making Polite Requests

1. Use Polite Phrases: Always start your request with polite phrases like “Could you please,” “Would you mind,” or “Can you, please.”
2. Be Specific: Clearly state what you need help with.
3. Be Courteous: Always use “please” and “thank you” to show respect.
4. Accept Graciously: Whether your request is accepted or declined, always respond graciously.
5. Consider Timing: Make sure the person is not busy or occupied before making your request.

By practicing these polite requests, responses, and example dialogues, you’ll become more proficient in communicating respectfully and effectively.