4.176 polite additions to requests

All the ways of giving instructions or making requests described above can be made more polite by using 'please'.

• Can I speak to Nicola please?
• Could you tell me please what time the flight arrives?
• Please may I have the key?

You can also make a request more polite by adding the name of the person you are addressing at the beginning or end of your question.

• Martin, could you make us a drink?
• Can I talk to you, Howard?

Another way of making a request more polite is to add an adverb such as 'perhaps' or 'possibly' after the subject of the verb.

• Could I perhaps bring a friend with me?
• May I possibly have a word with you, please?