Could you please

USAGE SUMMARY

"Could you please" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a polite way to ask someone to do something. Example: Could you please complete this form and return it to me by the end of the day?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could you, please?

The New York Times

Could you please delete it?

The New York Times

Could you please help me?

The Guardian - Money

Could you please tell me more?

The New York Times

Could you please expand on that?

The Guardian

Could you please help your readers out.

The New York Times

"Could you please keep your voices down?

The New Yorker

Could you please bring it back?" So hard to do.

The New York Times

Could you please give me his exact mailing address?

The New Yorker

"Could you please leash your dog?" she asked.

The New York Times - Magazine

Could you please several clients at the same time?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making a request, use "Could you please" to ensure politeness and clarity. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for various communication scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "Could you please" excessively in highly informal settings (e.g., among close friends) as it might sound overly formal or sarcastic. Opt for a simpler "Can you" or a direct request instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Could you please" is to serve as a polite interrogative phrase used to make a request. It softens the demand and shows consideration for the person being asked. Ludwig examples demonstrate its utility across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Could you please" is a versatile and widely used expression for making polite requests. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications. It's considered best practice to employ this phrase to ensure politeness, especially in formal settings. While overuse in extremely informal situations might sound overly formal, the phrase generally strikes a balance between respect and clarity. In summary, Ludwig underscores that "Could you please" is a reliable and effective tool for courteous communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Would you kindly

Emphasises politeness and deference, suitable for formal contexts.

I would appreciate it if you could

A more formal and indirect way of making a request.

If you could, please

Inverts the structure for a slightly different emphasis, still polite.

Please, could you

Reorders the words for a more emphatic request.

Would you be so kind as to

Highly formal and polite, conveying great respect.

I'd be grateful if you would

Expresses gratitude in advance for the requested action.

Could you possibly

Adds a touch of uncertainty, making the request less demanding.

I ask that you

A direct and somewhat formal way to request something.

Your assistance would be appreciated

Passively requests help, suitable for formal situations.

Kindly

A single word to express a polite request.

FAQs

How do I use "Could you please" in a sentence?

Use "Could you please" to make a polite request. For example, "Could you please close the door?" is a courteous way to ask someone to shut the door.

What can I say instead of "Could you please"?

You can use alternatives like "Would you kindly", "I would appreciate it if you could", or "If you could, please" depending on the level of formality required.

Which is correct, "Could you please" or "Please could you"?

Both "Could you please" and "Please could you" are grammatically correct and polite. However, "Could you please" is more commonly used. "Please could you" is also correct, and it adds emphasis to the politeness.

What's the difference between "Could you please" and "Can you please"?

"Could you please" is generally considered more polite and formal than "Can you please". "Could" implies a higher degree of politeness and is often preferred in professional or formal settings.