could you please move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could you please move" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a polite request asking someone to change their position or location. Example: "Could you please move a little to the left so I can see the presentation better?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Could you please move so I could walk here," she said as I gave her a strange look.

The New York Times

Could you please move over a bit?" If your fellow rider is about to leave half a meal behind, you can alert him that he forgot something.

The New York Times

Or you could say, "Could you please move weight on me?" Or you could say, "Do you mind if I get a towel to dry myself off?" Do you think the tone of the second series is edgier, darker?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

(Translation: I have to write, could you please go away?).

Science Magazine

If not, could we please move along?

The New Yorker

At this point, I turned my full body towards him and, in a voice which was meant to carry but which actually came out as a whisper, said: "Could you please stop touching me?" He moved his hand, nodded, and got off the train at the next station.

The Guardian

And could you please suggest the best mode of travel?

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could you please move" when you want to make a polite request for someone to change their position without being demanding. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "could you please move" excessively in very casual situations where a simple "move" or "excuse me" would suffice. Over-formality can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could you please move" functions as a polite imperative, softening a direct command into a request. Ludwig AI confirms it is a commonly used phrase for asking someone to change their position.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could you please move" serves as a polite request for someone to change their position. Ludwig AI analysis identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While it's suitable for both formal and informal settings, overuse in very casual situations can sound unnatural. Consider alternatives like "excuse me" or "would you mind moving?" depending on the situation. Its frequency is uncommon, with usage primarily in news, science and wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would you mind moving

A polite inquiry asking if someone objects to moving.

can you step aside

A direct request for someone to move out of the way.

excuse me, please move

A standard phrase used to politely interrupt and ask someone to move.

could you step away

Asking someone to move a short distance away.

would you be able to move

A more formal and polite way of asking someone to move.

can you move over

Asking someone to shift their position to create more space.

is it possible for you to move

A very formal and indirect request.

please make way

A somewhat formal request for people to clear a path.

kindly move aside

A polite and slightly formal request.

would you kindly move

A very polite and somewhat old-fashioned request.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "could you please move" to sound more casual?

In informal situations, you can use phrases like "excuse me", "mind moving?", or simply "move" depending on the context and your relationship with the person.

Is "could you please move" appropriate for formal situations?

Yes, "could you please move" is suitable for formal settings. It is a polite and respectful way to ask someone to change their position.

What's the difference between "could you please move" and "can you please move"?

"Could you please move" is generally considered more polite and formal than "can you please move". Both are acceptable, but "could" implies a greater degree of deference.

Are there any situations where "could you please move" might be inappropriate?

While generally polite, using "could you please move" might be excessive or sound sarcastic if the situation clearly warrants a more direct or urgent request. In emergencies, a simple "move" is more appropriate.