could you please return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could you please return" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making a polite request for someone to return something, such as an item or a favor. Example: "Could you please return the book I lent you last month?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Giuliani, could you please return to your podium?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Me: Can you please return phone to Target customer service?

Huffington Post

Could you please give me his exact mailing address?

The New Yorker

ROMNEY: I said could you please pass the water.

The New Yorker

Could you please pass the salt?

Huffington Post

4. Could you please give more details on this trial?

Biology Direct

Upon his return he received an email from Macmillan saying that the person who'd bought the painting had contacted them saying they were happy for the charity to keep the money but could they please return the painting.

Independent

In return, dear men, could you please stop obsessing over big breasts only to turn around and whinge about the way they hang twenty years later?

Vice

Dear Master Clinician, Re: Invitation I am writing this letter to ask you to please return to us.

F1000Research

Could you please call for an ambulance?" Then, finally, with considerable effort, I managed to lift myself from my chair and return to my apartment, where I felt so weak I was barely able to undress.

The New York Times

Could you, please?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could you please return", ensure the context is appropriate for a polite request. It's suitable for asking for items or favors back, but may not be appropriate for demanding actions.

Common error

Avoid using "could you please return" excessively in situations where direct instructions are necessary. Over-politeness can sometimes dilute the clarity and impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could you please return" functions as a polite imperative. It's used to soften a request, making it more courteous. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, indicating it's a standard way to phrase such a request.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could you please return" is a grammatically sound and polite way to request something back. According to Ludwig, it’s suitable for various contexts, though particularly well-suited for scenarios where politeness is key. Ludwig's analysis, combined with the examples, suggests its effectiveness across a range of communication settings, from news to personal interactions. While not the most frequent phrase, it provides a useful option for those seeking a balance between clarity and courtesy in their language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would you kindly return

Replaces "could you" with "would you kindly" for a slightly more formal and polite tone.

may I ask you to return

Emphasizes the request as a question of permission, adding a layer of politeness.

could you send back

Substitutes "return" with "send back", focusing on the action of sending.

would you mind returning

Uses a more indirect approach, asking if the person objects to returning something.

can you please give back

Replaces "return" with "give back", which can sound slightly more informal.

is it possible to return

Focuses on the possibility of returning, suitable when the action might be difficult.

we would appreciate its return

Shifts the focus to the speaker's appreciation, making it a more formal request.

your prompt return would be appreciated

Highlights the value of a quick return, emphasizing urgency politely.

please send it back when you can

Offers flexibility in timing while still requesting the return.

return it at your earliest convenience

Combines a request with an allowance for the other person's schedule.

FAQs

How do I use "could you please return" in a sentence?

Use "could you please return" when you want to politely ask someone to give something back. For example, "Could you please return the book I lent you last month?"

What can I say instead of "could you please return"?

You can use alternatives like "would you kindly return", "may I ask you to return", or "would you mind returning" depending on the context.

Is "can you please return" as polite as "could you please return"?

"Could you please return" is generally considered more polite than "can you please return". The word "could" adds a softer, more courteous tone to the request.

When is it inappropriate to use "could you please return"?

It might be inappropriate to use "could you please return" in situations requiring direct commands or urgent instructions. In those cases, a more direct approach might be more effective.