is please

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is please" is not correct and usable in written English.
It appears to be a fragment and lacks context to convey a complete thought or request. Example: "The answer is please let me know if you need further assistance."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

All I can say is please.

The New Yorker

The album's best moment is "Please Don't Leave Me".

The New Yorker

What I think is: please don't let this feeling stop".

The New York Times

The third is, please, God, let the brakes work.

The New York Times

"First thing is, Please let nobody have died," he said.

The New Yorker

So, my message to the lawmakers is: please protect us".

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"The magic word is 'please,' " she said.

The New York Times

"The long term is, 'Please, just get me some tenants.' ".

The New York Times

"All I say is, 'Please let it happen.' ".

The New York Times

"What I would like to say is, 'Please, don't be afraid'.

The Guardian

"What women are saying to us is, 'Please, just give us some confidence,'" Trinny adds.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and grammatical correctness, restructure sentences using phrases like "is requested" or "kindly ask" instead of the fragmented "is please".

Common error

Avoid using "is please" as a standalone request, as it lacks grammatical completeness. Instead, integrate it into a full sentence or use a more direct command or request.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is please" typically functions as an incomplete or implied request or imperative. While grammatically questionable, Ludwig shows that it frequently appears in media when someone is quoting or reporting speech, to soften a command, or express desire. It is grammatically incorrect and considered a phrase fragment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While frequently encountered, the phrase "is please" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian reveals its common appearance in media and informal contexts, often used to soften requests or express a desire. However, it's advisable to opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as ""is requested"" or "kindly ask" to ensure clarity and professionalism in your writing. Ludwig AI confirms it is not correct or usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Kindly

Replaces the phrase with a single word indicating politeness. "Kindly" is more concise and formal.

If you would

Introduces a conditional element, making the request more indirect and polite.

I kindly ask

A more explicit and polite way of phrasing a request, adding emphasis to the requestor's politeness.

Would you be so kind as to

Significantly increases the formality and politeness of the request.

I respectfully request

Conveys a sense of deference and high regard for the recipient.

May I ask

Forms a question to introduce the request, making it sound less direct.

It would be appreciated if

Emphasizes the value of the action to the speaker.

I would be grateful if

Expresses thankfulness in advance for the action being requested.

Do

Used as an imperative to give emphasis.

Could you possibly

Emphasizes the possibility of the action rather than directly commanding it.

FAQs

How can I properly use a phrase similar to "is please" in a sentence?

Instead of the grammatically questionable "is please", consider restructuring your sentence. For example, you could say "The request "is requested"" or "It "would be appreciated" if you could."

What phrases can I use instead of "is please" to sound more polite?

To increase politeness, try using phrases like "kindly ask", "if you would", or "would you be so kind". These options are grammatically sound and convey respect.

Is it ever correct to use the phrase "is please"?

While "is please" appears in some contexts, especially in media, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's best to opt for clearer, more grammatically sound alternatives to avoid misinterpretation.

What's the difference between saying "is please" and "please"?

Saying "please" is a direct and universally accepted way to make a request. "Is please" lacks grammatical structure and is not a standard way of making a request, so prefer the more concise "please".