please oblige

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please oblige" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a polite request for someone to do something. Example: "If you could please oblige by sending me the report by the end of the day, I would greatly appreciate it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But "dai" just means "Come on!" as in, "Please, oblige me".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And because grandparents aim to please, Granny obliges.

The New York Times - Books

Democrats are pleased to oblige Mr Gilmore, and perhaps to raise the ante: they want to do away with the food tax altogether.In New Jersey another Republican governor, Christine Todd Whitman, is pressing a five-year, $1-billion plan to help home-owners pay local school taxes.

The Economist

"Can I have the check, please?" The waiter obliged.

The New York Times

He said, "One bite, please!" and they obliged, though one woman lost her tiny green sprout.

The New Yorker

"Would you spell that, please, Tone?" LaRussa obliges, somewhat testily, and reaches the "C-Y" area when Lilliquist says, "Oh, him — you got it, Skip".

The New Yorker

She said she obliged to please her father.

Los Angeles Times

Years later, when my mother-in-law sent out invites for my own baby shower -- for twins, no less -- I had to stop myself from launching a follow-up email apologizing, saying something like, please, don't feel obliged to come.

Huffington Post

Several informants, especially those without machines, did not see any added value of telemedicine, which suggests that they did not feel obliged to please us.

BMC Nephrology

"If it was permissible for school officials to declare intent for a student, they could state anything they please and we would be obliged to accept their word as verification," wrote the auditor, L. T. Bailey.

The New York Times

This may only increase long-term liabilities but Mr Venizelos, desperate to please creditors now, is expected to oblige.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "please oblige" when you want to politely request someone to do something, especially in formal or semi-formal contexts. It adds a touch of courteousness to your request.

Common error

Avoid using "please oblige" in very casual settings, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "please do this" or "would you mind" in informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please oblige" functions as a polite request, where "please" softens the imperative nature of "oblige". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for making courteous requests.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please oblige" is a grammatically sound and polite way to request action or compliance. As Ludwig AI reports, while correct, its occurrence is relatively rare. Its formality is suitable for neutral to professional contexts, such as news reporting or business communications, but it may sound out of place in casual conversation. Remembering this information should help ensure effective and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Kindly comply

Replaces "please" with "kindly", emphasizing politeness while "oblige" is replaced with "comply", focusing on adherence to a request.

Please accommodate

"Accommodate" suggests making adjustments to fulfill a request, differing from the direct compliance implied by "oblige".

Please fulfill

"Fulfill" emphasizes completing or satisfying a request, rather than simply complying with it.

Be so kind as to comply

This phrase introduces a higher level of formality and indirectness in making the request.

If you would be so kind

This phrase is more tentative and indirect, expressing the request as a conditional possibility.

Please assist

This emphasizes providing help or support, which is a broader action than simply complying.

Please cooperate

This implies working together to achieve a goal, rather than just fulfilling a request.

I'd be grateful if you would

This shifts the focus to expressing gratitude for the action, rather than directly requesting it.

Your compliance is requested

This is a formal and passive way of asking for compliance, removing the direct "please".

Would you be willing to

This phrase inquiries about willingness, making it a more hesitant and polite request.

FAQs

How can I use "please oblige" in a sentence?

You can use "please oblige" to politely request someone to do something. For example: "If you could "please oblige" by sending the documents by tomorrow, it would be greatly appreciated."

What is a more informal way to say "please oblige"?

In more informal contexts, you can use phrases like "please help" or "please assist". The choice depends on the specific situation and your relationship with the person you are addressing.

Is "please oblige" suitable for business correspondence?

Yes, "please oblige" is suitable for business correspondence when making a polite request. It conveys a sense of formality and respect. However, ensure the overall tone of your message aligns with the level of formality.

What's the difference between "please oblige" and "please comply"?

"Please oblige" is a more general request for someone to do something, while "please comply" specifically asks someone to act in accordance with a command or rule. "Oblige" implies a willingness to be helpful, whereas "comply" focuses on adherence to a requirement.