please sit down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please sit down" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, in a memo to co-workers, you could write "Please sit down when you arrive at the meeting so we can begin promptly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Please sit down, keep remaining sitting.

The Guardian

Jorge, please sit down".

The New Yorker

"Please sit down".

The New Yorker

TRUMP: Please sit down.

The Washington Post

"Please sit down," he implores.

The New Yorker

Please sit down, he said.

The New Yorker

"How are you?" "Please sit down".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Please sit.

The Guardian - Tech

"But then I usually have to say: 'Hon, please come sit down.

The New York Times - Magazine

I walked up to the woman at the counter in NYC and said, "Good afternoon, we just arrived from Dublin and were told to check with you about seat assignments, that they were putting a request in the computer... .. "The flight is full, there's no changes, there's five requests ahead of you now so please just sit down and I'll get to you later...".

Huffington Post

So we were pleased to sit down with Barrett at TechCrunch TV to get the rundown in person on Expensify's growth thus far and its plans for the future.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In urgent situations, such as during an emergency, use "please sit down" to calmly instruct people to remain seated, preventing panic and maintaining order. For instance: "Ladies and gentlemen, here the captain, please sit down, keep remaining sitting. We have a bomb on board."

Common error

While "please sit down" is generally polite, overusing it in casual settings or with close friends can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "sit down" or "have a seat" to maintain a relaxed atmosphere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please sit down" functions primarily as an imperative, specifically a polite request or command. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and standard phrase used to invite or instruct someone to take a seat. The examples show diverse contexts, from casual invitations to formal instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "please sit down" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to politely invite or instruct someone to take a seat. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's versatile and applicable across various contexts, from casual settings to formal announcements. With numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, its usage is widespread in news media, academic writing, and professional communication. While generally neutral in register, the inclusion of "please" adds a touch of formality, making it suitable for diverse scenarios. Consider using alternative phrases like "have a seat" or "be seated" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. The phrase maintains its relevance in both everyday conversation and critical communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Have a seat

A more concise and informal way to offer seating.

Take a seat

Similar to "have a seat", offering seating in a casual manner.

Be seated, please

A more formal and polite inversion of the original phrase.

Please be seated

A formal command to sit, often used in official settings.

Would you like to sit?

A question format offering the option to sit, less direct.

Sit here, please

Directs someone to a specific seat.

Make yourself comfortable

Invites someone to relax and sit, focusing on their comfort.

Take a load off

An informal idiom suggesting to sit and relax.

Find a chair

Suggests locating and sitting in a chair, less polite.

Rest yourself

A slightly archaic way of inviting someone to sit and rest.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to sit?

Use phrases like "please sit down", "have a seat", or "please be seated", depending on the level of formality required.

What's a more casual way to say "please sit down"?

In informal settings, you can say "sit down", "take a seat", or simply "have a seat".

Is "please sit down" appropriate for formal situations?

Yes, "please sit down" is perfectly appropriate for formal situations. For added formality, you might use "please be seated".

Can "please sit down" be used in urgent or emergency situations?

Yes, "please sit down" can be used to instruct people to remain seated in urgent situations to maintain order and prevent panic. However, clarity and tone are crucial in such contexts.