please to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please to" is not correct in standard written English.
It is often used in older or more formal contexts, but it is generally considered outdated and not commonly used in modern English. Example: "I am pleased to inform you that your application has been accepted."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Entries, please, to [email protected].

The Economist

"Please to use it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Postings, please, to www.economist.com/forums/tq.

The Economist

But yes please to Mindy Kaling!

The Guardian - Film

PREMINGER: Let me talk, please, to someone in his office.

The New Yorker

And it's time, please, to stop talking about Michael Foot.

The Guardian - Opinion

Donations please to Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice, Northport, New York.

The New York Times

Donations please to CAF Community Foundation--The Chris Recny Foundation.

The New York Times

"Please to take laundry out of washing machine".

The New Yorker

A bit more attitude, please, to go with the altitude.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Honoured first guest - please to use the Imam's own WC".

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "please to" in formal writing or modern contexts; it is considered outdated and grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI. Opt for more standard phrases like "please" or "I am pleased to".

Common error

Don't assume "please to" is interchangeable with standard polite phrases. While intending to be courteous, it can sound awkward or incorrect. For general politeness, use "please". For expressing happiness or willingness, use "I am pleased to" or "I'm happy to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please to" primarily functions as an attempted politeness marker or introduces an action. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is not considered standard English and is often seen as grammatically incorrect in contemporary usage. It often appears in contexts where a request or instruction is being given.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "please to" appears frequently in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect in modern standard English. Though it's found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki contexts, authoritative sources generally advise against its use. Instead, opt for more common and grammatically sound alternatives like "please" or "I am pleased to" to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing. Remember that intending to be polite doesn't mean you should use obsolete structures; prioritize clarity and correctness instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if you would please

A polite introductory phrase for a request, adding a touch of formality and deference.

kindly

A single-word adverb denoting politeness in a request or instruction, more concise than "please to".

would you be so kind as to

An indirect and courteous way of asking someone to do something, focusing on their kindness.

please be so kind as to

A more elaborate and formal way of making a request, emphasizing politeness but adding length.

be pleased to

Expresses satisfaction or willingness in a formal context, differing from a direct request.

I would be grateful if you could

A request conveying a sense of thankfulness.

if it pleases you to

A highly formal and somewhat archaic way to express consent or agreement, quite different in tone.

do me the honor of

Used to express gratitude in highly polite requests

I respectfully request

A direct formal approach.

I ask that you

Direct approach without gratitude.

FAQs

Is "please to" grammatically correct?

No, "please to" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in modern standard English. Ludwig AI flags it as non-standard. Use alternatives like "please" or "I am pleased to" for correct usage.

When is it appropriate to use "please to"?

While generally discouraged, "please to" might be encountered in older texts or very formal, sometimes archaic, contexts. However, it's best to avoid it in contemporary writing.

What can I say instead of "please to"?

Depending on the intended meaning, you can use "please" for requests or "I am pleased to" or "I'm happy to" when expressing satisfaction. For example, instead of "Please to help yourself", say "Please, help yourself".

Are there situations where "please to" is acceptable?

In most modern writing and speech, "please to" is not acceptable. While it might appear in older literature, current usage standards favor clearer, more direct phrasing.