pretty please

USAGE SUMMARY

"pretty please" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a polite way to emphasize a request. For example: "Could you do this for me pretty please?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Pretty please?

The Guardian

"Pretty please, Mummy, pretty please".

The New Yorker

Pretty please?" "I put out the fire".

The New Yorker

Can I say a series, pretty please?

The Guardian

Pretty please?" The Haggler's first and so far only tweet.

The New York Times

(The e-mails don't say "Pretty please!" — yet).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It's a pretty, pleasing confection.

The New York Times - Arts

And the crowd seemed pretty pleased too.

The Guardian - Music

"I'm pretty pleased with the way the team played.

Independent

"And being able to help your partner's self-expansion would be pretty pleasing to yourself".

The New York Times

UPDATE: Pretty pleased with what I've come up with in just six days.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and situation. While "pretty please" can be endearing, it may not be appropriate in formal or professional contexts. Opt for more formal language in these situations.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty please" too frequently, as it can diminish its effect and make your communication sound overly saccharine or insincere. Balance it with more direct and professional language.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pretty please" is as an interjection, used to add emphasis and politeness to a request. It's a way to soften a demand and make it more appealing, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

TechCrunch

12%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretty please" is an informal interjection used to add emphasis and politeness to a request. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news, tech, and lifestyle media. While effective in casual conversation, more formal language is recommended for professional settings. Remember to use it sparingly to maintain its impact and avoid sounding insincere. Alternatives like "please, I beg you" or "I implore you" can be used in other contexts to express a similar sentiment with different levels of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Please, with sugar on top

An intensifier implying "really pretty please".

Please do it for me

Directly requests a favor.

I'm asking you nicely

Highlights the politeness of the request.

Please, I beg you

Emphasizes desperation in the request.

If you would be so kind

A polite and slightly formal request.

I'm pleading with you

Indicates a desperate and emotional request.

I implore you

A more formal and earnest plea.

I'd be grateful if you would

Focuses on the gratitude felt if the request is granted.

Would you do me the honor

A formal and respectful way of asking for a favor.

I'm on my hands and knees

Exaggerated expression indicating the desperation of the request.

FAQs

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

You can use "pretty please" at the end of a request to emphasize its politeness, such as "Can I have some more cake, "pretty please"?"

Is "pretty please" appropriate for formal situations?

No, "pretty please" is generally considered informal. In formal settings, use more professional language such as "I would be grateful if you could" or "I would appreciate it if you would".

What are some alternatives to "pretty please"?

Alternatives to "pretty please" include "please, I beg you", "I implore you", or simply adding "please" to your request.

When is it okay to use "pretty please"?

"Pretty please" is best used in informal situations with friends, family, or colleagues you have a casual relationship with. It's suitable when asking for a small favor or making a lighthearted request.