would you please

USAGE SUMMARY

'Would you please' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as a polite way of making a request or in response to a question, such as, "Would you please help me with this task?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would you please welcome.

The New York Times

Would you please adjust".

The New Yorker

Would you please stay there?

The New York Times

"Mothers, would you please get out!

The New Yorker

Would you please repeat the question…?

The New Yorker

Would you please repeat that?

Yale University

Now would you please buy our shares.

The Guardian

Now, would you please address that?

The New York Times

MR. ROMNEY: Will you please — would you please wait?

The New York Times

Would you please knock it off?" Bet it stops.

The New York Times

"Would you please stand up, Ma'am?" he asked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would you please" in writing, ensure the sentence structure is clear and the request is easily understood. Avoid ambiguity to ensure the desired action is taken.

Common error

Avoid using "would you please" excessively in casual conversations. Overuse can sound overly formal or even sarcastic, diminishing its effectiveness. Opt for simpler alternatives like "please" or "can you" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "would you please" is to act as a polite interrogative used to issue a request. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase. It is typically followed by a verb indicating the action being requested, as seen in examples like "Would you please repeat that?"

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would you please" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used for making polite requests. Ludwig AI underlines this. It's prevalent across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation, though its level of formality should be considered. Alternatives like "could you please" or simply "please" offer options for different situations. Use it thoughtfully to maintain a courteous tone in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could you please

Replaces "would" with "could", offering a slightly less formal tone while maintaining politeness.

can you please

Uses "can" instead of "would", making the request more direct and less formal.

please

A very concise and direct way to make a request, suitable for informal situations.

kindly

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb that conveys politeness.

I'd be grateful if you could

Similar to the previous phrase, but slightly less formal and more conversational.

I would appreciate it if you would

A longer, more formal way of making a request, emphasizing gratitude.

may I ask you to

A formal way to introduce a request, often used in professional settings.

if you wouldn't mind

Expresses a request indirectly, softening the tone and showing consideration.

is it possible for you to

Focuses on the possibility of fulfilling the request, adding a layer of politeness.

I request you to

A direct and somewhat formal way of making a request, often used in written communication.

FAQs

How to use "would you please" in a sentence?

"Would you please" is typically used to make a polite request. For example: "Would you please close the door?" or "Would you please help me?"

What can I say instead of "would you please"?

You can use alternatives like "could you please", "can you please", or just "please" depending on the context and level of formality.

Which is correct, "would you please" or "could you please"?

Both "would you please" and "could you please" are correct and polite. "Would" is generally considered slightly more formal than "could".

What's the difference between "would you please" and "can you please"?

"Would you please" is a more polite and formal request, while "can you please" is more direct and less formal. Use "would" when you want to be extra courteous, especially in professional settings.