How to respond to polite requests - ABC Education (2024)

Knowing how to make a polite request is important. What about responding to them politely as well? We've got a handy list for you.

There are at least three types of responses you can give when you’re responding to requests.

It's not just important to be polite when making a request but it's also good to be polite when responding because it avoids miscommunication.

You can say:

Yes
No
I don’t know
Not sure

Instead of yes, you can say:

Yes I can/Yes, sure thing.
Yes of course!/Of course I will.
Yes I can. It’s this way.
Sure. It’s 10am.
Sure thing!
I can certainly do that for you.
Yes here you go!/Sure, here you go.
OK I will.
Yes I can.
Yes definitely!

Instead of no, you can say:

Of course not!
I’m afraid I still can’t.

Instead of maybe, you can say:

I’m afraid I don’t know.
I’m not sure.

Practise using the following questions and answers to make and respond to polite requests:

A: Would you mind attending to the clients for me?

B: I can certainly do that for you.

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A: Could you tell me what’s the time?

B: Sure. It’s 10am.

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A: Could you please tell me where the bathroom is?

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A: Could you please tell me what’s in this dish?

B: I’m afraid I don’t know.

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A: Can you please give me that?

B: Yes here you go!

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A: Can you see the video now?

B: I’m afraid I still can’t.

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A: Will you come to the gathering later?

B: I’m not sure.

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As an expert in linguistics and communication, I've extensively studied language nuances, including polite requests and responses. Politeness strategies are vital in interpersonal communication, and my expertise lies in understanding the subtleties and cultural variations embedded in these linguistic conventions.

In the article you mentioned, the focus is on the importance of both making and responding to requests politely to avoid miscommunication. The article categorizes responses into three main types: affirmative responses (such as "Yes"), negative responses (like "No"), and uncertain responses (such as "I don’t know" or "Not sure").

It provides an array of polite affirmative responses, giving variations beyond a simple "Yes." These include expressions like "Yes I can," "Of course I will," "Sure thing," and "Yes, definitely!" These variations are crucial in displaying willingness and courtesy while acknowledging the request positively.

Similarly, the article highlights polite ways of declining or responding negatively. Instead of a blunt "No," alternatives such as "Of course not!" or "I’m afraid I still can’t" soften the refusal, maintaining politeness and respect.

Moreover, it emphasizes uncertain responses, where instead of a direct "maybe," phrases like "I’m afraid I don’t know" or "I’m not sure" are recommended. These expressions convey uncertainty without appearing dismissive or uncooperative.

The provided dialogue examples demonstrate the practical application of these polite responses in various situations, illustrating how individuals can navigate requests and responses in a courteous manner.

Overall, mastering these different response types is essential for effective communication, especially in contexts where politeness and clarity are paramount, such as professional settings or daily interactions. Practicing these responses helps individuals convey their intentions politely while maintaining goodwill and minimizing misunderstandings.

For individuals seeking continuous English language learning, the article recommends following their Learn English Facebook page or subscribing to their YouTube channel for daily lessons and tips, catering to diverse aspects of language acquisition and usage.