Sometimes you may be using the sentence correctly with no grammar mistakes, but you might be seen as a RUDE person because of the use of words you use without knowing it.
When ordering another cup of coffee:
(X) I want another cup of coffee.
(O) I'd like another cup of coffee.
>>> Use "I would like" to be more polite, do not use "I want" when ordering food or drinks.
Asking someone to repeat something you did not hear:
(X) What?
(O) Could you repeat that, please?
>>> Use "could" and "please" to express politeness.
When someone makes a mistake:
(X) You're wrong.
(O) I think you might be mistaken.
>>> Do not point out that the person is wrong directly. Be polite and let them know they might have made a mistake.
Asking for the washroom/toilet:
(X) Hey, where's the toilet? (O) Excuse me, could you tell me where the toilet is?
>>> When interrupting someone, say "excuse me" to be polite.
Asking someone to finish work:
(X) Finish this today.
(O) It would be great if you could finish this today.
>>> Do not use command words. People will be more willing to help you either at work or in daily routines.
Asking about who the person is on the phone/in person:
(X) Who are you? (O) May I have your name, please?
>>> Even if you are not at work, using "please" and "may" is more polite compared to WHO ARE YOU?!
Asking to borrow the pen:
(X) Can I use your pen?
(O) May I borrow your pen?
>>> Use "may" instead of "can"
Asking if you can smoke here:
(X) Can I smoke here?
(O) Would you mind if I smoked here?
>>>Even if you can smoke here, people usually mind second-hand smoke, so it is more polite to ask if the person cares about if you did smoke here
Asking about trying on clothes at a shop:
(X) Can I try this on?
(O) Would it be alright if I tried this dress on?
>>> Some stores do not allow their clothing/products to be tried on. "Would it be alright" is asking the store clerk if it is ok that I try on the product.
Asking to borrow the telephone:
(X) Can I use your phone?
(O) Would it be alright if I used your phone?
>>> Same as trying out clothes, some store may not like to borrow their phones for customer use
Asking for help in a store:
(X) Can you help?
(O) I was wondering if you could help me?
>>> The person you are asking may not be able to answer your questions with the lack of knowledge, using "if" leaves room for them to try to help you if they are able to
↘ Do you have any other sentences that you think should not be used or can be said in a polite manner? Comment below! ↙
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