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The Personal English Company


Sample Material from Say It Politely!

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Examples from daily transactions

More Polite Less Polite

1. Requesting

  • I wonder if I might use your pen.
  • I wonder if you would lend me your pen.
  • Can you bring me the file?
  • Give me that/your pen.
  • I want you to give me your pen.
  • You must bring me that file.

2. Refusing

  • I'm sorry I can't attend the meeting because I'll be at the dentist.
  • I would attend the meeting, but I have a dental appointment.
  • No, I won't/can't attend the meeting.

3. Accepting an Apology

  • No problem.
  • That's OK.
  • I understand.
  • Don't worry about it.
  • Don't let it happen again.
  • Don't ever do that again.
  • If you do that again, I'll never forgive you.

Copyright 1996, The Personal English Company

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