So, you want to ask someone to do something for you as professionally as possible.
However, you’re a little worried that could you please might be a bit rude or informal.
Well, that’s what we’re here to help with.
This article will teach you how to say could you please in different ways. Then, you can ensure that you won’t upset anyone.
7 Alternative Ways to Say “Could You Please”
You should review the following alternatives to find out better ways to say could you please:
- Would you kindly
- Do you mind
- I would appreciate it if
- Would it be possible for you
- May I ask that you
- I’m wondering if you
- I’d be grateful if you
1. Would You Kindly
You can use would you kindly as a professional alternative to could you please. Both phrases follow a very similar pattern, which is why they’re both quite effective.
Of course, we always recommend switching things around in your writing.
The more you switch up your synonyms, the more exciting your emails will look.
That’s why this is such a great choice. It’s polite and respectful, for the most part. So, the recipient will be more than happy to oblige you.
Generally, you can use it when contacting a business partner. It lets them know that you’d appreciate a business update of some kind, especially if you’ve been waiting for a while.
You can also check out this sample email:
Dear Mr. Foster,
Would you kindly provide me with an update when possible?
I’d like to know what we’re working with before I invest.
Thank you so much,
Joanna Scoffield
2. Do You Mind
For something a little simpler, you can use do you mind as another way to say could you please.
This is a great way to remain formal and to the point. It shows that you’d like to make a request, but you want to do so in the humblest and most polite way.
Generally, this is a great way to address a client. It shows that you respect them a great deal and would like to ask them something without making them feel like you’re pushing them.
Here’s a great email sample to help you understand it better:
Dear Miss Stone,
Do you mind if you call me when you get a chance?
I’d like to discuss this matter with you in more detail as soon as possible.
Kind regards,
Barry Moore
3. I Would Appreciate It If
You can also write I would appreciate it if instead of could you please.
This is a great phrase to use in your formal emails. It shows that you would like it if someone could help you with a task, but you will also understand if they’re not able (or willing) to do so.
Generally, this is going to work wonders when contacting your boss. It shows that you’d appreciate it if they could do something, but you understand they might be too busy.
If you’re still unsure, you can check out this example:
Dear Mr. Anthony,
I would appreciate it if you approve my project.
Then, I can start working on it with my team to see what we can achieve.
Yours,
George Thorne
4. Would It Be Possible for You
It’s also a good idea to write would it be possible for you instead of could you please.
This doesn’t take anything for granted. It’s a humble choice that shows you think someone might be too busy to help, but you’re still going to ask.
We highly recommend this when emailing your boss. After all, it’s a great way to respect them and show them that you value their time, but you’d still like to ask for something.
Feel free to check out this email sample to learn more about it:
Dear Miss Adams,
Would it be possible for you to send me the information?
I’d like to look into it more thoroughly, so I’d appreciate it if I could get it from you.
All the best,
Joel Danforth
5. May I Ask That You
Try using may I ask that you as a formal and polite synonym in your writing.
It works well when contacting an employee. Generally, this will show that you’d like an employee to start working on a task for you, but you want to do so in a respectful way.
Your employees will be happy to hear this. It shows that you’re not being too pushy about setting them a new task.
We also recommend reviewing this example to help you:
Dear Michelle,
May I ask that you look into it on my behalf?
I’ll be very happy to compensate you for any time spent on this.
Best wishes,
Billie Eiffel
6. I’m Wondering if You
It’s also smart to try I’m wondering if you instead of could you please.
This is highly effective because it shows that you’re hoping someone might help.
This can work well when contacting a coworker. It shows that you trust and value them, and you’d like to find out whether they’re willing to help you.
Here’s a great email sample to teach you more about how it works:
Dear Thomas,
I’m wondering if you could help me with this problem I’m having.
You have done it before, and I would appreciate it if I could learn from you again!
Thank you so much,
Norbert Kingston
7. I’d Be Grateful if You
Finally, you can use I’d be grateful if you instead of could you please.
This is a great option that keeps things formal and polite. It shows that you’d like to make a request, and you’d appreciate it if the recipient was willing to help you.
Try using it when contacting a client. It lets them know that you’d be grateful if they could help you with something.
Also, review this email example to learn more about it:
Dear Ms. Bean,
I’d be grateful if you could get back to me on this.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you, as I believe our goals are aligned.
All the best,
Melissa Smart
Is It Correct to Say “Could You Please”?
Could you please is correct to say in formal emails.
It’s polite to use in your writing. It’s a great way to appear genuine when you’d like to make a request.
Generally, it’s quite professional. So, you’ll often see it as the first line in an email when asking for someone’s help or assistance.
Check out this email sample to learn more about it:
Dear Russell,
Could you please provide me with an update when you get the time?
I’d like to know what’s going on with this project.
Yours,
Maria Hill
Also, you can switch could to can. This variation makes things a bit less formal, but it can work well when you know the recipient on a more friendly level.
For instance:
Dear Joe,
Can you please elaborate on this?
I’m curious to know what we’re supposed to do as we move forward.
Thank you so much,
Benny Hana
