- A word used to make a request or command more polite.
- Can also be used to express exasperation or disbelief, or to urge someone strongly.
Explanation
Origin
- Derived from the Old French phrase s'il vous plaît (if it pleases you) or similar expressions.
- Its use signifies respect for the other person's willingness to comply.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (Exasperation):
- Get outta here! (Expressing disbelief)
- Whatever. (Dismissive)
- As if! (Expressing disbelief, associated with 90s slang but still used)
Vulgar/Emphatic (Exasperation/Urging):
- Oh for fuck's sake! (Exasperation)
- Fucking help me, please! (Urgent pleading)
Milder/Standard (Request):
- (Using polite sentence structures like Could you... or Would you mind...)
Situational Appropriateness
- Polite Request/Acceptance: Appropriate and often necessary in almost all situations, formal and informal, to show politeness. Omitting it can sound rude.
- Exasperation/Urging: Informal. Depends heavily on tone and relationship. Avoid the exasperated use in formal or professional settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The biggest risk is misinterpreting the exasperated please. Non-native speakers might hear it as a polite request if they miss the tonal cues (sarcasm, annoyance). Context and tone are key.
- Forgetting to use please when making requests can make the speaker seem demanding or rude in many cultures.
Examples
- Request: Could you pass the salt, please?
- Command: Please be quiet.
- Offer acceptance: Would you like some tea? Yes, please.
- Exasperation: Oh, please. Don't be ridiculous. (Tone is crucial)
- Urging: Please, you have to help me!
Dialogue
Scenario 1 (Polite Request):
Customer: Could I have the bill, please?
Waiter: Certainly, I'll bring it right over.
Scenario 2 (Accepting Offer):
Host: More coffee?
Guest: Yes, please.
Scenario 3 (Exasperation):
Teenager: But everyone else is going!
Parent: Oh, please. Don't start with that again.
Social Media Examples
- Request: Can anyone recommend a good plumber in London, please? #help
- Exasperation (reply to an unbelievable claim): Oh please 🙄 That's clearly fake.
- Acceptance (reply to an offer): Yes please! I'd love to join the beta.
Response Patterns
To a polite request with please:
- Compliance (performing the action).
- Okay. / Sure. / Certainly. / Of course.
- An explanation if unable to comply (Sorry, I can't right now because...).
To Yes, please:
- Providing the offered item/service. (Here you go.)
To exasperated Please:
- Silence, defensiveness (What?), or argument.
To urgent Please:
- Question (What's wrong?), reassurance (Okay, calm down), or action.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After making a request with please:
- The speaker waits for compliance or a response.
- Might say Thank you afterwards.
After hearing an exasperated Please:
- The listener might ask What? or challenge the speaker's disbelief.
After hearing an urgent Please:
- The listener typically asks for more information (What is it?) or takes immediate action if the context is clear.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used within a conversation to make requests, express reactions, or accept offers.
Intonation
- Polite request: Soft tone, often at the end of the sentence with falling intonation. ...pass the salt, please. Or at the start: Please sit down.
- Acceptance: Bright, falling intonation. Yes, please.
- Exasperation/Disbelief: Drawn out, often with a sigh or eye roll. Stress on please, rising then falling intonation. Oh, PLEEEASE.
- Urging: Stressed, higher pitch, pleading tone. PLEASE, listen!
Generation Differences
- The polite use is universal.
- The exasperated Oh, please is common across many generations.
Regional Variations
- Standard and essential in all English-speaking regions.