Could you do me a favor?

[0192] I was wondering if..

🎲 Would you like...?
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A very polite and indirect way to make a request, ask a question, or introduce a suggestion or possibility.
  • Softens the request by framing it as a thought the speaker has been having.

Origin

  • Uses the past continuous tense (was wondering) to create distance and make the request seem less immediate or demanding. It implies contemplation rather than a direct demand.
  • This indirectness is a common politeness strategy in English.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • I wonder if... (Slightly less common for requests, more for speculation)
  • Would it be possible to/if...?
  • Could you possibly...? / Could I possibly...?
  • Might I...? (Very formal permission)
  • Perhaps we could...? (Suggestion)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal: (Usually more direct)

  • Can I take Friday off?
  • Think we could grab lunch later? (Suggestion)
  • Do you know when the meeting is?

Vulgar/Emphatic: (Not applicable for this polite structure)

    Milder / Standard Direct Requests:

    • Could you...?
    • Can I...?
    • Do you know...?
    • Let's try... (Suggestion)

    Situational Appropriateness

    • Excellent for formal and semi-formal situations, especially when asking for something significant or speaking to someone in authority.
    • Also used in informal settings for politeness or when feeling hesitant.
    • Might sound overly indirect or hesitant in very casual situations where a direct request is expected.

    Misunderstanding Warnings

    • Generally well-understood as a polite request/inquiry. The indirectness is the key feature.

    Examples

    • Requesting Action: I was wondering if you could help me with this project.
    • Asking Permission: I was wondering if I could borrow your car this weekend.
    • Seeking Information: I was wondering if you know when the meeting starts.
    • Making a Suggestion: I was wondering if maybe we should try the other restaurant.

    Dialogue

    Employee: Excuse me, boss? I was wondering if I could possibly take Friday off? I have a family matter to attend to.

    Boss: Let me check the schedule... Yes, that looks like it should be okay.

    Employee: Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

    Social Media Examples

    • (Email/DM): Hi Professor, I was wondering if you had any feedback on my draft yet?
    • (Forum post): I was wondering if anyone has experience with this software bug?
    • (Group chat): I was wondering if people are free for a call sometime next week?

    Response Patterns

    • Agreement/Confirmation: Yes, of course. / Sure, I can help. / Yes, the meeting is at 3 PM. / That sounds like a good idea.
    • Refusal/Negative: Oh, I'm sorry, I can't this weekend. / Actually, I'm not sure... / I'd rather stick to the original plan.
    • Clarification: Help in what way? / Borrow my car for how long?

    Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

    • After a positive response: The asker expresses thanks and confirms details. The action/permission/information is then given/taken.
    • After a negative response: The asker usually accepts politely (Okay, thanks anyway, No problem).

    Conversation Starter

    • Yes, a very common and polite way to initiate a request or inquiry.

    Intonation

    • Gentle, thoughtful, often slightly hesitant tone.
    • Intonation usually falls slightly at the end, or stays level, rather than rising sharply like a direct question (though it can rise slightly).
    • I was wondering if you could HELP me with this...

    Generation Differences

    • Universal, standard polite English.

    Regional Variations

    • Universal.
    Could you do me a favor?
    🎲 Would you like...?