This note is for someone who wants a simple reference for asking another person to do something in English.
A request sentence is not only a command with please. Different request openers change how direct, polite, or indirect the sentence feels.
Basic Patterns
| Pattern | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Please [base verb] [object]. | Direct instruction with polite wording. | Please send me the file. |
| Can you [base verb] [object]? | Direct everyday request. | Can you send me the file? |
| Could you [base verb] [object]? | Polite default request. | Could you send me the file? |
| Would you mind [verb-ing] [object]? | Very polite request, often when the request may bother someone. | Would you mind sending me the file? |
| Is it possible to [base verb] [object]? | Indirect request about possibility or availability. | Is it possible to send me the file today? |
How the Tone Changes
Please send me the file is clear and direct. It can sound natural when the action is expected, such as in a work process, checklist, or instruction.
Can you send me the file? is also direct, but it sounds more conversational because it is phrased as a question.
Could you send me the file? is usually the safest default. It is polite without sounding too formal.
Would you mind sending me the file? is more polite and indirect. Use it when you want to soften the request.
Is it possible to send me the file today? asks about possibility. It is useful when timing, permission, access, or workload may be uncertain.
If the person doing the action may be unclear, name the person:
- Is it possible for you to send me the file today?
Choosing a Default
Use Could you ...? when you are not sure which form to choose.
Use Please ... when the request is part of an expected task, instruction, or procedure.
Use Can you ...? when the relationship is casual or the request is simple.
Use Would you mind ...? when you want to sound especially considerate.
Use Is it possible to ...? when you are checking whether the action can happen.
Common Grammar Mistakes
After Can you and Could you, use the base verb.
- Correct: Could you send me the file?
- Incorrect: Could you to send me the file?
After Would you mind, use the -ing form.
- Correct: Would you mind sending me the file?
- Incorrect: Would you mind send me the file?
After Please, use the base verb.
- Correct: Please send me the file.
- Incorrect: Please to send me the file.
Boundary
This note focuses on asking another person to do something.
When asking for permission for yourself, use a different pattern:
- Can I leave early today?
- Could I ask one more question?
- May I use this room?
Practical Rule
If the request is ordinary and you want to sound polite, use:
Could you [base verb] [object]?
Then add a constraint when needed:
Could you send me the file by Friday?
Connected Reading
Extends
- English Request Patterns for Collaboration. Applies basic request sentence patterns to work, review, planning, editing, and AI-agent collaboration.