Polite English sentences: requests, apologies and thanks

17. Sure, no problem.
18. Of course. Go ahead.
19. I'd be happy to help.
20. Yes, of course.
21. Not at all.Note: When someone asks "Would you mind...?", "Not at all" means yes, you can.
22. I'm afraid I can't today.
23. Sorry, I'm a bit busy right now. Maybe later?
24. I'd love to, but I already have plans.
25. I'm not sure I can, but I'll try.
26. Let me see what I can do.
27. I'm sorry, that's not possible.
28. Thanks for asking, but I'll pass this time.

29. Can I help you with that?
30. Would you like a hand?
31. Shall I carry that for you?
32. Let me get the door for you.
33. Would you like something to drink?
34. Do you want me to call a taxi?
35. I'll do it. Don't worry.
36. Let me know if there's anything I can do.
37. Thanks, but I can manage.
38. That would be great, thanks.

39. I'm so sorry.
40. Sorry I'm late.
41. Sorry to keep you waiting.
42. I apologise for the confusion.
43. Sorry, that was my fault.
44. I didn't mean to upset you.
45. I'm sorry, I forgot to call you back.
46. Sorry to bother you, but could I ask something?
47. Excuse me, could I get past?Note: Say "excuse me" before you interrupt or pass someone, and "sorry" after a small accident.
48. Sorry, I didn't catch that.
49. I'm really sorry about yesterday.
50. It won't happen again.
51. Please accept my apologies.
52. I owe you an apology.
53. Sorry for all the trouble.
54. Oops, sorry! Did I step on your foot?

55. That's OK.
56. No worries.
57. Don't worry about it.
58. It's not your fault.
59. It happens.
60. Apology accepted.
61. No harm done.
62. Never mind.
63. Forget about it.
64. It's fine, really.

65. Thank you so much.
66. Thanks a lot.
67. Thank you for your help.
68. Thanks for everything.
69. I really appreciate it.Note: Appreciate needs an object: "I appreciate it", not "I appreciate".
70. That's very kind of you.
71. I can't thank you enough.
72. Thanks for coming.
73. Thank you for being so patient.
74. You've been a great help.
75. Thanks for having me.
76. Thank you for the lovely gift.
77. I owe you one.
78. Thanks for letting me know.

79. You're welcome.Note: Say "You're welcome", not just "Welcome", which is a greeting for guests.
80. No problem.
81. My pleasure.
82. Any time.
83. Don't mention it.
84. It was nothing.
85. Glad I could help.
86. Happy to help.

87. Excuse me, do you have a moment?
88. Sorry to interrupt, but there's a call for you.
89. Excuse me, is anyone sitting here?
90. Sorry?Note: "Sorry?" or "Pardon?" asks someone to repeat. A bare "What?" can sound rude.
91. Could I just add something?
92. Sorry, can I just say something?
93. Excuse me, I think you dropped this.
94. Could I have a word with you?

95. I'm sorry, but I think there's been a mistake.
96. I'm afraid this isn't what I ordered.
97. I see your point, but I don't quite agree.
98. Would you mind keeping your voice down?
99. I hate to complain, but the noise is a problem.
100. I'd appreciate it if you could fix this soon.

• Wrong: Would you mind to help me?

  Right: Would you mind helping me?

  Mind is followed by the -ing form.

• Wrong: Give me water.

  Right: Could I have some water, please?

  A question with please turns an order into a request.

• Wrong: "Thank you." "Welcome."

  Right: "Thank you." "You're welcome."

  Welcome on its own greets a guest.

• Wrong: Please do the needful.

  Right: Could you send me the form, please?

  Say exactly what you need.

Say a polite version of each of these: "Close the door." "I can't come." "You're wrong." "Thanks." Then use two of them in a short story about a busy day.

• Turn commands into questions with could or would you mind.
• Soften a no with I'm afraid or I'd love to, but.
• Make thanks specific: thank you for...

Preparing for IELTS? Try these Part 1 style questions

IELTS Speaking Part 1 lasts 4 to 5 minutes, and the examiner asks general questions about familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies and interests (ielts.org). Answer each question below in two or three sentences, using phrases from this page.

1. Is it important to be polite to strangers?
2. When was the last time you thanked someone?
3. Do you find it easy to say no to people?
4. Are people in your country usually polite?

• Small talk and making friends
• At work and the office
• At the restaurant
• All topics
• English grammar lessons