Giving orders and instructions

How can you ask someone to do something for you in English without sounding rude? Here are some of the ways that
you can give orders and instructions.

1. Use the imperative form

We use the imperative form to give orders, warnings and advice:

Be quiet!

Take care!

Listen to me carefully!

Because it can sound rude to give direct orders (especially if you are talking to an adult), we "soften" the imperative form
with "let's" or "please":

Let's go now.

Please listen to what I'm saying.

2. Use a modal verb to turn the order into a request

We use modals to change the mood of a sentence. For example, "You should help her" is more polite than "Help her!"

Other modal verbs you can use to make requests are:

Could: Could you make me some tea?

Can: Can you come here please?

Will: Will you shut the door please?

Would: Would you wait here until the doctor is ready for you?

3. Use an introductory phrase to soften the order

Instead of using an imperative, you can use a phrase instead. Here are some common ways of phrasing an order, in order
of the most indirect to the most direct:

Would you mind possibly… (+ ing) (Most indirect)

Would you mind possibly moving your car? It's parked right in front of mine.

I was hoping you could … (+ infinitive without to)

I was hoping you could spare me a few minutes this morning.

Do you think you could … (+ infinitive without to)

Do you think you could do this photocopying for me?

If you have a couple of minutes spare, the office needs tidying up.

I'd like you to…

I'd like you to file this correspondence for me.

I want you to…

I want you to finish this by tomorrow.

4. Use sequencing words

You can use sequencing words to make instructions clear.

Firstly, make sure the appliance is disconnected.

Secondly, open the back with a screwdriver.

Then, carefully pull out the two black cables….

Asking for things in English doesn't need to be stressful. Just remember some key phrases, and you'll be able to deal with
most situations smoothly and confidently!

Asking clerks or at help desks

(Hello.) Can / Could I have ….. please? (Falling intonation)

(Good morning.) Can / Could you give / get me ….. please?

(Good evening.) A table for two, please.

Interrupting people to ask them for something

Excuse me…

…. Do you know if…?

…. Do you have…?

…. Do you accept …. (credit cards)?

…. Is this the right way for…. (the Post Office)?

…. Could you tell me if …. (there's a Post Office near here)?

In more formal situations

Excuse me…

…. Would you mind …. (keeping an eye on my luggage?)

…. I wonder if you could …. (move your suitcase a little.)

Responding to questions
You ask for something, then the person you have asked needs more information. He or she asks you a question. If you
haven't expected this, you can "play for time" – say something to give you time to think. Say something like "Oh", "Ah",
"Um", or "Er" to give you a second or two to formulate an answer. Remember, complete silence makes the other person
feel uneasy!

You: "Two tickets to Glasgow, please."

Clerk: "Single or return?"

You: "Um, return please. We're coming back tomorrow."

(You are at the bureau de change)

Clerk: How would you like your money?

You: Oh, er, three tens and a five, please.

You: "Hello. Can I have a leaflet about London museums, please."

Clerk: "Sure. Anything else?"

You: "Um, do you have any information about musicals?"

Tips

When you ask someone for something, or you ask them to do something for you, it is essential to be as polite as
possible. Here are some ways that you can be polite.

Say hello

A "hello" and a smile go a long way! Say "hello" at the beginning of your request.

"Hello. (I'd like) a travel card, please."

In more formal situations, you can say "Good morning", "Good afternoon" or "Good evening". (Remember, we only say
"Good night" if we're saying "Good bye" at the end of the day.)

"Good evening. We've booked a table for four."

Remember "please" and "thank you"

"Please" normally goes at the end of the sentence:

"Two tickets please."

"Can you give me directions to Oxford Street, please."

Say "thank you" after you have received something:

"Here's your change."

"Thank you."

You can use "Yes, please" or "No, thank you" in response to a question:
"Would you like salad with your pizza?"

"Yes, please" or "No, thank you."

Say "excuse me"

If you ask someone who is doing something else, remember to say "excuse me":

"Excuse me, do yo have this dress in a smaller size?" (In a shop)

"Excuse me, do you know where the nearest bank is?" (On the street)

Structure of an example conversation

1. Clerk greets you

(Good morning.) How can I help you?

What can I do for you?

2. You ask for something

Hello. I'd like some information about…

Can I have….

Three stamps for Europe, please.

3. Clerk asks you a question

Single or return?

Air-mail or surface mail?

4. You answer

Oh, er, single thanks.

Um, let me see. Air-mail please.

5. Clerk asks you if you need anything else

Will that be all?

(Is there) anything else?

6. You answer

Ah, actually I'd also like…

No, that's it thanks / thank you.

( LECCION7 GRAMATICA) – Basic Level : The Imperative pattern (form)

In this lesson we will talk about how to give commands and orders and to use “please” with the imperative.
The Imperative pattern

It is used to give instructions, commands and orders. It is a very simple structure because we do not need to use the
subject. The sentence is started with the verb or verb phrase and “don’t” is used for the negative form.

Positive form:

Verb: Example: (to write / to ask / to read / to bring / to take / to give / to be)

(+) Write your name on the sheet. {There isn’t any subject because it is an order)

(+) Read chapter 5 for tomorrow.

(+) Be quiet!

Negative form:

To use the negative form add the word “don’t” before the infinitive without to

(-) Don’t write on the table.

(-) Don’t read that book.

(-) Don’t bring food to the class.

NOTE:

* We can use the word “please” to make a request or petition. We put it at the beginning or end of the imperative
sentence (positive or negative).

Use a comma if “please” is at the end of a request. Don’t use a comma if “please” is at the beginning of a request.

Examples:

(+) Please be quiet.

(-) Don’t make noise, please.

(+) Bring me my sweater, please.