Which one is correct?
"please" or "could"?

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please

The word 'please' is commonly used in English to make requests or ask for something politely.

Use 'please' to politely ask for something or make a request. It is often used at the beginning or end of a sentence.

Examples:

  • Please pass me the salt.
  • Could you please help me with this?
  • May I please have a glass of water?

Alternatives:

  • Could you
  • Would you mind
  • I would appreciate it if you could
  • Kindly
  • Would you be so kind as to

could

The word 'could' is a modal verb used to express possibility, ability, or permission.

Use 'could' to indicate a possibility, ability, or permission in a sentence. It is often used in conditional or polite requests.

Examples:

  • Could you pass me the salt?
  • I could help you with that if you need assistance.
  • Could I borrow your pen for a moment?

Alternatives:

  • Can you
  • Would you be able to
  • Is it possible for you to
  • Might you
  • Do you have the ability to
The phrases 'please' and 'could' serve different purposes in a sentence. 'Please' is used to make a request or ask for something politely, while 'could' is a modal verb used to express possibility, ability, or permission. They are not interchangeable in most cases.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

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