How to Make Formal Requests in English - English Letter Writing Examples

Summary

In this lesson, Alicia introduces various formal request patterns that can be used in business emails and other formal situations. The video covers expressions such as 'Would you be so kind as to...', 'Would it be possible to...', and 'May we ask you to...', all aimed at making polite and professional requests. Alicia also explains how to soften requests, ask for permission, and offer clear, respectful alternatives to direct expressions like 'I want' or 'I need'. These patterns help create a more formal tone, making communication both polite and effective in professional contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Formal requests in English are essential for polite business communication, especially in emails and professional settings.
• 😀 Using 'Would you be so kind as to...' makes a request sound more polite and formal.
• 😀 The phrase 'Would it be possible to...' is a formal way to ask about someone's availability or ability to do something.
• 😀 'May we ask you to...' is a humble and respectful way to request something from someone in a formal context.
• 😀 'Do you think you would be able to...' softens the request and asks about someone's future capability or availability.
• 😀 'Would you have some time available to...' is a polite way to ask if someone has time to do something.
• 😀 'I would like to request...' is a direct but formal way to ask for something, especially in written requests.
• 😀 'I am writing to request...' is an effective way to begin formal emails and state the purpose of the communication clearly.
• 😀 'May I (or may we) have permission to...' is a polite way to ask for permission in formal contexts.
• 😀 'Could you please...' is a versatile and polite way to ask someone to do something, with flexibility in who is being asked.
• 😀 Avoid using overly casual phrases like 'I want' or 'can you' in formal requests, as they may sound too direct.

Q & A

What is the purpose of using formal request patterns in English?

Formal request patterns are used to make polite and professional requests, especially in business emails or formal situations. They help maintain a respectful tone while asking for something.

What does the phrase 'Would you be so kind as to...' mean?

'Would you be so kind as to...' is a formal way to request someone to do something, implying that it would be considerate or kind of them to fulfill the request. For example, 'Would you be so kind as to send me the files?'

Why is the phrase 'Would it be possible to...' used in formal requests?

'Would it be possible to...' is used as a more polite alternative to 'Can you...' or 'Could you...' It softens the request, making it sound less direct and more respectful. Example: 'Would it be possible to discuss this later?'

What is the difference between 'May I ask you to...' and 'Can you...'?

'May I ask you to...' is a more formal and polite way of making a request, whereas 'Can you...' is more casual. 'May I ask you to...' is often used in business or formal correspondence to sound more respectful.

How do you use 'Do you think you would be able to...' in a formal request?

'Do you think you would be able to...' is a polite way to inquire if someone is capable of doing something in the future. It softens the request by allowing the person to decline or provide alternatives. Example: 'Do you think you would be able to have it ready by tomorrow?'

In what contexts would you use 'I would like to request...'?

'I would like to request...' is a formal way to make a request, often used in written communication. It is polite and professional, making it suitable for business settings. Example: 'I would like to request your attendance at the meeting.'

What does 'I am writing to request...' indicate in a business email?

'I am writing to request...' is commonly used at the beginning of a formal email to clearly state the purpose of the message. It directly introduces the request. Example: 'I am writing to request a meeting.'

What is the correct way to ask for permission in a formal context?

To ask for permission formally, use phrases like 'May I have permission to...' or 'May we have permission to...'. These phrases are more respectful and polite than casual alternatives like 'Can I...'. Example: 'May I have permission to use your video in an article?'

How does 'Could you please...' differ from 'Can you please...?'

'Could you please...' is more polite and formal than 'Can you please...', making it more appropriate for professional or formal settings. Both phrases are used to ask for something, but 'could' adds a layer of politeness.

Why is it important to avoid using 'I want' or 'I need' in formal requests?

'I want' or 'I need' can sound too direct and casual, especially in formal or business situations. It's better to use more polite phrases like 'I would like to request' or 'May I ask you to...' to maintain a respectful tone.