How to respond to polite requests - ABC Education (2024)

Knowing how to make a polite request is important. What about responding to them politely as well? We've got a handy list for you.

There are at least three types of responses you can give when you’re responding to requests.

It's not just important to be polite when making a request but it's also good to be polite when responding because it avoids miscommunication.

You can say:

  • Yes
  • No
  • I don’t know
  • Not sure

Instead of yes, you can say:

  • Yes I can/Yes, sure thing.
  • Yes of course!/Of course I will.
  • Yes I can. It’s this way.
  • Sure. It’s 10am.
  • Sure thing!
  • I can certainly do that for you.
  • Yes here you go!/Sure, here you go.
  • OK I will.
  • Yes I can.
  • Yes definitely!

Instead of no, you can say:

  • Of course not!
  • I’m afraid I still can’t.

Instead of maybe, you can say:

  • I’m afraid I don’t know.
  • I’m not sure.

Practise using the following questions and answers to make and respond to polite requests:

A: Would you mind attending to the clients for me?

B: I can certainly do that for you.

-------------

A: Could you tell me what’s the time?

B: Sure. It’s 10am.

-------------

A: Could you please tell me where the bathroom is?

B: Yes I can. It’s this way.

-------------

A: Would you play the song for us at the party tonight?

B: No sorry I can’t. I’m not in charge of the music.

-------------

A: Will you please call me when the party starts?

B: OK I will.

-------------

A: Would you please reserve a seat for me?

B: Of course I will.

-------------

A: Could you please tell me what’s in this dish?

B: I’m afraid I don’t know.

-------------

A: Can you please give me that?

B: Yes here you go!

-------------

A: Can you see the video now?

B: I’m afraid I still can’t.

-------------

A: Will you come to the gathering later?

B: I’m not sure.

For daily English language lessons and tips, like ourLearn English Facebook page or subscribe to ourYouTube channel.

How to respond to polite requests - ABC Education (2024)

FAQs

How do you respond to a request example? ›

Thank you for your email requesting information about [subject]. [Include information requested, or offer to provide information at a later date if needed.] I hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions or require further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

How do you respond to a request for information? ›

Begin your reply by summarizing the information that you have already provided. This will help the sender understand the context of your response. Address the sender's specific request for more information. Be clear and concise in your response and provide any additional details or clarifications that are necessary.

What is an example of a polite response? ›

Thank you for your advice, but I can handle this.” “I appreciate your help, but I prefer to do this on my own.” “I see what you're trying to do, but I'd really appreciate it if you'd let me figure this out for myself.” “I know you only want the best for me, but I want the best for me, too.

How do you respond positively to a request? ›

Instead of yes, you can say:
  1. Yes I can/Yes, sure thing.
  2. Yes of course!/Of course I will.
  3. Yes I can. It's this way.
  4. Sure. It's 10am.
  5. Sure thing!
  6. I can certainly do that for you.
  7. Yes here you go!/Sure, here you go.
  8. OK I will.
Dec 7, 2021

How do you respond respectfully? ›

🤔 Here are some steps:
  1. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath before typing your response. ...
  2. Focus on Content: Address the points raised in the question, not the tone. ...
  3. Choose Words Wisely: Opt for neutral language that keeps the conversation objective and respectful.
Aug 10, 2023

What is polite request and examples? ›

We use could you … and would you … as polite ways of telling or asking someone to do something:
  • Could you take a message, please? ...
  • Can you take a message, please? ...
  • Can I help you? ...
  • Shall I help you with that? ...
  • I can do that for you if you like. ...
  • Would you like to come round tomorrow? ...
  • You must come round and see us.

What is a good sentence for request? ›

Examples of request in a Sentence

Noun They made a request to begin work immediately. She filed a formal request for more information. At your request, I am enclosing a full refund of your payment. Troops were sent at the request of our allies.

How should you respond to a request or inquiry? ›

What are the essential steps to responding to customer inquiries and requests?
  1. Acknowledge the inquiry or request.
  2. Understand the inquiry or request.
  3. Resolve the inquiry or request. ...
  4. Follow up on the inquiry or request. ...
  5. Document the inquiry or request.
  6. Learn from the inquiry or request. ...
  7. Here's what else to consider.
Feb 14, 2024

What's another way to say in response to your request? ›

Synonyms
  • answer to the request.
  • answer to your application.
  • answer to your request.
  • application process.
  • following the request.
  • in response to your request.
  • per your request.
  • process your application.

How do you write a good RFI response? ›

Keep RFI responses brief but informative.

It's not necessary to go into extensive detail on a subject unless requested.

What are the four ways to respond? ›

Four Ways to Respond
  • Reactive: give in to your natural impulses and fight back. ...
  • Tactical: apply a tried and tested procedure to handle a particular type of situation. ...
  • Strategic: ignore the challenge and instead use the opportunity to promote your own ideas.

How are you formal responses? ›

How Are You Reply Formal
  • “I'm good thanks, how are you?”
  • “I'm doing well, thank you. How are you?”
  • “I”m great, thanks. How about yourself?”
  • “All good here, thank you. How are you?”
  • I'm good, thanks. Hope you're doing well.”
Oct 21, 2022

How do you write response in a sentence? ›

response
  1. When you knocked on the door, was there any response?
  2. He got a response to his letter.
  3. Her response to their decision was to threaten to quit her job.
  4. When I told him my plan, I wasn't expecting such an enthusiastic response.
  5. I am writing in response to your letter of July 17.
Mar 27, 2024

What is polite request with example? ›

For example: Could you help me for a minute, please? This shows that the speaker is asking for help politely.

How do you say you have a request politely? ›

Here are some better phrases to make polite requests in English:
  1. “Do you mind…?.”
  2. “Would you mind…?
  3. “Could I…?”
  4. “Would it be ok if…?”
  5. “Would it be possible…?”
  6. “Would you be willing to…?”

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Zonia Mosciski DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5829

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Zonia Mosciski DO

Birthday: 1996-05-16

Address: Suite 228 919 Deana Ford, Lake Meridithberg, NE 60017-4257

Phone: +2613987384138

Job: Chief Retail Officer

Hobby: Tai chi, Dowsing, Poi, Letterboxing, Watching movies, Video gaming, Singing

Introduction: My name is Zonia Mosciski DO, I am a enchanting, joyous, lovely, successful, hilarious, tender, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.