Would you kindly?
Very formal
Use it when you want to be exceptionally polite or sound like a sophisticated classic movie character.
Em 15 segundos
- A very polite way to ask for a favor.
- Sounds elegant, sophisticated, and slightly old-fashioned.
- Used to soften requests and show high respect.
Significado
This is an extremely polite, almost old-fashioned way to ask someone to do something. It is like saying 'please,' but with a much higher level of elegance and soft persuasion.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6At a fancy dinner
Would you kindly pass the salt?
Would you kindly pass the salt?
In a professional email
Would you kindly review the attached document by Friday?
Would you kindly review the attached document by Friday?
Asking a stranger for help
Would you kindly point me toward the train station?
Would you kindly point me toward the train station?
Contexto cultural
While rooted in 19th-century British etiquette, the phrase gained modern 'cult' status through the 2007 video game BioShock, where it served as a psychological trigger. Outside of gaming, it remains a hallmark of 'Received Pronunciation' and high-society English, often used to project an image of education and refinement.
The 'Butler' Effect
Using this phrase makes you sound very educated and refined. It's great for making a good first impression in a formal setting.
Watch the Sarcasm
If you say this with a mean tone, it sounds very passive-aggressive. Only use it with a warm, soft voice to keep it polite.
Em 15 segundos
- A very polite way to ask for a favor.
- Sounds elegant, sophisticated, and slightly old-fashioned.
- Used to soften requests and show high respect.
What It Means
Would you kindly is a high-level polite request. It turns a command into a gentle suggestion. It sounds sophisticated and very soft. Think of it as a 'super please.' You are asking for a favor with maximum grace. It implies you respect the other person's time. It also sounds a bit like a classic movie character.
How To Use It
You place this phrase before a verb. For example, Would you kindly open the window? It works best for small favors. Use it when you want to sound extra charming. It is a great way to soften a request. You can use it in speech or writing. It feels very smooth and rhythmic. Don't overthink the grammar; just add the action after it.
When To Use It
Use it when you are a guest in someone's home. It is perfect for high-end service environments. Use it with people you don't know well. It works beautifully in a formal email to a boss. If you want to sound like a gentleman or lady, this is your phrase. It is also great for being 'ironically' fancy with friends. Use it when you want to stand out as very well-mannered.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it in an emergency. Would you kindly call 911? is too slow! Avoid it during a heated argument. It might sound sarcastic or condescending then. Don't use it for very dirty or rude tasks. It is too elegant for that. Avoid using it every five minutes. You will sound like a robot or a butler. Keep it for special, polite moments.
Cultural Background
This phrase feels very British and Victorian. It suggests a time of tea and top hats. However, it became a massive pop-culture meme recently. It was a central plot point in the video game *BioShock*. In the game, it was a hypnotic command. Now, many younger people might giggle when they hear it. They are remembering the game's famous twist. To everyone else, it just sounds incredibly posh.
Common Variations
You can say If you would be so kind. This is even more formal. Would you be kind enough to... is another version. For something shorter, try Kindly... at the start of a sentence. Kindly alone can sometimes sound a bit bossy in emails. Would you kindly remains the most charming and balanced version. It stays polite without being aggressive.
Notas de uso
This phrase is a 'softener.' It removes the 'pushy' feeling of a request. Be careful not to use it with a sharp tone, or it will sound like a cold command.
The 'Butler' Effect
Using this phrase makes you sound very educated and refined. It's great for making a good first impression in a formal setting.
Watch the Sarcasm
If you say this with a mean tone, it sounds very passive-aggressive. Only use it with a warm, soft voice to keep it polite.
The BioShock Secret
If you say this to a gamer, they might jokingly say 'A man chooses, a slave obeys!' It's a famous reference you can use to bond with tech-savvy friends.
Exemplos
6Would you kindly pass the salt?
Would you kindly pass the salt?
A perfect, polite way to request something at the table.
Would you kindly review the attached document by Friday?
Would you kindly review the attached document by Friday?
Soften a deadline request for a colleague.
Would you kindly point me toward the train station?
Would you kindly point me toward the train station?
Very respectful when approaching someone you don't know.
Would you kindly bring me a coffee? I am dying.
Would you kindly bring me a coffee? I am dying.
Using high formality for a small favor adds humor.
Would you kindly lower your voices so we can begin?
Would you kindly lower your voices so we can begin?
A firm but very polite way to regain control.
Would you kindly let me know when you get home safely?
Would you kindly let me know when you get home safely?
Shows care and gentle concern.
Teste-se
Choose the correct way to complete this polite request.
___ hold the door for me?
The phrase 'Would you kindly' is the standard fixed expression for this type of request.
Which verb form follows the phrase?
Would you kindly ___ the window?
After 'Would you kindly,' we use the base form of the verb without 'to'.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Scale of Requests
Friends/Family
Pass the salt.
Everyday use
Can you pass the salt?
Professional
Could you please pass the salt?
Elegant/Posh
Would you kindly pass the salt?
Where to use 'Would you kindly'
Luxury Hotel
Would you kindly take my bags?
Grandparent's House
Would you kindly sit with me?
Writing a Letter
Would you kindly reply soon?
Art Gallery
Would you kindly step back?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, but it is much more formal. While please is used everywhere, would you kindly is reserved for moments where you want to show extra respect or elegance.
You can, but it might sound like you are joking or being 'extra.' It is fun to use when you are pretending to be fancy while drinking tea together.
Yes, but Kindly do it can actually sound a bit rude or demanding in modern English. Adding Would you makes it much softer and more like a true request.
Very much so. It is often associated with British etiquette, though Americans use it too when they want to sound particularly sophisticated.
Yes, though mostly in formal writing, hospitality, or by people who enjoy a more classical style of speaking.
You should respond with something equally polite, like Certainly, Of course, or I would be happy to.
Absolutely. It is a very safe and professional way to ask for something without sounding like you are giving orders.
They might be fans of the game *BioShock*. In that game, the phrase was used to control the main character's mind. It's a very famous pop-culture reference!
Yes, it is one step higher on the formality ladder. Could you please is standard formal; Would you kindly is 'very formal' or 'posh'.
It is usually better for small or medium favors. For a massive life-changing favor, you might need a longer explanation like I was wondering if you might consider...
Frases relacionadas
If you would be so kind
An even more formal way to ask for a favor.
Be a dear
A very informal, affectionate way to ask someone for a small favor (usually used by older people).
Do me a kindness
An old-fashioned, poetic way to ask for help.
Much obliged
A formal way to say 'thank you' after someone does what you asked.
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