We would be grateful if you would
Formal business communication expression
Use this phrase to turn a direct command into a respectful, professional request.
15秒了解
- A highly professional and polite way to make a request.
- Best used in business emails, formal letters, and official documents.
- Softens the command to make it sound like a respectful favor.
意思
It is a very polite and professional way to ask someone to do something. It sounds like a fancy version of 'please' that shows you really appreciate their help.
关键例句
3 / 6Emailing a client for a signature
We would be grateful if you would sign the attached document.
We would be grateful if you would sign the attached document.
Requesting quiet from neighbors
We would be grateful if you would keep the music down tonight.
We would be grateful if you would keep the music down tonight.
A formal wedding invitation
We would be grateful if you would RSVP by next Friday.
We would be grateful if you would RSVP by next Friday.
文化背景
This phrase is a classic example of 'negative politeness' in English-speaking cultures. It aims to minimize the imposition on the listener by making the request indirect. It became a staple of corporate 'business speak' during the 20th century to maintain a professional atmosphere.
The 'I' vs 'We' Secret
Use `We` to sound like you represent a whole company. Use `I` to make it feel more personal between you and the recipient.
Avoid Overuse
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a legal contract. Save it for the most important request in your email.
15秒了解
- A highly professional and polite way to make a request.
- Best used in business emails, formal letters, and official documents.
- Softens the command to make it sound like a respectful favor.
What It Means
This phrase is a soft way to make a request. It tells the other person you value their time. It is much more formal than just saying please. You are expressing gratitude before the action even happens. It makes the request feel like an invitation rather than an order.
How To Use It
You usually start your sentence with this phrase. Follow it with the word if and then the person you are asking. Use the word would followed by the action verb. For example: We would be grateful if you would send the file. It sounds smooth and very professional. You can also use could instead of would for extra politeness.
When To Use It
Use this in business emails or formal letters. It is perfect when talking to a new client. Use it when asking a boss for a favor. It works well when you want to sound extra respectful. It is great for wedding invitations or formal event requests. Use it when you need to be very persuasive but gentle.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your close friends. It will make you sound like a robot. Avoid it during a fast-paced emergency. Do not use it when you are angry. It might sound sarcastic if the tone is wrong. It is too heavy for a quick text message. Your roommate will think you are joking if you use it.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to be indirect to show politeness. This is called 'hedging' in linguistics. We often avoid giving direct commands to stay friendly. This phrase comes from old-fashioned etiquette rules. It reflects a culture that values professional distance and mutual respect. It is very common in British and corporate American English.
Common Variations
You might hear I would be grateful for personal requests. We would appreciate it if is a very common alternative. Some people say It would be appreciated if you would. These all serve the same purpose of being polite. We would be most grateful adds even more emphasis. Use these to keep your writing from sounding repetitive.
使用说明
This phrase belongs to the highest register of professional English. It is perfect for external communications where you need to maintain a polished image.
The 'I' vs 'We' Secret
Use `We` to sound like you represent a whole company. Use `I` to make it feel more personal between you and the recipient.
Avoid Overuse
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a legal contract. Save it for the most important request in your email.
The British Touch
In the UK, this is often used to be 'politely firm.' It can sometimes mean 'I am asking nicely, but you really should do this.'
例句
6We would be grateful if you would sign the attached document.
We would be grateful if you would sign the attached document.
Standard professional use to request an action.
We would be grateful if you would keep the music down tonight.
We would be grateful if you would keep the music down tonight.
A very polite way to handle a sensitive social situation.
We would be grateful if you would RSVP by next Friday.
We would be grateful if you would RSVP by next Friday.
Common in high-end social invitations.
We would be grateful if you would finally do your dishes.
We would be grateful if you would finally do your dishes.
Using high formality for humor or mild annoyance.
We would be grateful if you would respect our family's privacy.
We would be grateful if you would respect our family's privacy.
Serious and firm but still very polite.
We would be grateful if you would share your feedback on this.
We would be grateful if you would share your feedback on this.
Shows you value the colleague's opinion.
自我测试
Complete the formal request to a guest speaker.
We would be ___ if you would join our panel next month.
The standard phrase is `grateful if you would` to maintain the formal tone.
Choose the correct verb form to follow the phrase.
We would be grateful if you would ___ the meeting early.
After `would`, we use the base form of the verb.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
The Politeness Scale
Direct and simple.
Do this.
Standard politeness.
Please do this.
Professional and soft.
We would be grateful if you would do this.
Where to Use This Phrase
Business Email
Asking for a report.
Legal Letter
Requesting a signature.
Wedding Invite
Asking for an RSVP.
Customer Service
Asking for patience.
常见问题
12 个问题Yes, it usually is. In a text, it's better to say Could you please or Thanks in advance for.
Absolutely. We would be grateful if you could sounds slightly more tentative and even more polite.
Yes, it is very appropriate for a boss. It shows you respect their authority and their time.
Yes, they are synonyms. However, grateful is the standard word used in this specific formal structure.
You can, but it is mostly used in writing. If spoken, it's usually in a very formal presentation or meeting.
The most common mistake is forgetting the would after if you. People often say if you sign instead of if you would sign.
You can say We'd be grateful to make it slightly less stiff. The contraction We'd softens the formality a little bit.
Yes, it's a great way to complain politely. For example, We would be grateful if you would address this issue immediately.
Yes, it is very common in American business culture. It is not just a British expression.
No, the whole point is to sound the opposite of demanding. It frames the action as something that would make you happy.
It's better to use would be. Using will makes it sound like a transaction rather than a polite request.
It isn't 'better,' just more formal. Use please for daily tasks and this phrase for big requests.
相关表达
We would appreciate it if you would
A very similar formal request.
It would be a great help if
A slightly more personal but still polite request.
I would be much obliged if
An extremely old-fashioned and formal version.
Kindly
A formal way to say 'please' often used in instructions.
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