• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home of English Grammar
  • Home
  • Course
  • Exercises
  • Grammar Rules
  • Matches
  • Posts
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Vocabulary Lists
    • My Word Lists
  • For Teachers
  • Archives
    • Social Media Posts
    • Writing Guides
  • Sign in
  • Join free

How to soften an order?

March 7, 2017 pdf

Instead of using an imperative, you can use an introductory phrase. Here are some common ways of rephrasing an order.

Would you mind…?

This is the most polite form. Note that would you mind…? is followed by a noun or an –ing form.

Would you mind waiting for an hour?

Would you mind doing the dishes?

Would you mind moving a bit? (= Please move a bit.)

Would you mind opening the window? (= Please open the window.)

Would you mind walking to the railway station?

Would you mind helping me with the housework? (= Please help me with the housework.)

I was hoping…

I was hoping you could spare me a few minutes.

I was hoping you could lend me ten dollars.

I was hoping you could help me with the homework.

Do you think you could … (+ infinitive without to)

Do you think you could type these letters for me?

Do you think you could help me with the housework?

Do you think you could sweep the floors?

Do you think you could cook the dinner?

I’d like you to…

This phrase is used to make a more direct request. It is more like an order than a request.

I’d like you to clean these windows for me.

I’d like you to help me with the housework.

Primary sidebar

2.4M760.9K165.9K

Free 2027 Grammar Guide

  • Download Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Online grammar course, A1 to C2
  • Weekly exercises and vocabulary
  • Join over 3 million English learners

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in

Grammar Checker - Try Now

Matches rankings

    No results yet. Be the first to finish today’s Daily.

      No results yet. Be the first to finish today’s Daily.

        No results yet. Be the first to finish today’s Daily.

          No results yet. Be the first to finish today’s Daily.

          Play Matches

          Home of English Grammar

          Free exercises, a step-by-step grammar course, rules and vocabulary lists, with new exercises every week. Join the leading English grammar site with over 3 million followers.

          Join free

          Learn

          • Exercises
          • Grammar course
          • Level test
          • Matches
          • Grammar rules
          • Vocabulary lists
          • Writing guides
          • Online tools

          More

          • Top social media posts
          • Various posts
          • Contact

          Account

          • Join free
          • Free grammar guide (PDF)

          Copyright © 2026 EnglishGrammar.org

          • Disclaimer
          • Privacy policy
          • Terms
          • Sitemap