Could you please...?
A2
Everyday Phrase
Neutral
Very Common
Meaning
A polite way to ask someone to do something.
When to use it
People say "could you please" to friends, colleagues, staff or strangers when they need help or want something done. It is neutral and polite. In an emergency, a short, direct request is usually more suitable.
Example Sentence
Could you please send me the details?
Grammar & structure
Could you please + base verb + other words?
✓ Correct
Could you please close the window?
Could you please tell me where the station is?
Could you please bring us some water?
✗ Incorrect
Could you please to move your bag?
Could you please turning down the music?
Use the base verb after "could you please", without "to". A calm, friendly voice makes the request sound polite.
How to reply
Similar expressions
Can you help me, please?
Also polite, but a little more direct.
Would you mind helping me?
A softer request. It can sound a little more formal.
Please help me.
More direct. Your voice can make it sound friendly or urgent.
Common mistakes
✗ Could you please sends me the photo?
✓ Could you please send me the photo?
Use the base verb "send", not "sends", after "could".
✗ Could you please a glass of water?
✓ Could you please get me a glass of water?
The request needs a verb, such as "get", after "please".
Dialogue
Two colleagues are getting ready for a meeting at work.
Maya
The meeting starts in five minutes.
Ben
Do you need any help?
Maya
Yes. Could you please put these papers on the table?
Ben
Sure. One for each person?
Maya
Yes, thanks.
Ben
No problem.
Complete the conversation
1. A: Could you please open the door for me?
B: ___
2. A: I can help with your bags. What do you need?
B: ___
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