5 Ways to Sound Softer and More Polite in English

Question 1

Unfortunately, it looks like we don’t have anything available at the moment

Answer 1

Softener: Unfortunately,

Question 2

To be honest, I’m not really interested in those kinds of films.

Answer 2

Softener: To be honest,

Question 3

I’m afraid we can’t help you.

Answer 3

Softener: I’m afraid

Question 4

I’m sorry, but it looks like we don’t have any vacancies at the moment.

Answer 4

Softener: I’m sorry, it looks like, at the moment.

Question 5

There seems to be something wrong with my internet service.

Answer 5

Softener: There seems

Question 6

Could you help me with my assignment?

Answer 6

Modal softener: Could

Question 7

Would you be able to help me with my assignment?

Answer 7

Modal softener: Would

Question 8

I may not be able to come to the meeting.

Answer 8

Modal softener: May

Question 9

I might not get to the meeting.

Answer 9

Modal softener: Might

Question 10

If you could get back to me by tomorrow, that would be great

Answer 10

Coditional softener: If

Question 11

It would be great if you could get back to me by tomorrow

Answer 11

Softener: would be great

Question 12

We would appreciate it if you could sign this form.

Answer 12

Softener: would appreciate

Question 13

I would be very grateful if you could give me a discount. (If you could give me a discount I would be very grateful)

Answer 13

I would be very grateful if …

Question 14

I was planning to finish this project next week.

Answer 14

Past continuous Softener: I was planning

Question 15

I was hoping we could agree on this contract.

Answer 15

Past continuous softener: I was hoping

Question 16

I was thinking we should change the schedule.

Answer 16

Past continuous softener: I was thinking

Question 17

This coffee is a bit cold.

Answer 17

Qualifier softeners: is a bit

Question 18

Her speech was kind of boring.

Answer 18

Qualifier softeners: kind of

Question 19

This steak is a little overcooked.

Answer 19

Qualifier softeners: is a little