Please is a very important word in the English language and very important to Americans. The word please makes you sound like a polite person and is like music to the American ear.
Generally speaking, most Americans are raised since childhood to be polite, so consequently the word please becomes part of everyday vocabulary. When a child wants something from Mommy, she says: "What's the magic word?" or "What do you say?" And the child responds: "Pretty please with sugar on top?"...(at least when I was a child), or just simply "Pleeaaasssseeeee?" And so, Mommy gives her child what is requested with a smile.
So, please is a word so engrained into the American mind and heart that only God knows how many times a day it is spoken. Here are some scenarios that would call for the use of please:
- You're in a taxi: "Good afternoon, driver! Could you take me to the office building on 500 Main Street, please?"
- You're looking for your hotel: "Sir, could you please tell me how to find my hotel?"
- You can't find the coffee in a supermarket: "Hi. Could you tell me where the coffee is, please?"
- You're at a gas station with your rental car: "Hi. I'd like $40 on pump number 2, please."
- You're at dinner with some businesspeople: "Please pass me the salt."
- You don't quite hear what someone is saying to you: "I'm sorry. Could you please repeat that?"
Please can never be overused, in my opinion. Note above that it can be placed in the beginning, middle or end of the request. Please should be used when requesting things from strangers, friends, colleagues and even family or relatives! If it is not used, Americans will notice and possibly think you are rude and even get offended. So, it is a good vocabulary word and Americans will really appreciate you for using it. It no doubt has helped to close many favorable business transactions, as well!
You are on your way to speaking impressive American English!
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