20 polite English phrases


I’d/we’d be delighted
used for politely accepting an invitation, or agreeing or offering to do something

no disrespect (to) – used before you say something that might offend someone, to show that you do not intend to offend them

do you mind? – phrase used for getting someone’s permission to do something. This can either be polite, impolite, or humorous. If someone says it in a loud way, they are showing that they are angry or annoyed

I took the liberty of doing something – phrase used for telling someone that you have done something without their permission but you hope that they approve of this

excuse me – used for politely getting someone’s attention

excuse me – used for politely telling someone you are leaving

after you – used for politely telling someone that they can do something before you or can walk somewhere in front of you

be seated – spoken formal used for politely asking someone to sit down

give/send (someone) your regrets –  used as a polite way of refusing an invitation

here you go/are – used when you are giving someone something that they have asked for or that they have just bought

there you are/go –  when you are giving someone something that they have asked for or that they have just bought

if I may say (so) – used for introducing a personal comment when you know that the person you are speaking to may find this offensive

if you don’t mind me/my saying so – a polite way of telling someone that you do not want your comments or advice to offend them

I’m tempted/I’d be tempted to do something – used as a polite way of saying what you want to do, or what you think should be done

I wanted… –  used for politely introducing something that you are going to say to someone, especially if it is quick or informal

I would prefer it if –  used for telling someone politely not to do something

not to put too fine a point on it – used before saying something in a very direct way that may seem rude

not want to be/appear/sound etc –  used for making what you are going to say seem less rude or extreme

pardon me  used when you want to pass someone in a small space

someone can’t say (something) – a polite way of saying that you do not want to give information to someone

something doesn’t bear repeating – used for saying that you do not want to say something that you have heard because it is not polite