Would you mind, please
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I receive various requests -- over email -- of the form "Would you mind please..." or "Would you please mind..." with and without punctuation. Neither of these sound quite right to my native AE/Californian ear.
Would you mind, please provide some details for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Would you please mind providing some details for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Are these grammatically correct? Is there a better way to express these? Is the "please" necessary and in what position in the sentence?
grammar phrases
asked Jul 7 '14 at 22:26
generalnetworkerror
130115
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
I receive various requests -- over email -- of the form "Would you mind please..." or "Would you please mind..." with and without punctuation. Neither of these sound quite right to my native AE/Californian ear.
Would you mind, please provide some details for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Would you please mind providing some details for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Are these grammatically correct? Is there a better way to express these? Is the "please" necessary and in what position in the sentence?
grammar phrases
asked Jul 7 '14 at 22:26
generalnetworkerror
130115
1
I'm not sure if they are correct, but I agree with you; they don't sound right. I'd think that "Would you mind providing some..." would make more sense. Though technically they are asking you if you'd mind doing this, not to do it. I would use instead "If you don't mind, would you please provide some details...".
– please delete me
Jul 7 '14 at 22:45
1
I would say "Neither of these sounds..." but I'm not a native speaker.
– Centaurus
Jul 7 '14 at 22:54
2
This 'please' is a pragmatic marker (signifying politeness). Though it is afforded some latitude in where it may be inserted into a sentence, this does not make your first alternative acceptable. Your second alternative is acceptable, both grammatically and stylistically.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jul 7 '14 at 23:16
3
Neither of the example sentences are grammatical. I would classify them as having been written by a non-native speaker or a very badly educated native speaker.
– John Lawler
Jul 8 '14 at 2:25
@Centaurus "Neither of and either of are followed by a plural noun or pronoun and a singular or plural verb. A plural verb is more informal:Neither of my parents speaks/speak a foreign language. When neither… nor… or either… or… are used with two singular nouns, the verb can be singular or plural. A plural verb is more informal." Oxford Learners Dictionary, see grammar point
– Phil Sweet
May 20 at 11:28
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
I receive various requests -- over email -- of the form "Would you mind please..." or "Would you please mind..." with and without punctuation. Neither of these sound quite right to my native AE/Californian ear.
Would you mind, please provide some details for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Would you please mind providing some details for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Are these grammatically correct? Is there a better way to express these? Is the "please" necessary and in what position in the sentence?
grammar phrases
asked Jul 7 '14 at 22:26
generalnetworkerror
130115
I receive various requests -- over email -- of the form "Would you mind please..." or "Would you please mind..." with and without punctuation. Neither of these sound quite right to my native AE/Californian ear.
Would you mind, please provide some details for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Would you please mind providing some details for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Are these grammatically correct? Is there a better way to express these? Is the "please" necessary and in what position in the sentence?
grammar phrases
grammar phrases
asked Jul 7 '14 at 22:26
generalnetworkerror
130115
asked Jul 7 '14 at 22:26
generalnetworkerror
130115
asked Jul 7 '14 at 22:26
generalnetworkerror
130115
asked Jul 7 '14 at 22:26
generalnetworkerror
130115
asked Jul 7 '14 at 22:26
generalnetworkerror
130115
130115
1
I'm not sure if they are correct, but I agree with you; they don't sound right. I'd think that "Would you mind providing some..." would make more sense. Though technically they are asking you if you'd mind doing this, not to do it. I would use instead "If you don't mind, would you please provide some details...".
– please delete me
Jul 7 '14 at 22:45
1
I would say "Neither of these sounds..." but I'm not a native speaker.
– Centaurus
Jul 7 '14 at 22:54
2
This 'please' is a pragmatic marker (signifying politeness). Though it is afforded some latitude in where it may be inserted into a sentence, this does not make your first alternative acceptable. Your second alternative is acceptable, both grammatically and stylistically.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jul 7 '14 at 23:16
3
Neither of the example sentences are grammatical. I would classify them as having been written by a non-native speaker or a very badly educated native speaker.
– John Lawler
Jul 8 '14 at 2:25
@Centaurus "Neither of and either of are followed by a plural noun or pronoun and a singular or plural verb. A plural verb is more informal:Neither of my parents speaks/speak a foreign language. When neither… nor… or either… or… are used with two singular nouns, the verb can be singular or plural. A plural verb is more informal." Oxford Learners Dictionary, see grammar point
– Phil Sweet
May 20 at 11:28
|
show 2 more comments
1
I'm not sure if they are correct, but I agree with you; they don't sound right. I'd think that "Would you mind providing some..." would make more sense. Though technically they are asking you if you'd mind doing this, not to do it. I would use instead "If you don't mind, would you please provide some details...".
– please delete me
Jul 7 '14 at 22:45
1
I would say "Neither of these sounds..." but I'm not a native speaker.
– Centaurus
Jul 7 '14 at 22:54
2
This 'please' is a pragmatic marker (signifying politeness). Though it is afforded some latitude in where it may be inserted into a sentence, this does not make your first alternative acceptable. Your second alternative is acceptable, both grammatically and stylistically.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jul 7 '14 at 23:16
3
Neither of the example sentences are grammatical. I would classify them as having been written by a non-native speaker or a very badly educated native speaker.
– John Lawler
Jul 8 '14 at 2:25
@Centaurus "Neither of and either of are followed by a plural noun or pronoun and a singular or plural verb. A plural verb is more informal:Neither of my parents speaks/speak a foreign language. When neither… nor… or either… or… are used with two singular nouns, the verb can be singular or plural. A plural verb is more informal." Oxford Learners Dictionary, see grammar point
– Phil Sweet
May 20 at 11:28
1
1
I'm not sure if they are correct, but I agree with you; they don't sound right. I'd think that "Would you mind providing some..." would make more sense. Though technically they are asking you if you'd mind doing this, not to do it. I would use instead "If you don't mind, would you please provide some details...".
– please delete me
Jul 7 '14 at 22:45
I'm not sure if they are correct, but I agree with you; they don't sound right. I'd think that "Would you mind providing some..." would make more sense. Though technically they are asking you if you'd mind doing this, not to do it. I would use instead "If you don't mind, would you please provide some details...".
– please delete me
Jul 7 '14 at 22:45
1
1
I would say "Neither of these sounds..." but I'm not a native speaker.
– Centaurus
Jul 7 '14 at 22:54
I would say "Neither of these sounds..." but I'm not a native speaker.
– Centaurus
Jul 7 '14 at 22:54
2
2
This 'please' is a pragmatic marker (signifying politeness). Though it is afforded some latitude in where it may be inserted into a sentence, this does not make your first alternative acceptable. Your second alternative is acceptable, both grammatically and stylistically.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jul 7 '14 at 23:16
This 'please' is a pragmatic marker (signifying politeness). Though it is afforded some latitude in where it may be inserted into a sentence, this does not make your first alternative acceptable. Your second alternative is acceptable, both grammatically and stylistically.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jul 7 '14 at 23:16
3
3
Neither of the example sentences are grammatical. I would classify them as having been written by a non-native speaker or a very badly educated native speaker.
– John Lawler
Jul 8 '14 at 2:25
Neither of the example sentences are grammatical. I would classify them as having been written by a non-native speaker or a very badly educated native speaker.
– John Lawler
Jul 8 '14 at 2:25
@Centaurus "Neither of and either of are followed by a plural noun or pronoun and a singular or plural verb. A plural verb is more informal:Neither of my parents speaks/speak a foreign language. When neither… nor… or either… or… are used with two singular nouns, the verb can be singular or plural. A plural verb is more informal." Oxford Learners Dictionary, see grammar point
– Phil Sweet
May 20 at 11:28
@Centaurus "Neither of and either of are followed by a plural noun or pronoun and a singular or plural verb. A plural verb is more informal:Neither of my parents speaks/speak a foreign language. When neither… nor… or either… or… are used with two singular nouns, the verb can be singular or plural. A plural verb is more informal." Oxford Learners Dictionary, see grammar point
– Phil Sweet
May 20 at 11:28
|
show 2 more comments
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Would you mind providing some details, please?
Is perhaps the more 'correct' and slightly more formal way of rephrasing your question. Or the example given by @unorthodox grammar is just as good, and slightly less formal:
If you don't mind, would you please provide some details...?
The please is optional in either place, as the 'would you mind?' conveys enough politeness in my opinion, but it wouldn't hurt to add it in. It would usually come immediately before the action that you are asking the other person to do, i.e. please provide... or tagged on to the very end of the question
If you have quite a long sentence, the 'please' can be placed at the end of the clause where the actual request is made – to avoid waiting for the end of a very long sentence:
Would you mind providing some details please, for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Alternatively:
Would you mind? Could you (please) provide some details...?
Is a bit more conversational. (Not something you would write in a formal email). Both of the examples you gave I have seen written or heard in everyday conversation, and yes, they do look/sound slightly odd constructions.
If you are making the request in an imperative, but still polite manner, the 'please' can come at the beginning of the request:
Please provide some details for us to...
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:15
decvalts
50828
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
These sound like typical non-native emails, I experience and work with them regularly.
Would you mind on a permission level sits like this...
Would you mind if we continued the meeting this afternoon?
And on a favour level like this...
Would you mind continuing the meeting this afternoon?
The first you'd use in a more formal situation, due to the second being more friendly in its approach.
Your second example sentence is more appropriate, though I would drop the 'please' it gives the email request a certain 'I'm using please because I've already asked this before and nothing's been done about it' feeling.
Hope this helps!
answered Jul 8 '14 at 4:26
Pro ingles
30713
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
The intention is to express a request in a "polite" way. But besides being unnecessary it makes for an awkward sentence. "Please" followed by the request is sufficient.
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:22
user82926
312
add a comment |
up vote
-2
down vote
I ASKED SONEONE TO PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ON US & SOMEONE ANSWERED-DON'T GIVE UP ON WHO? SHOULD ANSWER BE WHOM OR WHO
answered 3 hours ago
Cheryl Nicklos
1
New contributor
Cheryl Nicklos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Cheryl, the answer box is strictly reserved for answers. If you want to ask a question on EL&U, you must use the Ask Question button on the menu bar. Note also that on the Internet, writing in all capitals is regarded as SHOUTING (i.e. rude behaviour).
– Chappo
1 hour ago
add a comment |
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Would you mind providing some details, please?
Is perhaps the more 'correct' and slightly more formal way of rephrasing your question. Or the example given by @unorthodox grammar is just as good, and slightly less formal:
If you don't mind, would you please provide some details...?
The please is optional in either place, as the 'would you mind?' conveys enough politeness in my opinion, but it wouldn't hurt to add it in. It would usually come immediately before the action that you are asking the other person to do, i.e. please provide... or tagged on to the very end of the question
If you have quite a long sentence, the 'please' can be placed at the end of the clause where the actual request is made – to avoid waiting for the end of a very long sentence:
Would you mind providing some details please, for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Alternatively:
Would you mind? Could you (please) provide some details...?
Is a bit more conversational. (Not something you would write in a formal email). Both of the examples you gave I have seen written or heard in everyday conversation, and yes, they do look/sound slightly odd constructions.
If you are making the request in an imperative, but still polite manner, the 'please' can come at the beginning of the request:
Please provide some details for us to...
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:15
decvalts
50828
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Would you mind providing some details, please?
Is perhaps the more 'correct' and slightly more formal way of rephrasing your question. Or the example given by @unorthodox grammar is just as good, and slightly less formal:
If you don't mind, would you please provide some details...?
The please is optional in either place, as the 'would you mind?' conveys enough politeness in my opinion, but it wouldn't hurt to add it in. It would usually come immediately before the action that you are asking the other person to do, i.e. please provide... or tagged on to the very end of the question
If you have quite a long sentence, the 'please' can be placed at the end of the clause where the actual request is made – to avoid waiting for the end of a very long sentence:
Would you mind providing some details please, for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Alternatively:
Would you mind? Could you (please) provide some details...?
Is a bit more conversational. (Not something you would write in a formal email). Both of the examples you gave I have seen written or heard in everyday conversation, and yes, they do look/sound slightly odd constructions.
If you are making the request in an imperative, but still polite manner, the 'please' can come at the beginning of the request:
Please provide some details for us to...
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:15
decvalts
50828
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Would you mind providing some details, please?
Is perhaps the more 'correct' and slightly more formal way of rephrasing your question. Or the example given by @unorthodox grammar is just as good, and slightly less formal:
If you don't mind, would you please provide some details...?
The please is optional in either place, as the 'would you mind?' conveys enough politeness in my opinion, but it wouldn't hurt to add it in. It would usually come immediately before the action that you are asking the other person to do, i.e. please provide... or tagged on to the very end of the question
If you have quite a long sentence, the 'please' can be placed at the end of the clause where the actual request is made – to avoid waiting for the end of a very long sentence:
Would you mind providing some details please, for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Alternatively:
Would you mind? Could you (please) provide some details...?
Is a bit more conversational. (Not something you would write in a formal email). Both of the examples you gave I have seen written or heard in everyday conversation, and yes, they do look/sound slightly odd constructions.
If you are making the request in an imperative, but still polite manner, the 'please' can come at the beginning of the request:
Please provide some details for us to...
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:15
decvalts
50828
Would you mind providing some details, please?
Is perhaps the more 'correct' and slightly more formal way of rephrasing your question. Or the example given by @unorthodox grammar is just as good, and slightly less formal:
If you don't mind, would you please provide some details...?
The please is optional in either place, as the 'would you mind?' conveys enough politeness in my opinion, but it wouldn't hurt to add it in. It would usually come immediately before the action that you are asking the other person to do, i.e. please provide... or tagged on to the very end of the question
If you have quite a long sentence, the 'please' can be placed at the end of the clause where the actual request is made – to avoid waiting for the end of a very long sentence:
Would you mind providing some details please, for us to capture the steps required for future requests?
Alternatively:
Would you mind? Could you (please) provide some details...?
Is a bit more conversational. (Not something you would write in a formal email). Both of the examples you gave I have seen written or heard in everyday conversation, and yes, they do look/sound slightly odd constructions.
If you are making the request in an imperative, but still polite manner, the 'please' can come at the beginning of the request:
Please provide some details for us to...
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:15
decvalts
50828
edited Jul 8 '14 at 13:06
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:15
decvalts
50828
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:15
decvalts
50828
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:15
decvalts
50828
50828
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
These sound like typical non-native emails, I experience and work with them regularly.
Would you mind on a permission level sits like this...
Would you mind if we continued the meeting this afternoon?
And on a favour level like this...
Would you mind continuing the meeting this afternoon?
The first you'd use in a more formal situation, due to the second being more friendly in its approach.
Your second example sentence is more appropriate, though I would drop the 'please' it gives the email request a certain 'I'm using please because I've already asked this before and nothing's been done about it' feeling.
Hope this helps!
answered Jul 8 '14 at 4:26
Pro ingles
30713
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
These sound like typical non-native emails, I experience and work with them regularly.
Would you mind on a permission level sits like this...
Would you mind if we continued the meeting this afternoon?
And on a favour level like this...
Would you mind continuing the meeting this afternoon?
The first you'd use in a more formal situation, due to the second being more friendly in its approach.
Your second example sentence is more appropriate, though I would drop the 'please' it gives the email request a certain 'I'm using please because I've already asked this before and nothing's been done about it' feeling.
Hope this helps!
answered Jul 8 '14 at 4:26
Pro ingles
30713
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
These sound like typical non-native emails, I experience and work with them regularly.
Would you mind on a permission level sits like this...
Would you mind if we continued the meeting this afternoon?
And on a favour level like this...
Would you mind continuing the meeting this afternoon?
The first you'd use in a more formal situation, due to the second being more friendly in its approach.
Your second example sentence is more appropriate, though I would drop the 'please' it gives the email request a certain 'I'm using please because I've already asked this before and nothing's been done about it' feeling.
Hope this helps!
answered Jul 8 '14 at 4:26
Pro ingles
30713
These sound like typical non-native emails, I experience and work with them regularly.
Would you mind on a permission level sits like this...
Would you mind if we continued the meeting this afternoon?
And on a favour level like this...
Would you mind continuing the meeting this afternoon?
The first you'd use in a more formal situation, due to the second being more friendly in its approach.
Your second example sentence is more appropriate, though I would drop the 'please' it gives the email request a certain 'I'm using please because I've already asked this before and nothing's been done about it' feeling.
Hope this helps!
answered Jul 8 '14 at 4:26
Pro ingles
30713
answered Jul 8 '14 at 4:26
Pro ingles
30713
answered Jul 8 '14 at 4:26
Pro ingles
30713
answered Jul 8 '14 at 4:26
Pro ingles
30713
30713
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
The intention is to express a request in a "polite" way. But besides being unnecessary it makes for an awkward sentence. "Please" followed by the request is sufficient.
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:22
user82926
312
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
The intention is to express a request in a "polite" way. But besides being unnecessary it makes for an awkward sentence. "Please" followed by the request is sufficient.
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:22
user82926
312
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
The intention is to express a request in a "polite" way. But besides being unnecessary it makes for an awkward sentence. "Please" followed by the request is sufficient.
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:22
user82926
312
The intention is to express a request in a "polite" way. But besides being unnecessary it makes for an awkward sentence. "Please" followed by the request is sufficient.
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:22
user82926
312
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:22
user82926
312
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:22
user82926
312
answered Jul 7 '14 at 23:22
user82926
312
312
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
-2
down vote
I ASKED SONEONE TO PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ON US & SOMEONE ANSWERED-DON'T GIVE UP ON WHO? SHOULD ANSWER BE WHOM OR WHO
answered 3 hours ago
Cheryl Nicklos
1
New contributor
Cheryl Nicklos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Cheryl, the answer box is strictly reserved for answers. If you want to ask a question on EL&U, you must use the Ask Question button on the menu bar. Note also that on the Internet, writing in all capitals is regarded as SHOUTING (i.e. rude behaviour).
– Chappo
1 hour ago
add a comment |
up vote
-2
down vote
I ASKED SONEONE TO PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ON US & SOMEONE ANSWERED-DON'T GIVE UP ON WHO? SHOULD ANSWER BE WHOM OR WHO
answered 3 hours ago
Cheryl Nicklos
1
New contributor
Cheryl Nicklos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Cheryl, the answer box is strictly reserved for answers. If you want to ask a question on EL&U, you must use the Ask Question button on the menu bar. Note also that on the Internet, writing in all capitals is regarded as SHOUTING (i.e. rude behaviour).
– Chappo
1 hour ago
add a comment |
up vote
-2
down vote
up vote
-2
down vote
I ASKED SONEONE TO PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ON US & SOMEONE ANSWERED-DON'T GIVE UP ON WHO? SHOULD ANSWER BE WHOM OR WHO
answered 3 hours ago
Cheryl Nicklos
1
New contributor
Cheryl Nicklos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I ASKED SONEONE TO PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ON US & SOMEONE ANSWERED-DON'T GIVE UP ON WHO? SHOULD ANSWER BE WHOM OR WHO
answered 3 hours ago
Cheryl Nicklos
1
New contributor
Cheryl Nicklos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 3 hours ago
Cheryl Nicklos
1
New contributor
Cheryl Nicklos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 3 hours ago
Cheryl Nicklos
1
answered 3 hours ago
Cheryl Nicklos
1
1
New contributor
Cheryl Nicklos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Cheryl Nicklos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Cheryl Nicklos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Cheryl, the answer box is strictly reserved for answers. If you want to ask a question on EL&U, you must use the Ask Question button on the menu bar. Note also that on the Internet, writing in all capitals is regarded as SHOUTING (i.e. rude behaviour).
– Chappo
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Cheryl, the answer box is strictly reserved for answers. If you want to ask a question on EL&U, you must use the Ask Question button on the menu bar. Note also that on the Internet, writing in all capitals is regarded as SHOUTING (i.e. rude behaviour).
– Chappo
1 hour ago
Cheryl, the answer box is strictly reserved for answers. If you want to ask a question on EL&U, you must use the Ask Question button on the menu bar. Note also that on the Internet, writing in all capitals is regarded as SHOUTING (i.e. rude behaviour).
– Chappo
1 hour ago
Cheryl, the answer box is strictly reserved for answers. If you want to ask a question on EL&U, you must use the Ask Question button on the menu bar. Note also that on the Internet, writing in all capitals is regarded as SHOUTING (i.e. rude behaviour).
– Chappo
1 hour ago
add a comment |
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1
I'm not sure if they are correct, but I agree with you; they don't sound right. I'd think that "Would you mind providing some..." would make more sense. Though technically they are asking you if you'd mind doing this, not to do it. I would use instead "If you don't mind, would you please provide some details...".
– please delete me
Jul 7 '14 at 22:45
1
I would say "Neither of these sounds..." but I'm not a native speaker.
– Centaurus
Jul 7 '14 at 22:54
2
This 'please' is a pragmatic marker (signifying politeness). Though it is afforded some latitude in where it may be inserted into a sentence, this does not make your first alternative acceptable. Your second alternative is acceptable, both grammatically and stylistically.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jul 7 '14 at 23:16
3
Neither of the example sentences are grammatical. I would classify them as having been written by a non-native speaker or a very badly educated native speaker.
– John Lawler
Jul 8 '14 at 2:25
@Centaurus "Neither of and either of are followed by a plural noun or pronoun and a singular or plural verb. A plural verb is more informal:Neither of my parents speaks/speak a foreign language. When neither… nor… or either… or… are used with two singular nouns, the verb can be singular or plural. A plural verb is more informal." Oxford Learners Dictionary, see grammar point
– Phil Sweet
May 20 at 11:28