Attention!
Imperative language can sound like giving a command in the military. It's not very friendly!
We use advice language and upspeak to sound more polite.
- Do you do that in your language(s)?
- What do you do to sound more polite?
- In general, are Americans more or less polite than people in your country? How? Why?
Here are some expressions you can use:
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Giving your opinion |
So I think… It seems to me… In my language/country/family… |
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Checking |
Do you mean….? Are you asking…? Are you talking about…? |
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Thinking time |
Hmmmmm… Let me think (about that). I’m not really sure… I haven’t really thought about that before. |
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Complimenting |
That’s a good question. Good point. |
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Choosing not to answer |
(change the subject) I could use a cup of coffee! Hmm, that’s a little personal. I’d rather not talk about that. |
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Involving other people |
What do you think? How about you? |