could you
Asking a favor
Could you is a polite formula for making requests, softer than a direct command.
Could you pass the salt?
Could you help me with this?
The phrase frames the request as a question about ability, though actual capacity is rarely in doubt—it's simply more courteous than pass the salt.
Adding please increases the politeness further.
- pleasePolite appeal word
- pretty pleaseEmphatic polite request
- requestFormal act of seeking
- askingPosing questions
- politeShowing good manners
favor · lend a hand · help · take a look · possible · able · willing · perhaps · maybe · just wondering · suggest · wonder · kindly · do me a favor · mind · permission · hypothetical · invite