12 Better Ways to Say “Please”

12 Better Ways to Say “Please” in English (and Sound More Natural)

We all learn the word please in our first week of English.

And then we use it for… the rest of our lives.

• Can you help me, please?
• One coffee, please.
• Please, could you repeat that?

Please, please, please…

There is nothing wrong with please. It is polite. It is correct. It is useful.

But in real English — and especially in Cambridge exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced) — repeating please again and again can make your English sound a bit… basic and mechanical.

Native speakers usually vary their language. They soften requests, give permission, encourage people, or sound more formal or more friendly by using different expressions instead of always saying “please.”

In this lesson, you will learn 12 natural alternatives to “please”, grouped by function and tone, with clear explanations and real examples you can use in speaking and writing.

First, a quick reminder

“Please” can be used in three main ways:

• to make polite requests
• to give permission
• to encourage someone to do something

The expressions below do the same jobs — but in richer, more natural ways.

Polite ways to make requests

These are perfect for emails, formal speaking, service situations, and Cambridge exams.

Could you possibly …?

This is a very polite and slightly cautious way to ask for something.

• Could you possibly close the door?
• Could you possibly call this number for me?
• Could we possibly have another minute?

Exam tip: This sounds excellent in role-play situations and formal requests.

Would you be so kind as to …?

This is very polite and quite formal. It’s common in emails, customer service, and formal situations.

• Would you be so kind as to tell me your reservation number?
• Would you be so kind as to help me carry this?

By any chance

We use this when we think the answer might be no, but we want to ask politely and softly.

• Do you have a charger, by any chance?
• Could you lend me a pen, by any chance?

If possible

This makes your request sound flexible and reasonable.

• If possible, I’d like to make an appointment on Wednesday morning.
• Call Mr Simmons if possible and ask him to send us the offer.

Giving permission or encouragement

These expressions often replace “Yes, please”.

Go ahead

Used to give permission or tell someone to continue.

• “Do you mind if I open the window?” — “No, go ahead.”
• If you want to start without me, go ahead.

By all means

A slightly more formal way to give enthusiastic permission.

• “May I ask a question?” — “By all means.”
• If you need more time, by all means take it.

Be my guest

Friendly and informal. Means: Yes, you’re welcome to do it.

• “Can I use your phone?” — “Be my guest.”
• “Can I sit here?” — “Be my guest.”

Feel free

Used to invite someone to do something, especially when they hesitate.

• Feel free to ask questions.
• Feel free to help yourself to some tea.
• Please feel free to contact us if you need anything.

Please do

This is used to warmly encourage someone.

• “Shall I open the window?” — “Please do.”
• “Do you want me to call her?” — “Please do.”

Offering or inviting

Help yourself

Used when offering food, drinks, or something available to everyone.

• Help yourself to some cake.
• Please go to the buffet and help yourself.

Strong or emotional requests

I beg you / I beg of you

This is very strong and emotional. It is not everyday polite English — it’s used in dramatic or serious situations.

• Don’t go, I beg you.
• I beg you to listen to me.

Use this carefully. It sounds emotional, not neutral or polite.

Very formal or old-fashioned

If you please

This sounds very formal or old-fashioned today. You may hear it in hotels, announcements, or very polite service situations.

• Come this way, if you please.
• Your ticket, if you please.
• You will recognise it more often than use it.

Cambridge & style tips (B2–C1)

• In speaking exams, don’t repeat “please” all the time.
• Use expressions like Could you possibly…, Would you be so kind…, By any chance…
• In writing, vary your tone: formal, polite, neutral.
• Don’t use I beg you unless the situation is really emotional.

“Please” is a good word.

But good English doesn’t repeat the same good word forever.

The more alternatives you have, the more natural, flexible, and confident your English becomes — and the better you sound in real life and in exams.

If you really want to learn English but don’t know how or where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an online English lesson with one of our certified and experienced English teachers and take a test and consultation! Tap the banner to learn more!