Make a request

[Dinhtuong]

When we make a request, can we use "Will you...?" "Would you ....?"
if yes, please tell me the difference between "Will you...?" and "Would you...?"
Which one is more polite? and why?

[TheFuzzyTie]

When we make a request, can we use "Will you...?" "Would you ....?"
if yes, please tell me the difference between "Will you...?" and "Would you...?"
Which one is more polite? and why?

Would you is more polite.

"Will," often seen in "You will..." type sentences, is generally seen as a command, which, by nature, is not terribly polite.

"Would," though technically related to "will," is more of a suggestion--"Would you please pass me the knife" is asking if you would (please generally assumed) pass me the knife, rather than the more commanding "will you." Would is more like "could," if that helps any.

I'm not entirely sure if you will get how I'm phrasing these--feel free to ask questions.