Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. #1
    hashoomer is offline Newbie
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    6

    Default Help me with this, please!

    need help in explaining the difference in the meaning of the following:

    a Give me a hand with this bag, will you?

    b Could you give me a hand with this bag, please?

    And how would i teach this?.

  2. #2
    rewboss's Avatar
    rewboss is offline Key Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Posts
    1,554

    Default Re: help

    The first is very informal, and often implies that the speaker is getting a little impatient. It's an order, and the added tag question "will you?" is added to orders to indicate frustration.

    The second is much more polite. It is a request, beginning with "could you", which is standard for formal, polite requests, and ends with "please" to make it even more polite.

  3. #3
    buggles's Avatar
    buggles is offline Key Member
    • Member Info
      • Member Type:
      • Other
      • Native Language:
      • British English
      • Home Country:
      • England
      • Current Location:
      • England
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Posts
    3,985

    Default Re: help

    In my experience, the first is how I would ask for help from someone I know, like a friend or relative. Usually it's a straightforward request for help and doesn't always imply impatience-it depends on the tone of voice used.
    The second is how I would ask for help from a stranger, but like most English people I'd probably crick my back before asking a stranger for assistance!

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Hotchalk

Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.1