#1  
Old 01-Aug-2003, 11:42
Sorin
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Polite forms exist in english grammar

I would like to know if the english grammar has polite forms for pronouns and verbs?
For example polite request like "Could you give me some tea" is concerning the grammar or is the conditional form of the verb "to give" and the english speakers use this for in order to formulate polite request.
I consider that is not a polite form, but rather a conditional that gives the requested person the freedom to choose ta execute the request or not.
  #2  
Old 01-Aug-2003, 12:54
RonBee's Avatar
Moderator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,539
Home Country: United States
Native Language: American English
Current Location: United States
Member Type: Other
Default Re: Polite forms exist in english grammar

Strictly speaking, English does not have polite forms for pornouns and verbs.
  #3  
Old 01-Aug-2003, 23:36
Editor, UsingEnglish.com
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 34,359
Home Country: UK
Native Language: British English
Current Location: Philippines
Member Type: English Teacher
Default

Because we don't have polite forms for pronouns, we often show politeness through our choice of tense. The past tense is used for this.
  #4  
Old 11-Aug-2003, 00:47
Anonymous
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Polite forms exist in english grammar

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sorin
I would like to know if the english grammar has polite forms for pronouns and verbs?
For example polite request like "Could you give me some tea" is concerning the grammar or is the conditional form of the verb "to give" and the english speakers use this for in order to formulate polite request.
I consider that is not a polite form, but rather a conditional that gives the requested person the freedom to choose ta execute the request or not.
  #5  
Old 11-Aug-2003, 19:23
Editor, UsingEnglish.com
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 34,359
Home Country: UK
Native Language: British English
Current Location: Philippines
Member Type: English Teacher
Default

By offering the choice, isn't it a form of politeness? The imperative doesn't give this choice.
Closed Thread

Bookmarks

Tags
polite, forms, exist, english, grammar


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
what is the base of Grammar in English? Anonymous Ask a Teacher 2 06-Sep-2009 10:58
Help zhangjin Ask a Teacher 22 29-Mar-2008 19:47
English grammar Anonymous Ask a Teacher 28 26-Apr-2007 18:51
english grammar Anonymous Ask a Teacher 1 06-Oct-2004 14:16
usage of grammar in english Anonymous Ask a Teacher 1 25-Jul-2004 14:32


All times are GMT. The time now is 21:34.



Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO ©2011, Crawlability, Inc.