Which is more polite "I hope" or "I am hoping"

[Rachel Adams]

This question is from the book "Grammar Scan Diagnostic Tests for Practical English Usage" by Michael Swan and David Baker.

Which sounds more polite:

"I hope you can help me."

"I am hoping you can help me."

I chose the first sentence but I am not sure.

 

[emsr2d2]

This question is from the book "Grammar Scan Diagnostic Tests for Practical English Usage" by Michael Swan and David Baker.

Which sounds more polite?

1. "I hope you can help me."
2. "I am hoping you can help me."

I chose the first sentence but I am not sure.

Sentence #1 is more common in BrE but they're both correct and natural. I don't think I can choose between them in terms of politeness.

 

[Rachel Adams]

Sentence #1 is more common in BrE but they're both correct and natural. I don't think I can choose between them in terms of politeness.

It's strange that the book says there's a difference between them.

 

[emsr2d2]

Perhaps you should tell us what the book says and then we can tell you if we agree. We're not psychic!

 

[Rachel Adams]

Perhaps you should tell us what the book says and then we can tell you if we agree. We're not psychic!

I didn't find the rule.Only tests. I will try to find it. It must be mentioned in the book.

 

[emsr2d2]

I didn't find the rule, only the tests. I will try to find it. It must be mentioned in the book.

emsr2d2

 

[Yankee]

I would be inclined to use your first example, but I don't see either one as more polite than the other.