SPEAK POLITE ENGLISH

MEC Everywhere
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Don’t say: I want a hamburger.
Don’t say: Send me the report
Say: I’d like a hamburger.
Say: Could you send me the
Or: I’ll have a hamburger, report?
please.
Don’t say: Go away / Leave me
alone. Don’t say: Tell me when you’re
available.
Say: Could you give me a
minute? Say: Let me know when you’re
available.
Or: Sorry – I’m a bit busy right
now.
• Don’t say: You’re wrong.
• Say: I think you might be mistaken.
Or: Actually… (say the correct information)
Or: I’m afraid I disagree.

It’s best to use a more indirect phrase when pointing out someone’s mistake. “I
think you might be mistaken” is a more humble phrase, allowing for the
possibility that you might be wrong about the other person’s error, too!
The word “Actually…” is used to correct an error and give the correct
information, without specifically saying that the other person was wrong. Finally,
if it’s a matter of opinion, you can use the last phrase, “I’m afraid I disagree.”
• Don’t say: That’s a bad idea.
• Say: I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.
Or: I have a few concerns.

Instead of using strong and direct words like “bad,” it’s more polite to say “I’m
not so sure that’s a good idea.” Another option is to state your specific
objections by pointing them out as “concerns.”
• Don’t say: Your work isn’t good.
• Say: I’m not quite satisfied with this work.
Or: To be honest, this needs some improvement.

One of the hardest things to do is telling somebody that their work doesn’t meet
the standards or expectations. You can make it easier for the other person to
accept by using the phrases in green. The phrase “to be honest…” is used
when you are going to state an opinion that other people might not like very
much.
• Don’t say: I don’t like the colors in this design
• Say: I’m not too fond of the colors in this design.
Or: I’d prefer to use different colors in this design.

When reviewing work, avoid statements like “I don’t like…” Instead, you can
use a more indirect form like “I’m not too fond of…” or “I’m not a fan of…”
Another option is to state what you want to see instead: “I’d prefer…” or “I’d
rather…
THANK YOU