礼貌“法则”

与人交往，礼貌先行。若想用英语表达一种谦虚，以示礼貌，除语调变化之外，更多的还与措辞有关。本文拟对常用的礼貌表达作一简介。

1. 句首避免使用I

It is hoped that you’ll have a chance to visit China again.

希望您再有机会来中国访问。

There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.

有件事我想跟你谈谈。

May I know your name？

请问尊姓大名？

2. 用疑问句代替祈使句

Would you please show me the way to the nearest science center？

请问到最近的科技中心怎么走？

Will you come again tomorrow morning，Mr. James？

詹姆斯先生，您明天上午再来一次好吗？

3. 以could，might，would等情态动词代替can，may，will等

Would Tuesday morning at ten suit you？

星期二上午十点对您合适吗？

Could you come to my office sometime this week？

您是否可以于本周什么时候到我办公室来一下？

Might I use your computer a minute？

我是否可以借用一下您的电脑？

4. 使用插入成分或附加语

This is not the one I want， I’m afraid.

这恐怕不是我想要的那个。

How much did you pay for your new iPhone， if I may ask？

请问您花多少钱买的这新智能手机？

You may keep my car longer if you like.

您要是愿意可以继续用我的车。

If you don’t mind， I’d like to turn on the radio.

您要是不反对，我想打开收音机。

I wonder if we could make it some other time.

我们可另找时间吗？

5. 用进行时代替一般时

Shall / Will you be going to the party？

您要去参加这个聚会吗？（此句比Will you go to the party？语气婉转）

We’ll be expecting you for lunch，Miss Hill.

希尔小姐，我们等您来吃中饭。

I’m hoping to hear from you soon.

希望不久就会收到您的来信。

6. 用过去进行时代替现在进行时，用一般过去时代替一般现在时

I was calling about the trip tomorrow，Mr. Henry.

亨利先生，我打电话给您想询问一下明天旅游的事儿。

What did you want me to do？

您要我做什么？

I hoped that you would do me a favor.

我希望您能帮我一个忙。

7. 用Would you be so kind as to...句型

Would you be so kind as to pass me the salt？

劳驾把盐递给我。

8. 用be sorry but...等致歉性词语开头

I’m sorry but I have some more questions to ask you.

对不起，我还有几个问题要请您解答。