When a person asks you a question, you will normally give a reply. A sentence with the word ‘please’ in it, normally needs a response. The reply can be either yes, no, or maybe. They could also be much longer sentences, including a reason for the reply or an added condition.

Please can I watch some TV?
-Yes, but only for an hour.
-No, you can not, you have to do your homework.
-Maybe after dinner you can.

Can I please go out to play with my friends?
- Yes, you can but be home before it gets dark.
-No, you can not, it is too late.
-Maybe, after you have done your chores.

Please may I leave the room?
- You may.
- No, sorry you may not.
- Maybe, after you have finished eating your food

Could I please have some ice cream?
- Yes you can, but not too much.
- No, you can’t, you’ve had some already today.
- Maybe later, if you are good.

Of course, you can just reply with a simple yes, no, maybe. But if you do say ‘no’, then the other person will probably ask ‘why not?’ Saying ‘no’ to someone can be a very difficult thing to do.
There are many different ways of responding to a request, which we will be taking a closer look at in a later lesson.

After you have said ‘thank you’, the other person may offer you a response.

Thank you very much for the meal.
- It’s my pleasure.

Thanks a lot for letting me stay with you -
- You are very welcome

Thank you for the special award
- You deserve it

That was a great meal … cheers!
- It’s quite alright

I appreciate your kindness … thank you so much -
- The pleasure is all mine -

Oh thank you for the lovely birthday present, it must have been expensive, … oh you shouldn’t have.
- That’s OK, you are worth it! -

Saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are very simple actions, and by using them, you are showing that you are a polite person, who is willing to show respect to other people, which is quite a nice thing really.

Well another lesson has flown by. Please come back real soon for another one.
Before I finish today, I would like to say a special ‘hello’ to one of my online English students. Diego, and also a big ‘hello’ to his family watching in Canicatti, which is in Sicily. That is definitely it from me, until next time. This is Misterduncan in England, saying. Thank you for watching me, teaching you and of course ta-ta for now.