Writing Polite Emails. Practice 1 - Answers

These are just some examples of how the sentences can be made more polite and indirect. However, many different answers are possible.

 

1.                  There is a problem.

It seems there is a problem

2.                  I completely disagree with your proposal.

I’m not sure if your proposal is the best approach to this particular issue

3.                  We can’t do that in three days.

I don’t know if we can finish in three days.

4.                  We need more time.

I was hoping we could extend the deadline.

5.                  It will be better to ask Brad. 

It might be a good idea to ask Brad.

6.                  Can you give me a ride home?

I was wondering if you could give me a ride home.

7.                  You made a mistake on the invoice.

It looks like there is a mistake on the invoice.

8.                  That’s more than we are willing to pay.

I’m afraid the price is higher than we expected.

9.                  Can I have Friday off?

I was hoping I could have Friday off.

10.              We should wait. Now isn’t the right time.

Maybe we could wait until it’s a better time?

11.              Let’s cancel the project.

What about we cancel the project?

12.              It’s a bad idea.

I think there may be a better approach.

13.              Did you finish the report yet?

              Have you had a chance to work on the report?