6. Navigating Physical Space
Don’t say: “Move”
Say: “Excuse me”
Why it matters: “Move” is what you say to an object; “Excuse me” is what you say to a human being. Using “Move” suggests that the person is an obstacle in your way. “Excuse me” is a universal “magic phrase” that politely asks for space while acknowledging that you are entering their personal bubble.
7. Controlling the Environment (Silence)
Don’t say: “Shut up”
Say: “Please be quiet”
Why it matters: “Shut up” is one of the most aggressive phrases in the English language. It is designed to silence someone forcefully.
“Please be quiet” or “Could we have some silence?” focuses on the noise level rather than attacking the person’s right to speak. It is much more effective in classrooms, offices, or libraries.
Summary Table: The Secret Ingredients of Politeness
To make any sentence more polite, you can usually apply these three rules:
| Rule |
Example |
| Add a Modal Verb |
Use “Could,” “Would,” or “May.” |
| The “Please/Thank You” Sandwich |
Start with “Please” or end with “Thank you.” |
| Use a Softener |
Use phrases like “I’m afraid…” or “Actually…” |
Why this matters for your English journey:
People will judge your English level not just by your vocabulary, but by how you make them feel. Using the “Say This” column makes you sound like a sophisticated, fluent speaker who understands the nuances of social interaction.
