will you vs could you
Give me a hand with this bag, will you?
Could you give me a hand with this bag, please?

I figured that the second request is a lot more polite, whereas the first one is more like an order/command because it is actually an imperative. Am I right?

Do you have any idea of the difference between these two sentences? In what situation would each sentence be used?

Thanks!

Question

will you vs could you
Give me a hand with this bag, will you?
Could you give me a hand with this bag, please?

I figured that the second request is a lot more polite, whereas the first one is more like an order/command because it is actually an imperative. Am I right?

Do you have any idea of the difference between these two sentences? In what situation would each sentence be used?

Thanks!

Answer

Yes, you are absolutely right.

The first is an imperative with a 'tag' added to soften it, but it's still a kind of command. You'd typically say this to a friend, family member or workmate.  The second is a polite request, which you could use in any situation.

Answer

The second is more common, in my opinion.

'Can you give me a hand..' is even more common, and it is in-between your two examples in terms of politeness.

'Do you mind giving me a hand..' is also common in the UK, and is the most polite way to say this, although it isn't overly polite.. e.g. it is appropriate to use with friends or work colleagues. It is a 'nice' way to ask a favour.

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