to make sure a person in a polite manner. If i want to make sure that man's identity,so i should ask in this way: Sir ,is this professor

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CRFjane

to make sure a person in a polite manner. If i want to make sure that man's identity,so i should ask in this way: Sir ,is this professor Kelek from London? in such way will be politely and suits for the language usage of western ,right? I should not ask :Sir are you professor Kelek from London? using the second person to ask is rude, right?

2 avr. 2014 04:13

Réponses · 11

Sir, do I have the honour of addressing Professor Kelek of London?

2 avril 2014

If you need to clarify a person's identity in English, ask them directly, ie, DO use the second person. It's not at all impolite. Examples: Are you Professor Kelek from London? Are you the driver they sent for me? Are you Mary's brother John? Are you Mrs. Smith's daughter? Are you the person I speak to regarding the apartment?

2 avril 2014

Thanks very much!

2 avril 2014

I have to agree with your original idea.To me, from New Zealand, an English close to British, on the phone, asking "Is this ..." sounds more polite than "Are you ..."? To me, "Are you is very direct". I would avoid it.

2 avril 2014

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