In many languages a direct order with a friendly tone is perfectly polite. Learners translate this and say "Give me a tea" or "Open the window". In Britain this can sound rude, even with a smile. In this episode: • The request ladder • Would you mind? the grammar and the answer • Asking permission • In shops and cafés • A home scene • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: Can I have a glass of water, please? — casual, family and friends Could I have a tea, please? — neutral, safe almost everywhere Could you turn the telly down a bit? — neutral Could you possibly give me a lift? — polite, a bigger favour Would you mind closing the door? — polite I was wondering if you could feed the cat this weekend. — very polite, a big favour Would it be possible to change the date? — formal, often on the phone Thank you, ta (casual) and cheers (casual) — common ways to say thanks Would you mind waiting a moment? — polite Would you mind moving your car? — polite, to a neighbour Would you mind not playing music so late? — polite, asking someone to stop Would you mind holding this? — No, not at all. (= Yes, I'll help.) Would you mind shutting the gate? — Of course not. (= Yes, happy to.) Would you mind helping me with the shopping? — No problem. (= Yes, I'll do it.) Can I use your loo? — casual Is it alright if I sit here? — neutral, alright means okay Do you mind if I open the window? — polite Would you mind if I left a bit early? — very polite, with the past tense left Do you mind if I charge my phone? — No, go ahead. (= yes, you can) Real British English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — modern British accent, everyday grammar, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang, he/she/it for things, and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.