Although simple, the word "please" plays an important role in English communication. It is used to express politeness and can carry various tones depending on context. In this article, IDP IELTS will help you understand what kind of word "please" is and what types of words typically follow it.
1. What Does Please Mean
"Please" is used to express politeness when making a request, offer, or invitation. Placed at the beginning or end of a sentence, it softens the tone and creates a positive impression.
In English, "please" can function as an interjection or a verb, depending on how it is used in a sentence.
2. The Structure of Please in English
When Please functions as an interjection:
Used to politely request something.
Examples:
Please wait for a minute she called down
Could you pass me the ketchup please
Would you please do this for me
When Please functions as a verb: Used to mean “to make someone happy or satisfied”
Examples:
I am not pleased with your behavior
I hope my presentation will please the audience
3. What Comes After Please in English
"Please" is a flexible word and can be used in various situations to improve your communication. Below are the common uses of "please":
Usage | Example |
Requesting help | Please contact our agent in Spain for more information |
Making commands | Please open the windows Please be quiet |
Showing agreement | Would you like some coffee Yes please |
Encouragement | Please do not give up Please believe in yourself |
With indefinite pronouns | Whatever happens please stay calm Whenever you finish your work please let me know |
4. Which Preposition Follows Please To V or V ing
Learners often ask whether "please" is followed by to V or V ing. In addition to requests and commands, "please" appears in fixed expressions with prepositions and adjectives. Here are some structures:
Pleased with somebody or something
Expresses satisfaction with a person or situation
Structure: S + be + pleased + with + somebody or something
Example:
I am pleased with your progress
The manager is pleased with the team’s performance
Pleased about something
Shows happiness or satisfaction about an event
Structure: S + be + pleased about + something
Example:
She was pleased about the good news
They are pleased about the outcome of the meeting
Pleased at something
Emphasizes emotional response about an event
Structure: S + be + pleased at + something
Example:
He was pleased at the prospect of a vacation
Pleased for somebody
Expresses happiness on behalf of someone else
Structure: S + be + pleased for + somebody
Example:
I am pleased for my friend who got the job
We are pleased for them to have a beautiful family
Pleased to do something
Indicates willingness or joy to do something
Structure: S + be + pleased to + do something
Example:
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new store
She is pleased to help you with your project
Pleased by something
Indicates being pleased because of something
Structure:S + be + pleased by + something
Example:
They were pleased by the news
She was pleased by the gift
5. Common Idioms with Please
Using idioms with "please" can help enrich your speaking and writing and make your English more natural and expressive.
Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
If you please | Used to politely emphasize a request |
Please the eye | Something that is visually attractive |
Do as you please | Do whatever you want |
Please yourself | Do whatever you want usually with a dismissive tone |
As pleased as Punch | Extremely happy |
Far from pleased | Very unhappy |
Little things please little minds | Small people are satisfied with small things |
6. Practice Exercises with Please Structure With Answers
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences using Please
would help Lisa washing machine She not open → Can you help Lisa with her washing machine please She cannot open it
order John cup tea → Please order John a cup of tea
to my parents go college they wanted → To please my parents I go to the college they wanted
sister enjoy shopping whenever → My sister enjoys shopping whenever she pleases
could turn off light me → Could you turn off the light for me please
Exercise 2: Choose the correct word or phrase
Could you please ___ me the salt → pass
I would like to ___ a pizza → order
Would you please ___ me with my homework → help
I would like to ___ you to come to my party → please
I am ___ your work → pleased with
Do not open it ___ → please
Please ___ immediately → begin
Would you ___ speak more slowly → please
Exercise 3: Fill in the correct preposition
I am pleased ___ the results → with
She was pleased ___ her friend → for
He was pleased ___ the news → at
We are pleased ___ the opportunity → about
They were pleased ___ receive feedback → to
Master Communication with the Structure of Please
Understanding how to use "please" in different situations helps you become more confident and polite in English communication. Whether making a request or expressing happiness, the right usage of "please" can leave a positive impression.
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