“May you please” is understandable, but it is not the usual way to make a polite request in standard English. In most situations, use “Could you please,” “Would you please,” “Can you please,” or another request form instead.
Use a Natural Request Form
- Could you please
- Would you please
- Can you please
- Would you mind
- Could you kindly
- Would you kindly
- Could you possibly
- Would you be able to
- Could you help me with
- Would you mind helping me with
- When you have a moment, could you
- If possible, could you
- I’D appreciate it if you could
- Would it be possible for you to
- Please could you
Could you please
One of the safest polite request forms in both speech and writing. It sounds courteous without being overly formal.
Example: Could you please send me the final version by Thursday?
Would you please
A direct but polite form that is slightly more formal than “can you please.”
Example: Would you please confirm the appointment time?
Can you please
A very common everyday request. It is less formal than “could you please” but still polite in normal use.
Example: Can you please close the door on your way out?
Would you mind
Use this to soften a request, normally followed by an -ing form.
Example: Would you mind checking these figures before I submit them?
Could you kindly
A formal request form often used in business correspondence. In some contexts it can sound stiff or impatient, so use it sparingly.
Example: Could you kindly confirm receipt of the documents?
Would you kindly
Another formal option that can sound courteous in writing but may feel overly stiff in casual conversation.
Example: Would you kindly complete the attached form?
Could you possibly
This makes the request more tentative, especially when you are asking for a favor or something inconvenient.
Example: Could you possibly move our meeting to Friday afternoon?
Would you be able to
A polite way to ask about both willingness and practical ability.
Example: Would you be able to review the draft before Monday?
Could you help me with
This sounds cooperative and works well when the request involves assistance rather than a single action.
Example: Could you help me with the final section of this form?
Would you mind helping me with
A softer version for requests that may take some time or effort.
Example: Would you mind helping me with the boxes after lunch?
When you have a moment, could you
This reduces pressure by acknowledging that the request does not need immediate attention.
Example: When you have a moment, could you send me the updated figures?
If possible, could you
Use this when you want to make clear that you understand the request may not be feasible.
Example: If possible, could you arrive ten minutes early?
I’D appreciate it if you could
A polite professional construction that emphasizes appreciation rather than command.
Example: I’d appreciate it if you could return your comments by Wednesday.
Would it be possible for you to
A formal, indirect request that is useful when asking for a significant accommodation.
Example: Would it be possible for you to extend the deadline by two days?
Please could you
This word order is common in British English and sounds natural in many everyday requests.
Example: Please could you let me know when the parcel arrives?
Why ‘May You Please’ Sounds Unusual
“May” is normally used to ask permission for the speaker: “May I leave early?” When requesting that another person do something, English usually uses “could,” “would,” or “can” instead.