Would you be so kind as to... ? (2025)

"Would you be so kind as to ... ?

A friend of mine told me that this phrase isn't normally used any more because it's regarded as 'overly polite,' as she put it. Would you agree with that? If I started all my threads with this expression, would you find it somewhat off?

majlo said:

A friend of mine told me that this phrase isn't normally used any more because it's regarded as 'overly polite,' as she put it. Would you agree with that? If I started all my threads with this expression, would you find it somewhat off?

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See Also

Is there a specific word for a person who has one leg?Duck (derogatory term)crook of the arm/elbow, leg/knee

I agree with her, I only use it with disdain (often jokingly):
Would you be so kind as to explain to me why the hell you ate all my Pop Tarts?

I can imagine it being used by service staff in a posh establishment (without a hint of irony): 'Would you be so kind as to step this way please?'

Clearly, very polite and formal - and there are occasions when you need to be both, so I wouldn't write it off.

The in context links for this phrase are interesting (found in the dictionary and thread title search).

A number of those listed there today seem to me to be relying on the sense aidanriley suggests.
Sure, you're welcome here, but would you be so kind as to use the back door by the garbage?

A few look to be sincere
Would you be so kind as to reprint the recipe for the action? It contained dishwasher detergent and something else. Thank you!

However, even in the examples that I feel might be sincere, there is a niggling doubt in my mind. A sense that I might be having my leg pulled.

"Would you be so kind as to ..." is a phrase used to make a polite request, isn't it? Please look at page 8 of this file.

2. Would you be so kind as to…

This phrase makes you sound almost sarcastic, as if you think the other person is likely to refuse your request. In business, a person doesn't need to be "kind" to do something: it's generally their job!

Instead, use a phrase such as "Could you…" or "I'd be grateful if you could…." to make a request.

Is "Would you be so kind as to ..." acceptable in daily speech and writing? Do you avoid using the phrase in business?

Natsuna said:

Is "Would you be so kind as to ..." acceptable in daily speech and writing? Do you avoid using the phrase in business?

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I would avoid using it in business correspondence. I agree with SR's opinion in post #7 that it has such an old-fashioned formality to it that it could well come across as sarcastic. Any of the other alternatives listed on page 8 of that link you gave would be fine instead.