07 · Politeness
“I was wondering if…”
Making a request less direct
Mary's model recording
0:00 / 0:00
Meaning
Literally about thinking in the past, but it's really a present request.
What it can imply
“Please could you…?” — said softly, so the other person feels free to say no.
Context and register
Useful for bigger requests, or with people you don't know well. With close friends it can sound very formal or even a little ironic.
In conversation
Asking a manager
Ana:I was wondering if I could leave early on Friday?
Manager:Should be fine — just finish the report first.
Asking a neighbour
Ana:I was wondering if you could take in a parcel for me tomorrow?
Neighbour:Of course, no problem.
Would I use this?
Yes, for requests where politeness matters. For small things with friends, “Would you mind …?” is enough.
Your practice
Record yourself saying the phrase, then listen back and compare with Mary's model. Your recording stays on this device only — it is not uploaded, saved or analysed.