The same fifteen words as the cards above, written out in full — easy to scan, search or print.

pleaseA1phrase

the small word that turns an order into a polite request

Mary Poppins tells Michael to close his mouth, but she still says please.

could youA2phrase

the everyday polite way to ask somebody to do something

Could you help me? Those two words turn an order into a question.

spit spotB1idiom

hurry up, said as a brisk old-fashioned order rather than a request

Mary Poppins says spit spot when she wants the children to move quickly.

would you mindB1phrase

a polite way to ask for a bigger favour

Would you mind helping me? is the bigger phrase for a bigger favour.

no, not at allB1phrase

a friendly yes in answer to would you mind, where no means that is fine

Ask somebody would you mind helping me, and a happy helper answers no, not at all.

excuse meA2phrase

what you say to get a stranger’s attention without being rude

Excuse me, is this seat free? works on anybody you have not met.

may IB1phrase

a formal, very polite way to ask for permission

May I have this dance? is more formal than can I, and it sounds very polite.

would you likeA2phrase

a polite way to offer somebody something

Uncle Albert wants company, so he asks would you like to join me for tea?

yes, pleaseA1phrase

the polite way to accept an offer

Offered tea at Uncle Albert’s house, the easy answer is yes, please.

no, thank youA1phrase

the polite way to turn an offer down

If you do not want the tea, say no, thank you.

I’m afraid notB1phrase

a soft way of saying no, where afraid means sorry to say this

In English we rarely say a flat no, so we say I’m afraid not.

I’d love to, but I can’tB1phrase

a warm way to refuse an invitation you would otherwise accept

Mr Banks will not take the children anywhere, but a kinder no is I’d love to, but I can’t.

I’m sorry to bother youB1phrase

what you say first to somebody who is busy or upset

Bert waits for the right moment with Mr Banks, starting I’m sorry to bother you.

magicalB1adjective

full of magic, or simply wonderful

Frame Rated said no film had felt this magical since Buster Keaton.

fancifulC1adjective

full of imagination, and happily unrealistic

Many reviewers found the songs fanciful.