Could or May

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Cogar

#514728 Sat, 17 May 08 08:30 AM

Hello,

Which is more polite?

1. Could we borrow your book please?

2. May we borrow your book please?

Thank you.

Joined on Sun, Apr 8 2007

Regular Member (175)

Mister Micawber

#514746 Sat, 17 May 08 09:18 AM

.
They are both quite polite. English does not have a strict gradation in courtesy language-- much of it is in the way the words are said.

Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004

Yokohama

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'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.' . 'A fabis abstineto' - Anon

Marius Hancu

#514777 Sat, 17 May 08 11:31 AM

May is more related with permission, but here could means just the same.

Joined on Wed, Apr 26 2006

Montreal, Canada

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