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Latest post Sat, May 17 2008 11:31 AM by Marius Hancu. 2 replies.
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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? 

OR

2. May we borrow your book please?

 

Thank you.

Joined on Sun, Apr 8 2007
Full Member 187
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
Veteran Member 30,760
'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'
Marius Hancu, 1 yr 188 days ago
 May is more related with permission, but here could means just the same.
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