Why You’re Too Polite in English — and How to Fix It!

Are You Too Polite?

When learning English, many students start with phrases like:

“I would like to inquire about the position.”
Perfect grammar — but in real life, it can sound stiff, robotic, or even outdated.

This happens because textbook English doesn’t always match real-life conversation.

Today, we’re going to fix that.

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🤖 The Textbook Trap: Why Formal Phrases Don’t Work in Real Life

Textbooks love long, polite sentences. But native speakers usually go for quick, natural ones.
Here’s what that looks like:

Textbook English	Real English
It is required that I submit it.	I need to turn it in.
I would appreciate your response.	Let me know!
Would it be possible to meet today?	Can we meet today?
It is of great importance.	It’s really important.

Overusing the formal versions can make you sound:

• Robotic 🤖
• Overly serious 🧑‍⚖️
• Or even awkward 🫣

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🗣️ How to Sound Polite and Natural

The secret? It’s not about being less polite — it’s about using modern, relaxed expressions.

✅ Try These Instead:

Situation	Formal Phrase	Natural Phrase
Asking for help	“I would like some help.”	“Can you help me out?”
Making a request	“Would you be so kind as to…”	“Could you…” / “Would you mind…”
Offering to help	“Shall I assist you?”	“Want me to help?” / “Need a hand?”
Starting a question	“May I ask…”	“Just wondering…” / “Quick question…”

🧠 Pro tip: Native speakers almost always use contractions (I’m, I’ll, I’d) and casual phrasing unless they’re in a formal setting like an interview or speech.

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📺 How to Train Your Ear (and Your Voice!)

Want to sound more natural?
Listen to how people really speak.

🔉 Try this:

• Watch shows like The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or Modern Family — listen to everyday English (More Recommendations here!)
• Copy phrases you hear out loud (this builds confidence + muscle memory)
• Record yourself using both versions: formal vs natural
• Ask: “Would I actually say this in real life?”

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🎯 Real-World Challenge: Can You Rewrite These?

Let’s practice! Rewrite these formal sentences in a more natural, polite tone:

• I would like to book a room for two.
• It is necessary that we discuss the matter.
• May I inquire about the price of this item?
• I would appreciate it if you could respond.
• It is of utmost importance that I attend.

💬 Share your answers in the comments — or check out ours at the bottom of the post!

💡 Final Thought

Being polite in English doesn’t mean sounding like a textbook.
It means connecting — clearly, kindly, and naturally. ❤️

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Since you’ve made it to the end, here’s a gift from us:

🎁 Grab the printable worksheet to test your natural English in real life!

Download Here!

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