if you please

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العربية الفصحى
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/ɪf ju ˈpliz/
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A set phrase that adds either disbelief or formal courtesy.
Practice using if you please in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The bill includes a fee for breathing air, if you please.
  • They cancelled the train and blamed the passengers, if you please!
  • A little more light, if you please.
  • She called herself the expert, if you please.
  • He expects us to thank him, if you please.

Similar words

kindly
if you would
of all things
imagine that
would you believe it

Meanings

Show surprised annoyance

reaction
informal
Added to a remark to show that the speaker finds what happened surprising, absurd, or irritating.

Examples

  • He asked for a raise after one week, if you please!
  • The bill includes a fee for breathing air, if you please.
  • She called herself the expert, if you please.
  • They cancelled the train and blamed the passengers, if you please!
  • He expects us to thank him, if you please.

Similar words

would you believe it
of all things
imagine that

Make a formal request

courtesy
formal
Added to a request to make it ceremonious or politely deferential.

Examples

  • Your name and address, if you please.
  • Take a seat, if you please.
  • A little more light, if you please.
  • Follow me this way, if you please.
  • Pass the documents, if you please.

Similar words

kindly
if you would

Etymology

A conditional request meaning if it pleases you. The shortened please is now ordinary, while the full phrase keeps its formal and ironic uses.

FAQ

What does if you please mean?

If you please can express annoyed surprise or add formal courtesy to a request.

When is if you please used?

After a surprising claim, it often carries an ironic tone.

How does if you please differ from please?

Please is ordinary in requests, while if you please sounds formal or pointed.

How is if you please used in a sentence?

He asked for a raise after one week, if you please!

Is if you please formal?

Yes. The request use is formal, and the reaction use can sound ironic.

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