language learning center · B2 · Lesson 4
Register and diplomacy
Adjust requests, disagreement, and feedback to suit the relationship and situation.
Understand and learn
Work from a natural example to useful language, one small pattern, a spoken attempt, and a response that is relevant to your life.
Daniel
Would you mind taking another look at the final section?
Daniel makes a considerate request.
Sofia
Of course. Is there anything in particular you would like me to reconsider?
Sofia accepts and asks for precise guidance.
Daniel
The conclusion may be slightly too direct for this audience.
Daniel softens critical feedback without hiding it.
Sofia
I see what you mean. Perhaps we could frame it as a recommendation instead.
Sofia acknowledges the concern and proposes an alternative.
Notice, try, and speak
Understand a natural example and learn a small set of useful words, phrases, and patterns.
Useful words and phrases
These items were selected by the lesson curriculum for practical use—not extracted as an every-word list.
Would you mind…?
Make a considerate request.
Would you mind taking another look at the final section?
Could I ask you to…?
Use a polite formal request.
Could I ask you to…?
It may be slightly…
Soften an evaluation.
It may be slightly…
I see what you mean.
Acknowledge another perspective.
I see what you mean. Perhaps we could frame it as a recommendation instead.
Perhaps we could…
Suggest an alternative collaboratively.
I see what you mean. Perhaps we could frame it as a recommendation instead.
Notice, try, and speak
Which feedback is clear and appropriately diplomatic?
Make it yours
Give diplomatic feedback in English, then adapt the same message for a close friend.
Use a request or disagreement you may genuinely need in a professional or unfamiliar setting.
Use it with someone
Adapt tone diplomatically in English
- 1. Would you mind…?
- 2. Could I ask you to…?
- 3. It may be slightly…
- 4. I see what you mean.
- 5. Perhaps we could…