Ask a Question

(Create a thread)
Go Back   Spanish language learning forums > Spanish & English Languages > Grammar


Polite grammar

 

This is the place for questions about conjugations, verb tenses, adverbs, adjectives, word order, syntax and other grammar questions for English or Spanish.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old June 10, 2024, 12:56 AM
Tyrn Tyrn is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 372
Native Language: Russian
Tyrn is on a distinguished road
Polite grammar

Hi,

Duolingo really stresses conditionals:

¿Nos traería sal y aceite para la ensalada?

although it accepts the present tense, too:

¿Nos trae sal y aceite para la ensalada?

Which way is more natural? I have an impression that Duolingo just sticks to the English grammar whenever possible (Would you bring us salt and oil for the salad?).

As a student, I'm interested in bulletproof polite grammar, because I can't help being imperfect with the subtle things like my intonation, the nature of my collocutor, etc. For instance, I already know that the usted imperative can be a big mistake.

Any ideas about how to be perfectly polite without being a perfect speaker are welcome .

Last edited by Tyrn; June 10, 2024 at 01:07 AM.
Reply With Quote
   
Get rid of these ads by registering for a free Tomísimo account.
  #2  
Old June 10, 2024, 07:36 AM
Rusty's Avatar
Rusty Rusty is online now
Señor Speedy
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 11,353
Native Language: American English
Rusty has a spectacular aura aboutRusty has a spectacular aura about
Using the conditional is certainly a more polite way to express a command, but there is other phrasing that is better received in certain circumstances. I believe this site covers them all.
Reply With Quote
Reply

 

Link to this thread
URL: 
HTML Link: 
BB Code: 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Site Rules

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Polite letter writing Xinfu Grammar 2 October 05, 2014 08:20 AM
Puede = polite command? Caballero Grammar 5 May 06, 2011 01:52 PM
Polite intensifiers pjt33 Vocabulary 19 October 22, 2010 03:17 AM
Polite subjunctive with commands cmon Grammar 3 January 20, 2009 05:37 AM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:42 AM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

X