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16
Mar 10

Who was the one who came up with the stupid PR phrase: “Can I trouble you to [insert request]?”

I know it’s supposed to be a tactful, polite way of asking for something, but what is wrong with “please”??

Why use five words instead of one?

“Can I trouble you to” sounds condescending to me. It’s the same as saying, “I’m going to give you a nasty task but I don’t want you to hate me for it so I shall pretend that I’m asking you a favour so you’ll feel awesome instead,” but in fewer words.

Someone came up with this phrase and everyone thought it was a great idea and started using it. I don’t doubt it works on most people but I see it for what it is!!!

Can I trouble you to comment?

Love, Sheylara
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Categories: Rants

16 Responses to “Can I trouble you to…”

  1. lyk13 says:

    No trouble. *Whistle*

  2. DC says:

    Commented.

    Now what?

  3. Rinko says:

    where my candy? XD

  4. naeboo says:

    my most hated still has to be “no offence, but….”

    so many levels of WTF right there

  5. Troublemaker says:

    I find it rather polite though. Whenever I use the phrase, I don’t expect the person to help but would appreciate lots if he/she does. As for ‘please’, it’s a more polite way of telling a person you need to get this done…. at least I see it that way. :p

  6. ZhiX says:

    I think if someone takes the effort to be polite/civil, regardless of their delivery of methods, taking into consideration their INTEND to be nice and polite, it should be appluaded and appreciated.

    i have met too many people who simply do not have the basic manners to take the extra effort to add such phrases to their wants/needs and assume that the world revolves around them.

    one word, 2 words or a whole sentences, as long as the intend is right, i say .. kudos, let’s do what we can to make the world a better place.

  7. kate says:

    i’m guessing it’s a direct translation of the chinese “麻烦你(insert verb)”. could be wrong, not sure if i’ve ever heard native english say that, or how we cross influence

    my european colleagues like to write in emails “would you please be so kind to help do…” and i always think in my head, “no i’m not so kind”. haha

    but i still like polite emails to curt ones. agree with ZhiX there

  8. stormy says:

    @naeboo LOL so many levels of wtf did you just make that up lol

  9. Sharon says:

    Feels like a Seinfeld moment – of course you may trouble me. It is no trouble at all!

  10. Edison says:

    haha… sheylara… i Agree with u…
    i think it sounded abit “Luo Shuo” lor…. Long winded.. beating ard the bush.

    anyway .. long time no see.. hope ya doing fine n u look good in ur picture! :)

  11. Kerr says:

    Clickzzzzzzz

  12. Lucas says:

    nothing wrong with the phrase. no need to get so worked up by it

  13. RN1209 says:

    @Sheylara: Hehe, been a while since we had a rant post:) No trouble at all, just like those dream Danish cookies…

  14. Dallas says:

    I am troubled. Now say please =))

  15. Sheylara says:

    Wow. Thanks for all your comments!! :) I shall agree that it’s always better for people to be excessively polite than rude! :P

    @kate – That’s a good point! I’m quite sure you’re right, come to think of it, since many of our english phrases come from being directly translated from chinese, heh.

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