下面（1）a-（5）a是不客气的话语；（1）b-（5）b则变为委婉：
（1） 你要什么？
a. What do you want?
b. Can I help you? / Is there anything I can do for you?/ Can I be of any help to you?
（2） 我想问你一个问题。
a. I want to ask you a question.
b. I would like to ask you a ques-tion./ May I ask you a question?
（3） 你遇见我的朋友吗？“Have you ever met my friend?”
a. No, I haven't.
b. I don't think I have./ I am afraid I have.
（4） 你想出去吗？“Would you like to go out?”
a. No, I wouldn't.
b. No, I don't think I would./ I don't think so.
（5） 你现在有空吗？“Are you free now?”
a. No, I am not.
b. I am afraid I have an appoint-ment this afternoon.
除了上述这些较固定的委婉口语之外，还有其他表示委婉的方法，如（6）b到（13）b：
（一）多用疑问句，如：
（6） a. Shut the door, please.
b. Would you please shut the door?
（7） a. I suggest that you go?
b. May I suggest that you go?
（二）多用情态动词（Modal verbs），特别是过去式，如：
（8） a. I want a cup of tea.
b. I would like to have a cup of tea. / Could I have a cup of tea?
（9） a. I think you are making a mistake.
b. I should have thought you were making a mistake.
（三）用动词的过去式，如：
（10） a. Do you want to see me?
b. Did you want to see me?
（11） a. I wonder if you will give me a hand?
b. I wondered if you would give me a hand?
（12） a. I will appreciate it if you can approve my application.
b. I would appreciate it if you could approve my application.
（13） a. I am wondering if you will give me some advice.
b. I was wondering if you would give me some advice.