would you be so kind as to...? | would you be kind enough to...?

British English FORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase would you be so kind as to...? | would you be kind enough to...?

Meaning

This a very polite and formal way of asking somebody to do something.

For example

  • "Would you be so kind as to help me cross the road?"
    "Of course. May I take your hand?"

  • "Would you be kind enough to bring me a pot of tea, please?"
    "Certainly, madam."

Variety

This is typically used in British English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

"Would you be so kind as to close the window?" is most similar to

a. "Would you mind if I closed the window?"

b. "Could you please sit close to the window?"

c. "Would you mind closing the window?"
a) "Would you mind if I closed the window?" b) "Could you please sit close to the window?" c) "Would you mind closing the window?"

Contributor: Matt Errey