Is “Please Kindly” Correct? A Beginner’s Guide Explained

In the realm of polite communication, certain phrases can sometimes lead to confusion, especially for those new to formal English or navigating intercultural exchanges. One such phrase that frequently sparks debate and inquiry is “please kindly.” Its usage often feels redundant to native speakers, yet its appearance in various contexts suggests a perceived need or a misunderstanding of its grammatical implications.

Understanding the nuances of politeness in language is crucial for effective communication. While the intention behind phrases like “please kindly” is undoubtedly to convey respect and deference, their grammatical correctness and naturalness in modern English are worth exploring. This guide aims to demystify the phrase, offering clear explanations and practical advice for its appropriate use, or indeed, its avoidance.

The Redundancy of “Please Kindly”

The core of the issue with “please kindly” lies in its inherent redundancy.

Both “please” and “kindly” function as adverbs that express politeness or make a request more gentle.

Using them together essentially doubles up on the politeness marker, creating an awkward and unnecessary construction.

Understanding “Please”

“Please” is a versatile word used to soften a request or command.

It can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence without altering the fundamental request.

Its primary function is to signal a polite appeal rather than a demand.

Understanding “Kindly”

“Kindly” can function in two main ways in English.

As an adverb, it means “in a kind or considerate way,” often suggesting a gentle or obliging manner.

As an imperative verb (less common in modern usage), it means “be so good as to” or “please do.”

“Kindly” as an Adverb

When “kindly” is used as an adverb, it modifies a verb, adding a layer of gentleness to the action requested.

For example, “Could you kindly close the door?” implies a polite request for the action of closing the door.

Here, “kindly” enhances the politeness already present in the modal verb “could.”

“Kindly” as an Imperative Verb

In older or more formal contexts, “kindly” can stand alone as a polite imperative, similar to “please.”

A sentence like “Kindly sign here” is a direct, polite instruction.

This usage is less frequent in contemporary casual or even most business communication.

The Problem with Combining “Please” and “Kindly”

The redundancy arises when both are used together, typically as “Please kindly…”

This creates a grammatical clash because both are attempting to perform the same function of politeness marker.

It’s akin to saying “very extremely” or “absolutely totally” – the intensity is doubled without adding new meaning.

Why Does “Please Kindly” Persist?

The persistence of “please kindly” can be attributed to several factors.

It might stem from a desire to be exceptionally polite, particularly in cross-cultural communication where politeness conventions differ.

Another reason could be the influence of certain regional dialects or older forms of English where such constructions were more common or accepted.

Formal vs. Informal Contexts

In most modern English, especially in informal and standard business communication, “please kindly” is considered incorrect or at least stylistically poor.

Native speakers often perceive it as overly solicitous or even a sign of non-native English proficiency.

However, in extremely formal or historical documents, one might encounter it, though even then, it’s often a stylistic choice rather than a grammatical necessity.

Correct Alternatives to “Please Kindly”

The good news is that replacing “please kindly” is straightforward and results in more natural-sounding English.

One can simply use “please” or “kindly” on its own, depending on the desired level of formality and nuance.

Choosing one over the other ensures clarity and grammatical correctness.

Using “Please” Alone

The most common and universally accepted way to make a request polite is by using “please.”

Examples include: “Please send the report by Friday,” or “Could you please pass the salt?”

This approach is clear, direct, and always appropriate.

Using “Kindly” Alone (as Adverb/Imperative)

When “kindly” is used as an adverb, it works well on its own: “Kindly complete the survey at your earliest convenience.”

As a polite imperative, it also stands alone: “Kindly remain seated until the announcement is finished.”

Both are grammatically sound and convey politeness effectively.

Rephrasing for Enhanced Politeness

If the goal is to be exceptionally polite, consider using phrases that go beyond a single adverb.

Phrases like “Would you be so kind as to…” or “We would appreciate it if you could…” offer a more elaborate and often more genuinely polite expression.

These constructions avoid redundancy while clearly signaling a high degree of deference.

The Role of Tone and Context

Language is deeply contextual, and the perceived correctness of a phrase can depend heavily on who is speaking, to whom, and in what situation.

While “please kindly” is generally avoided, a non-native speaker using it might be understood perfectly well, even if it sounds slightly unusual.

The underlying intention of politeness is usually clear.

Impact on Professional Communication

In professional settings, clarity and conciseness are paramount.

Using redundant phrases like “please kindly” can detract from a professional image, suggesting a lack of linguistic polish.

Opting for standard, grammatically sound alternatives ensures that your communication is taken seriously.

Avoiding “Please Kindly” in Written Communication

When writing emails, letters, or reports, pay close attention to phrasing.

Proofreading for redundant modifiers like “please kindly” is a simple yet effective way to improve the quality of your writing.

Always aim for the most direct and grammatically correct expression of your intent.

A Note on Regionalisms and Historical Usage

It’s important to acknowledge that language evolves, and what is considered standard today might differ from historical usage or regional variations.

While “please kindly” might appear in older texts or specific locales, its widespread adoption in modern standard English is not recommended.

Understanding this historical context can help appreciate why the phrase might still be encountered, even if it’s now considered non-standard.

Final Recommendation: Choose One

The simplest and most effective advice regarding “please kindly” is to choose one of the two politeness markers, not both.

Decide whether “please” or “kindly” best suits the tone and context of your request.

This ensures your message is both polite and grammatically sound.