Would it be at all possible…?
Formal Polite
What it really means
Maximum politeness for a request, often used with staff, landlords or teachers, or when asking for an exception to a rule. It often signals the speaker fears the answer is no.
Chinese explanation
请求的最高礼貌级别，常用于对工作人员、房东、老师，或请求通融破例时。往往说明说话人担心会被拒绝。
Example conversation
A: Would it be at all possible to hand my essay in on Monday instead?
B: I'm afraid the deadline is fixed, sorry.
A：有没有可能让我周一再交论文？
B：恐怕截止日期不能改，抱歉。
All Politeness Decoder
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake