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What is the proper word to use when asking the question below:

Could you please send your mobile number?

or

Can you please send your mobile number?

Is one of those better than the other for some reason? Or are they about the same?

J.R.
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user23929
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  • Why is your title asking about email but your question body asking about mobile numbers? – Nathan Tuggy Sep 04 '15 at 14:56
  • I've taken the liberty to edit this question. To @user23929: In the future, avoid asking a question that asks, "Is this sentence correct or not?" or, "Which one of these is correct?" Instead, try to make it a more general question that would interest other English learners besides yourself. Also, when asking for a comparison between two sentences, highlight the difference. More tricks here (read through the answers, too). Also, don't forget to do some research, and share what you find. – J.R. Sep 04 '15 at 17:16

2 Answers2

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I would say:

Could you please send me your mobile number.

I would regard could as more polite than can in this context. There is probably no proper way. All are grammatically correct.

Brian Tompsett - 汤莱恩
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Both are fine grammatically, but it appears that you are aiming for a relatively formal setting in which case "Could" is slightly more formal-sounding. Neither would be incorrect, however.

"Could" also implies more of a polite request which may be refused, rather than a polite order, although this is a soft implication and does not make "Can" rude.

I would generally suggest using "Could" although I'd perhaps change the word order as the following flows better and sounds most like a polite request.

Please could you send me your mobile number?

Jon Story
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  • Using would is a possibility, too: Would you please send me your mobile phone number? – J.R. Sep 04 '15 at 17:20
  • That would sound very strange to me, and sounds slightly passive aggressive or demanding – Jon Story Sep 04 '15 at 17:34
  • It might, depending on the context. But consider: It was nice meeting you yesterday in the cafeteria. That was a great conversation. I'd really like to arrange another meeting sometime, if you don't mind. Would you please send me your cell phone number? That doesn't sound too 'demanding' to me. – J.R. Sep 04 '15 at 17:38