在英文中，為了表示禮貌或使語氣比較沒有那麼直接，有時會使用過去式來指現在的時間。我們通常使用 hope、think、want 和 wonder 等動詞來達成這項目的。在這種句子中，動詞可能是過去簡單式或是過去進行式，後者更有禮貌。例如：
- I was hoping you had a job. (我希望你有工作) － 沒有 I hope you have a job. 那麼直接。
- I was having problems with my computer and I was just wondering if you could fix them for me. (我的電腦出了問題，我只是想知道你是否能幫我修復) － 沒有 I have a problem with my computer and I wonder if you could fix it for me. 那麼直接。I was just wondering if …這個句型經常可見，宜牢記。
- Would you give this book to Simon, please? (請你把這本書拿給賽蒙，好嗎？) － 沒有 Will you give this book to Simon, please? 那麼直接，而且比較有禮貌。
- I wanted to ask you a question. (我想問你一個問題)