It’s easy to tell someone what to do in English. There’s no special tense or big changes to sentence structure.
You just say:
Put the package on the counter.
Technically, this is a command. But look at how it’s the same structure as a simple statement:
I put the package on the counter. He put the package on the counter.
Easy, right?
Here’s something you should know: A simple command—
Put the package on the counter.
Can seem harsh.
The information is there (there’s a package; you want it on the counter.) Maybe you even have kind intentions. Maybe the package is heavy and you want the person holding it to get a little relief.
But just the bare command can sound abrupt. So, native speakers often use cushion words to soften the command.
One way to soften the command is to add “please.”
Please put the package on the counter.
But, depending on tone of voice, that can still feel like a strong request. There can still be social distance between you and the person holding the package.
So, we might say,
Just put it on the counter.
Oh, put it on the counter.
Instead of sounding like an order, this sounds like an option. It’s like saying, “You don’t need to stand there, holding that heavy package. All you have to do is—put the package on the counter.”
Of course, tone is everything.
[Angry]
Just….put it…..on… the counter!!!!
(I just can’t take it anymore. I just can’t take one more thing.)
[Breezy]
Oh, yeah. Right–um–put it on the counter.
Another cushion is
Could you just put the package on the counter?
This implies that the person holding the package could do what you want, but they might not really want to. It’s a subtle way of telling them they have choices–or at least the illusion of choice.
A very polite cushion is
Would you mind putting the package on the counter?
Yes, I know the verb changes a little here, but this is a very gentle way of suggesting what you want someone to do. It’s socially awkward to refuse this kind of command, but this acknowledges the person holding the package. He or she has the option to refuse or offer an alternative solution.
No, I’ll hang on to it until you give me my tip.
Or
Why don’t I just put it on the floor?
You could also start with a phrase that makes a connection between you and the other person before inserting the command or direction.
Oh, great! Thanks for coming! Just put it on the counter!
Wow, I can’t believe you made it here with all the flooding! Just put it on the counter.
When you’re on the receiving end of a line like this, you’ll need to decide whether the person telling you to do something wants feedback from you, or just wants you to do what they’re asking, for crying out loud!
Again—tone is everything.
But here’s the take-home message: Cushions give us space to have a conversation, to have choices, and to discuss things, even though most of this is not spoken. It’s implied. Sometimes, talking is more than just the words or information. It’s the connection you’re making.