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ners figure out speakers’ special intention. 3.4.1 Using the past tense In written English the past tense is mostly used to express an action or a fact happened in a certain point of time in the past. But in oral English, the past tense can replace the present tense to make the meaning of the sentences sounds more polite and mild. (1) Do you want me to help you? (2) Did you want me to help you? (3) I wonder if you can do me a favor. (4) I wondered if you could do me a favor. Sentences (1) and (3) use the present tense and sentences (2) and (4) use the past tense, and they are all grammatically right. But sentences (2) and (4) sound more pleasant, for they mean that what the speakers say happened in the past, so the listeners will not feel embarrassed if they have different answers from the speakers’ at the time being. (5) Wouldn’t it be better for us to start off a little earlier tomorrow? (6) This is something I should advise you not to do. By using the past tense of model auxiliary verbs, the above sentences put forward a polite proposal instead of a harsh one. 3.4.2 Using the subjunctive mood The subjunctive mood in English is mainly used to express doubt, wishes, or possibility. When used in spoken English, one can achieve a better communication effect than with indicative mood or imperative mood. Here are some examples: (7) If I were you, I would not go there. (8) If he be found guilty, his membership would be suspended. (9) It is essential that he recognize his fault. 3.4.3 Using the passive voice In English, the passive voice is used to avoid mentioning the doer, especially when expressing criticism. Here are two examples: (10) It is generally considered not acceptable to act that way. (11) This book was not well written. In sentence (10), the passive voice is tactfully used not to indicate who acts that way. In sentence (11), the speaker does not mention who is the writer in order not to hurt the person concerned. 3.4.4 Using parentheses Parentheses are also used to form euphemisms. And a parenthesis can be a word, a phrase or a sentence, such as, “I think”, “I guess”, “I’m afraid”, “I suppose”, “I wonder”, “it seems”, and “it is said”. They are used to make a statement less direct or less strong. Here are some examples: (12) The man, it seems, is the one who lives next door to Tim. (13) This, I think, is a very good way to improve your English study. With “it seems” and “I think” the two sentences sound more modest and less righteous. 3.4.5 Using “please” Out of kindness and politeness, the word “please” is used as a euphemistic device. Examples: (14) No photos, please. (15) Close the door, please. (16) Children, please! I am trying to work. In sentence (14), “please” is employed on a sign to say that something is not allowed politely. Sentence (15) uses “please” as a polite way of asking somebody to do something. Sentence (16) employs “please” as a mild criticism, to ask somebody to stop behaving badly. 3.4.6 Using tag questions A phrase such as “isn’t it?”, “won’t it”, or “doesn’t she” is added to the end of a sentence to make it a question or to ask you to agree with the above statement politely. Examples: (17) Let’s go fishing this afternoon, shall we? (18) Turn on the light for me, will you? 3.5 Rhetorical devices Some euphemisms are invented by rhetorical means as follows. 3.5.1 Using metaphor In English, many euphemisms themselves are vivid and popular metaphors, so