Meaning
A request to speak privately or briefly, often indicating the speaker needs discretion or wants to address something serious.
Primary Function
Making polite requests for a confidential conversation
Communicative Purpose
To signal urgency or sensitivity while maintaining formality; it invites the listener to give uninterrupted attention without disrupting others.
Pattern
Could I have a word?
Core Structure
Could I have a word?
Função primária
Making polite requests for a confidential conversation
Propósito comunicativo
To signal urgency or sensitivity while maintaining formality; it invites the listener to give uninterrupted attention without disrupting others.
Situações de gatilho
When someone wishes to discuss sensitive matters, feedback that could be perceived as critical, or any issue requiring privacy (e.g., after giving criticism).
Contextos
Professional meetings, formal business settings, workplace interactions where interruptions are undesirable.
Padrão
Could I have a word?
Estrutura central
Could I have a word?
Slots de substituição
word → moment; minute; brief conversation
Colocados típicos
- with you
- for a moment
- briefly
Substituições comuns
- Can I have a moment?
- Do you have a sec?
Erros comuns
Using "a word" to mean just a casual chat when it often implies something mildly serious.
Similar / contraste
Can we talk? (more emotional), Got a minute? (casual)
Interferências
"A word" can alarm because it sounds like a reprimand; soften with "quick word".
Família do chunk
- Conversation requests: Got a second? Can I steal you? A quick chat?
Nuance
Often preludes feedback, a request, or sensitive info.
Efeito pragmático
Subtly signals importance without alarming.
Dica de memória
quick word
Nota
This phrase is polite and formal, often used in professional or serious contexts to request a private conversation. It is not typically used in casual settings.
Upgrade path
Can I talk to you? → Could I have a word? → Might I have a private word?
Log in to save chunks.