How to Offer Your Seat on a Bus｜Polite English Expressions

When using public transportation such as buses or trains, I often see elderly people, pregnant women, people with small children, or those with physical disabilities.

In such situations, offering my seat in a kind manner creates a positive impression and helps me build rapport with local people.

In English-speaking countries as well, “consideration in public spaces” is highly valued, and offering one’s seat is regarded as a gesture of courtesy that transcends cultural boundaries.

In this lesson, I will explain in detail the English expressions used when offering a seat on a bus, along with important grammar points.

Dialogue

A

Excuse me, would you like to sit down?

B

Oh, thank you. That’s very kind of you.

A

Please, take my seat. I’m getting soon anyway.

B

I really appreciate it. It’s been a long day.

A

No problem at all. Take care.

B

Thank you. Have a nice day.

Grammar and Expression Points

1. Polite Offers: Would you like to ～ ?

“The expression “Would you like to ～?” is a very polite way of making an offer or invitation while respecting the other person’s preference.

“Do you want to ～?” has a similar meaning but sounds more casual and may come across as overly friendly depending on the context. In public settings, “Would you like to ～?” is safer and more appropriate.

2. Responding to Kindness: That’s very kind of you.

This phrase is often used to express gratitude in a polite way, meaning “Thank you for your kindness.”

The structure is: That’s + adjective + of + person

This pattern evaluates a person’s action or behavior.

3. Making Imperatives Polite: Please + Verb

The sentence “Take my seat.” is in the imperative form. By adding please at the beginning, the expression sounds more courteous.

In public places, using the form “please + verb” is recommended to keep a polite tone.

Related Polite Expressions:

4. Near-Future with Present Continuous: I’m getting off soon anyway.

This phrase means: “I’m getting off soon, so please take my seat.”

Here, anyway conveys the nuance of “don’t worry about it” when the other person hesitates to accept.

The key grammar point is the use of the present continuous (I am + verb-ing), which in English often refers not only to actions happening “now,” but also to planned near-future events.

5. Standard Parting Expressions

“Have a nice day!” is a polite and common farewell phrase, frequently used in daily life.

The structure is: Have + a + adjective + noun

This pattern is suitable for polite farewells and leaves a good impression. The natural response is “You too!”

Summary

Izumi

Author

「English Morning｜基礎から学ぶ英語講座」を運営している泉（Izumi）です。このサイトでは基礎から応用まで、英語の文法を解説しています。