Cushion phrases are used in which scenario?

• A. When communicating gratitude
• B. When asking customers to refrain from doing something or communicating any disagreeable info
• C. Before asking a question or making a request
• D. When suggesting coordinated looks

Answer: (C)

Padding your language with cushion phrases helps you set a polite tone when you need information or action from someone. The main purpose is to ease into a question or request, reducing resistance and making the other person more willing to help. Phrases like “I was wondering if…,” “Would you mind…,” or “Could you possibly…” invite a response without sounding demanding, while showing respect for the other person’s time or constraints. In a customer-service context, they keep the interaction friendly even when asking for a change or clarification. They aren’t primarily used just to express gratitude, nor are they the typical way to deliver disagreeable news or to propose coordinated looks; their role is specifically to soften the lead-in to a question or request. By starting with a cushion, you acknowledge the other person’s autonomy and invite cooperation, which is why this scenario fits best.