if I could have your attention please" and "May I have your attention p

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hello :
I would like to know the difference between " if I could have your attention please" and "May I have your attention please "

2

There is no significant difference.

3

Hello Dozy:

Thank you for quick comments.

I am still confused about the meaning "if " in the sentence " if I could have your attention please " , I will appreciate that you could make an example for this usage of " if ".

Thank you in advance.

Han

4

There is a vague implied completion of the “if” clause, such as in your case “If I could have your attention, then I will say a few words”, but in practice this “if” is simply used as a figure of speech to soften a request, or make it seem less direct.

“If I could just squeeze past you…”
“If I might ask a favour…”
“If you could just pass me that book…”

5

Hi Dozy:

Thank you for your clear explanation.

Regards

Han