Once upon a time, in a bustling city, lived a young man named Max who was known for his impeccable manners.

Max believed that polite conversation was the key to harmony and understanding, and he mastered the English language's etiquette.

One day, Max decided to teach his younger sister, Lucy, the advanced concepts of politeness in the English language.

Max started with explaining the difference between 'can' and 'could'.

He said, "Using 'could' instead of 'can' makes a request or suggestion sound more polite."

To illustrate this, Max gave an example, "'Could you please pass the salt?' sounds more courteous than 'Can you pass the salt?'".

Lucy understood the distinction and promised to apply it in her conversations.

Next, Max moved onto the concept of active versus passive language.

He explained that using passive voice can often sound more polite and less direct than using active voice.

For instance, saying 'The vase was broken by me' is softer and more polite than saying 'I broke the vase'.

Lucy grasped the concept and was eager to implement it in her daily communication.

Max further emphasized that being polite is not just about using the right words, but also about the tone and intention behind those words.

Lucy appreciated her brother's wisdom and thanked him for the valuable lessons.

The next day, Lucy got the chance to apply her newly learned skills when their elderly neighbor, Mrs. Brown, paid them a visit.

Lucy politely asked, "Could I get you a cup of tea, Mrs. Brown?" instead of saying, "Can I get you a cup of tea?"

Mrs. Brown was pleasantly surprised by Lucy's polite demeanor and expressed her appreciation.

When Lucy accidentally knocked over a flower vase, she quickly said, "I'm sorry, the vase was knocked over by me."

Mrs. Brown, charmed by Lucy's politeness, reassured her that it was just an accident.

Max, observing from afar, felt proud of his sister's transformation.

The siblings' politeness and courtesy left a lasting impression on Mrs. Brown, who spread the word about their good manners.

Soon, the entire neighborhood began to notice the polite and respectful behavior of Max and Lucy.

The siblings became an example for others, inspiring them to mind their language and be more polite in their conversations.

Thus, the teachings of Max and the application by Lucy started a ripple effect of politeness in their community.

The siblings were delighted to see the positive changes around them, and they continued to uphold and spread the principles of polite English language etiquette.

Their story serves as a reminder that politeness in language can lead to harmony and understanding, making our world a better place.