# PLS

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pls
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. please

interjection · CEFR A1 · Informal · Slang

Stands for please. You use this in text messages or online when you are asking for something.

For teachers: Abbreviation for please. Used in informal digital contexts as a marker of politeness or to emphasize a request.

- Can you send me the homework notes, pls?
- The user messaged the moderator saying 'pls unban me', though the request lacked the formal tone usually required for such appeals.

Usage: Commonly used in text-speak and social media; it is not appropriate for professional emails or formal writing.

Teaching tip: Learners should be aware that while 'pls' is very common online, using it in a professional context can seem lazy or disrespectful.

### 2. medical syndrome

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

Stands for Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome. This is a very rare medical condition that affects the skin and teeth.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome. A rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by palmoplantar keratoderma and early-onset periodontitis.

- The doctor explained that PLS is a genetic condition that requires specialist care.
- Clinical researchers noted that the patient's presentation of PLS was atypical, as the dermatological symptoms appeared much later than the dental issues.

Usage: Used as an uncountable noun in medical literature.

Teaching tip: This is a highly specialized medical term; unless the learner is in the medical field, they are unlikely to encounter it outside of specific scientific texts.

## Examples

- Can you send me that file, pls?
- I'm running five minutes late for the meeting, pls start without me.
- While common in text-based messaging, using pls in a formal business proposal might be perceived as unprofessional or overly casual by the recipient.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
