was/is

[Bridget]

At a hotel reception, why does the receptionist ask "what was the name, please", and not "what is the name, please"?

[eeshan]

From my experience I believe that, It is always addressed in past tense.
The idea is to add more politeness and humility to the language.
"Whats is the name, please" is a direct reference to the person and is used in the normal conversations as among friends and peers.
In the Hospitality business, the customer or the client will always be held high and hence the polite reference.
Hope this satisfies the Question.
Regards
Eeshan

[Bridget]

From my experience I believe that, It is always addressed in past tense.
The idea is to add more politeness and humility to the language.
"Whats is the name, please" is a direct reference to the person and is used in the normal conversations as among friends and peers.
In the Hospitality business, the customer or the client will always be held high and hence the polite reference.
Hope this satisfies the Question.
Regards
Eeshan


It satisfies my doubts very well. Many thanks.