17 Everyday Conversational Expressions Particular Conversational Matters p.2
* 17 Particular Conversational Matters (p.2 of 9)
17.6 When you make a recommendation
I recommend that you return home at once. Listen <"It is going to rain. What should we do?" – "I recommend that you return home at once.">
I suggest that you eat sweet dishes last. Listen <"There is so much delicious food on the table!" – "I suggest that you eat sweet dishes last.">
I would like to propose that we start the project from scratch. Listen <"Our project has failed. Any ideas?" – "I would like to propose that we start the project from scratch.">
17.7 When you ask for favors
Can you please help me repair my bicycle? Listen < – "Sure. What's the problem?">
Could you please give me a cup of tea? Listen < – "I would be glad to. What kind of tea do you prefer?">
Would you please get me a taxi? Listen < – "No problem. It looks like you've got a lot of luggage.">
17.8 When you offer service
How can I help you? Listen A "How can I be of service for you?" < – "I'm looking for men's wear.">
Can I help you? Listen A "Can I be of service for you?" (used with can or may) < – "I'm not ready to order yet.">
What can I do for you? Listen < – "I need a small loan.">
What else can I do for you? Listen < – "Give me another beer.">
Anything else? Listen A "Do you need anything else?" < – "A glass of wine, please.">
Will there be anything else? Listen A "Will you order anything else?" < – "No, that's all.">
Is there anything else? Listen < – "Just coffee.">
Is that all? Listen A "Is that all you need?" < – "Yes, that's all.">
Will that be all? Listen < – "Yes, that'll be all.">
17.9 When you don't need anything else
No, thanks. Listen A "No, I don't need it." <"Would you care for another cup of tea?" – "No, thanks. I'm OK.">
That's all. Listen A "That's all I need." <"Do you need anything else?"– "No, that's all.">
That's it. Listen <"Anything else?" – "That's it. Thank you.">
That'll be all. Listen <"Will there be anything else?"– "No, that'll be all.">
17.10 When you offer something to somebody
Have a cookie. Listen < – "Thanks. Only if it's not too sweet.">
Would you like some pie? Listen < – "Sure. It's really good.">
Would you like some more cake? Listen < – "No, thank you. It tastes delicious, though.">
Would you care for another drink? Listen A "Do you need another serving?" < – "Well, why not?">
How about a cup of tea? Listen < – "Yes, that'll be nice.">
Can I get you some juice or something? Listen < – "Well, a glass of milk would be OK.">
17.11 When you invite somebody to do something
Do you want to have another beer? Listen < – "No, thanks. I have had enough tonight.">
Do you feel like going to a movie theater? Listen < – "Well, why not? What's on?">
Would you like to go to the museum tomorrow? Listen A "Do you wish…?" < – "Sure, that would be great. When do we meet?">
Would you care to dance with me? Listen A "Would you like to..." < – "Oh, I would love to.">
How about going to the beach on Saturday? Listen < – "I'm not sure. Can I get back to you on that?">
17.12 When you request somebody to do something
Please! Listen A "I am requesting you to do it earnestly although you might refuse." <"Can you help me?" – "No, I'm busy now." – "Please!">
Can you help me? Listen < – "Sure. What do you need?">
When you get a chance, please help me in the kitchen. Listen < – "Sure. What do you want me to do?">
Please help me in the garden when you have a minute. Listen < – "Why didn't you ask me earlier? I can help you right away.">
Why don't you give me a hand? Listen <"I'm moving heavy boxes. Why don't you give me a hand?" – "I'll be with you in just a minute.">
Will you prepare a coffee for me? Listen < – "OK. How do you like it?">
Could you take me to the airport? Listen (used with could or can) < – "Sorry. I'm not going in that direction.">
Could you possibly help me with my English task? Listen (used with could or can) < – "Can't you do it yourself? It's not that hard.">
Would you turn down the radio? Listen < – "I am sorry. Is it bothering you?">
Would you mind helping me in the backyard? Listen < – "I'll help you. Let's go.">
Would you be so kind as to help me with my English task? Listen < – "Sorry, I'm busy at the moment.">
Help me in the garden, if you please. Listen A "If you wish. If it is your pleasure. Please." < – "No problem. What do you want me to do there?">
17.13 When you inquire about a person's abilities
Can he sing? Listen < – "Not really. He has no talent in that area. He is good at playing violin.">
Does he play the piano? Listen < – "Yes, but not too well.">
Is he good at dancing? Listen < – "Yes, he dances very well. And he's good at acting, too.">
Does he know how to use a computer? Listen < – "Of course. He is a professional programmer.">
17.14 When you ask permission
Please! Listen A "I am asking you earnestly although you might refuse." <"Can I have another cookie?" – "No, you can't. You have had a couple of cookies already." – "Please!">
May I come in? Listen A "Do you mind if I enter?" (used with can or may or could) < – "Yes, please. We've been waiting for you.">
Can I have a piece of pie? Listen (used with can or may or could) < – "Please help yourself.">
I want to open the window. Do you mind? Listen A "Do you object to what I want to do?" < – "Please do. But don't let flies in.">
Do you mind if I invite my friend for dinner? Listen < – "Yes, please introduce him to us.">
Do you mind if I turned on the radio? Listen < – "I'd rather you didn't. I want to sleep.">
Would you mind if I asked you something? Listen < – "What is that?">
Is it OK if I opened the door? Listen < – "Sure. But please go outside if you're going to smoke.">
I want to turn the TV set on. Is this OK with you? Listen < – "I don't mind. Turn it down, though.">
Would it be alright if I took the car tonight? Listen < – "Go ahead. Don't scratch it, though.">
If you don't mind, can I open the window? Listen A "If you don't object to what I want to do…" < – "You got it. No problem.">