* 15 Visiting (p.1 of 6)
15.1 When you announce your arrival for a business appointment
I am here to see Mr. Johnson. Listen <“My name is John Smith. I am here to see Mr. Johnson.”>
I have an appointment with Mr. Johnson. Listen <“I am an insurance agent. I have an appointment with Mr. Johnson.”>
Could you please tell Mr. Johnson I am here? Listen <“I am an investment broker. Here’s my business card. Could you please tell Mr. Johnson I am here?”>
15.2 When you ask for permission to visit somebody
Can I come over? Listen (used with could or can or may) < – “Sure. Come over at your convenience.”>
Could I come over tomorrow? Listen (used with could or can or may) <“We need to discuss some important matter. Can I come over tomorrow?”>
Do you mind if I stop by later today? Listen <“I want to show you some documents. Do you mind if I stop by later today?”>
Would you mind if I stopped by later? Listen <“We need to talk. Would you mind if I stopped by later?”>
Would it be a problem if I dropped by for a few minutes sometime? Listen < – “No problem. Please drop by.”>
Would it be alright if I dropped by for a few minutes? Listen < – “It will be perfectly all right.”>
When would be a good time for me to come over? Listen < – “Any time tonight.”>
When is a good time for you? Listen < – “Please come over this afternoon.”>
15.3 When you want to learn more about the event you are invited to
What time should I be there? Listen < – “The event begins at 7p.m. Please come over at least half an hour earlier.”>
What do you have planned? Listen < – “The program will be busy. We are still making arrangements.”>
Is it casual or formal? Listen < – “The event is very casual.”>
How should I dress? Listen < – “Any decent casual wear will be OK.”>
What should I wear? Listen < – “This event is formal. A suit and tie will be appropriate.”>
I am planning to drive. How’s the parking at your place? Listen <“There is plenty of parking space at our place. Regular parking is free. Also, there will be valet parking available for guests.”>
15.4 When you want to show initiative to bring something for a meal
Can I bring something? Listen (used with could or can or may) <“There will be many people at the event. Can I bring something?”>
Can I bring anything? Listen (used with could or can or may) <“Can I bring anything? Will it be appropriate?”>
Do I need to bring anything? Listen <“Do I need to bring anything? What if I bring some food?”>
Should I bring anything? Listen <“Are other people bringing food or wine? Should I bring anything?”>
Would you like me to bring something? Listen < – “Please don’t bother. We have plenty of everything.”>
What should I bring? Listen < – “You don’t need to bring anything. We hired a restaurant to cater the event.”>
Shall I bring wine? Listen <“Shall I bring wine? I have a bottle of good Chardonnay.”>
Would you like me to bring wine? Listen < – “What kind of wine do you have?”>
15.5 When you want to tell at what time you will return home
I'll be right back. Listen <“I’m going to see Nick now. He is staying at The Holiday Inn.” – “Don’t be gone too long.” – “I’ll be right back.”>
I'll be back by eleven. Listen < – “It’s late. Can you make it home earlier than that?”>
I'll be home late. Listen < – “I’ll be waiting for you.”>
I'll be gone just a few hours. Listen < – “OK, take your time. I have a lot of work to do.”>
Don't wait up for me. Listen < – “OK, then I will go to bed. Don’t wake me up when you come back.”>
15.6 When you need to apologize for being late
Sorry I'm late. Listen < – “We started without you.”>
Sorry to keep you waiting. Listen < – “Don’t worry. We are still waiting for some other guests.”>
I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. Listen <“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. Traffic on the freeway was hell.”>
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