* 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.�>
Listen to Entire Passage
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.�>
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