* 17 Particular Conversational Matters (p.3 of 9)
17.15�� When you ask permission to do something on your own initiative
Allow me.�� Listen�� <John took a bag from Nancy and said, �Allow me�.>
Permit me.�� Listen�� <Bill opened the door for Alice and said, �Permit me�.>
17.16�� When you give permission
Please.�� Listen�� A �Please do it.��� <�Can I take another bite of your delicious apple pie?� � �Please. I�m glad you like it.�>
If you please.�� Listen�� A �If you wish so. I agree with your request.��� <�Do you need me to help you in the garden?� � �If you please. There are a couple small jobs there.�>
If you don�t mind.�� Listen�� A �Please do it if you don�t have objections. I agree with your request.��� <�Do you want me to turn off the television?� � �If you don�t mind. I�ve got to work on my article.�>
Would you please?�� Listen�� A �Please do what you are requesting.��� <�Can I help you with your English task?� � �Would you please?�>
Sure.�� Listen�� A �Yes, certainly.��� <�May I have another cup of tea?� � �Sure. Wait until the water is hot.�>
Go ahead.�� Listen�� A �Do it. You have my permission.��� <�May I ask you a question?� � �Go ahead.�>
No problem.�� Listen�� A �I don�t have a problem with your doing it.��� <�Can I borrow your bicycle?� � �No problem. Don�t forget to return it, though.�>
Shoot!�� Listen�� A �Say it! Ask your question!��� <�Can I say something?� � �Sure. Shoot.�>
It doesn�t bother me any.�� Listen�� A �It does not trouble me and I don�t have any objections.��� <�Do you mind if I Listen to the radio?� � �No. It doesn�t bother me any.�>
It doesn�t bother me at all.�� Listen�� <�Can I smoke in the room?� � �Go ahead. It doesn�t bother me at all.�>
17.17�� When you ask for directions
Excuse me, how can I get to the post office?�� Listen�� < � �Go straight down Main Street. It's between the movie theater and the city park.�>
How do I get to the local pub?�� Listen�� < � �Sorry. I don't live around here.�>
Can you please tell me how to get to the nearest grocery?�� Listen�� < � �There's one right across the street.�>
Can you give me directions to the stadium?�� Listen�� < � �I don�t know. You need to ask somebody else.�>
What's the best way to get to the bank?�� Listen�� < � �It's right around the corner!�>
Where is the Town Hall?�� Listen�� < � �It's in downtown next to the Civic Center.�>
17.18�� When you give directions
First, go straight until you get to the major intersection.�� Listen
At the traffic light turn left.�� Listen
Then, go down the street for two blocks.�� Listen
After that, turn left again at the stop sign.�� Listen
Stay on that street for about fifty yards.�� Listen
When you get to the city park, cross the street.�� Listen
It's right there, next to McDonald's. You can't miss it!�� Listen
17.19�� When you ask somebody to wait
Wait.�� Listen�� < �Wait. Don�t be in such a hurry. I can�t keep up with you.�>
Wait a moment.�� Listen�� <�I think you are wrong!� � �Wait a moment! Who gave you the right to express your opinion here?�>
Wait a minute.�� Listen�� <�Driver! Wait a minute.� � �What�s up?� � �I think we are going in the wrong direction.�>
Wait a second.�� Listen�� <�Can I please see Mr. Johnson?� � �Wait a second. Let me find out if he is in the office today.�>
One moment, please.�� Listen�� A �Wait, it will take me only a moment.��� <�Can I ask you a question?� � �One moment, please. I�ll be right with you.�>
Just a moment.�� Listen�� A �Please wait a short time. Stop for a moment.��� <�Can you help me?� � �Just a moment. Let me finish this small business.�>
Just a minute.�� Listen�� <�Waiter! We are ready to place an order.� � �Just a minute. I�ll be right there.�>
Just a second.�� Listen�� <�These people are bigoted.� � �Just a second! How can you say such a thing?�>
17.20�� When you ask for permission to leave a place
Excuse me.�� Listen�� <�I don�t want to spoil the party, but I have a train to catch. Excuse me.� � �Sure, Bob. You are excused.�>
Could I be excused?�� Listen�� (used with could or can or may)�� <The guest stood up from the table and said, �Can I be excused?�>
Would you excuse me?�� Listen�� (used with would or could)�� <�I�ve got to go now. Would you excuse me?�>
17.21�� When you look for a restroom in a public building
Where are the public restrooms?�� Listen�� < � �The public restrooms are in the end of the corridor, sir.�>
Where is the bathroom?�� Listen�� < � �To your right, ma�am.�>
Where is the men's room?�� Listen�� < � �Go straight. You�ll see the sign.�>
Where is the ladies' room?�� Listen�� < � �Behind the elevator.�>
Where is the washroom?�� Listen�� < � �Our washroom facilities are in the basement.�>
I have to go to the bathroom.�� Listen�� < � �Men�s and ladies� rooms are just outside.�>
Where can I wash my hands?�� Listen�� < � �There is a restroom in the lobby.�>
Is there a public restroom here?�� Listen�� < � �I�m sorry, I don�t know. Ask the gentleman behind the counter. He should know.�>
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