“Small Talk” is when you talk to people about very general things. If you know “small talk” phrases, you will always have something to say. Here are some “small talk” phrases:
1. It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?
2. Can you believe all the rain we’ve been having?
3. We couldn’t ask for a nicer day, could we?
4. Did you watch the news this morning?
5. Did you hear about ______________?
6. How about those Titans? (What do you think about the Titans? They’re doing great!)
7. Are you looking forward to the weekend?
8. Have you had a good week?
9. I love your dress! May I ask you where you bought it?
10. How long have you been waiting? (at the doctor’s office)
11. It sure is busy today! (at a crowded store)
12. You look like you’ve got your hands full! (with children or groceries)
13. What’s your child’s (or pet’s) name?
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Telephone Language
Telephone Language
1. This lesson will give you some useful phrases to use on the telephone.
2. When you call someone, you need to introduce yourself (especially if the caller doesn’t recognize your voice).
You can say:
“Hey Bill! It’s Mary.” (informal)
“Hello, this is Bill Smith calling.” (formal)
3. If someone calls you and you don’t recognize their voice, you can say:
“Who’s speaking, please?”
4. If someone calls you and asks to speak to you, you can say:
“This is she.”
5. If you want to talk to someone special, you can say:
“Is Bill in?” (informal)
“Is Bill there, please?” (more formal)
“Can I talk to your mother, please?” (more formal)
“Hello, this is Mary may I speak to Bill, please?” (formal)
6. If you need to leave someone a message, you can say:
“Will you ask him/her to call _______ please? Here’s my number: ”
7. If you don’t want to leave a message, you can say:
“Okay, I’ll call back later. Thank you.”
8. If you can’t understand what the other person is saying, you can say:
“Can you repeat that please?”
“Can you speak a little louder please?”
“Can you speak a little slower please?”
“Would you mind spelling that for me?”
(When we are spelling something in English, we usually say:
A as in apple, B as in boy, C as in cat, D as in dog, etc.)
9. If you need to make an appointment, you can say:
“Hello—this is _________ I need to make an appointment (for my son/daughter) with Dr. _________”
If it is a “sick visit”, say:
“I am sick” or “She/He is sick.” I have a _____________.” Or “She/He has a ________.”
If it is a regular physical, say:
“I need a physical.” Or “She/He needs a physical.”
Then say:
“Can we come on ____________(date) at ________(time)?”
You should repeat the date and time to make sure you have them correct. You can say:
“Let me repeat that, just to make sure. It’s _______ (date) at ___________ (time).”
10. When you are ready to end a phone call, you can say:
“I need to get going. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Thanks for calling. Good-bye.”
“I'll talk to you again soon. Good-bye.”
1. This lesson will give you some useful phrases to use on the telephone.
2. When you call someone, you need to introduce yourself (especially if the caller doesn’t recognize your voice).
You can say:
“Hey Bill! It’s Mary.” (informal)
“Hello, this is Bill Smith calling.” (formal)
3. If someone calls you and you don’t recognize their voice, you can say:
“Who’s speaking, please?”
4. If someone calls you and asks to speak to you, you can say:
“This is she.”
5. If you want to talk to someone special, you can say:
“Is Bill in?” (informal)
“Is Bill there, please?” (more formal)
“Can I talk to your mother, please?” (more formal)
“Hello, this is Mary may I speak to Bill, please?” (formal)
6. If you need to leave someone a message, you can say:
“Will you ask him/her to call _______ please? Here’s my number: ”
7. If you don’t want to leave a message, you can say:
“Okay, I’ll call back later. Thank you.”
8. If you can’t understand what the other person is saying, you can say:
“Can you repeat that please?”
“Can you speak a little louder please?”
“Can you speak a little slower please?”
“Would you mind spelling that for me?”
(When we are spelling something in English, we usually say:
A as in apple, B as in boy, C as in cat, D as in dog, etc.)
9. If you need to make an appointment, you can say:
“Hello—this is _________ I need to make an appointment (for my son/daughter) with Dr. _________”
If it is a “sick visit”, say:
“I am sick” or “She/He is sick.” I have a _____________.” Or “She/He has a ________.”
If it is a regular physical, say:
“I need a physical.” Or “She/He needs a physical.”
Then say:
“Can we come on ____________(date) at ________(time)?”
You should repeat the date and time to make sure you have them correct. You can say:
“Let me repeat that, just to make sure. It’s _______ (date) at ___________ (time).”
10. When you are ready to end a phone call, you can say:
“I need to get going. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Thanks for calling. Good-bye.”
“I'll talk to you again soon. Good-bye.”
Monday, September 29, 2008
How To Order Fast Food
How To Order Fast Food
The worker will ask you:
“Can I help you?” OR “May I take your order?”
You need to say:
“Yes, I would like a ________ and some ___________ and a ____________ to drink.”
The worker will usually repeat your order back to you and you the total. If the order isn’t right, you can say:
“I’m sorry, I ordered a _________ not a __________.”
The worker should repeat the correct order to you. If it is okay, you need to pay the worker for your meal and then wait for your food to be ready.
If you need ketchup or some other item, just say:
“Can I please have some ____________?”
Some fast food restaurants have “value meals” that can be ordered by only saying a number. If you want a value meal, just say:
“I would like meal number _________.”
If you have a special order, you can say:
“I would like a plain hamburger.” OR “I only want ______ on my hamburger.” OR “No _________ on my hamburger, please.”
The worker will ask you:
“Can I help you?” OR “May I take your order?”
You need to say:
“Yes, I would like a ________ and some ___________ and a ____________ to drink.”
The worker will usually repeat your order back to you and you the total. If the order isn’t right, you can say:
“I’m sorry, I ordered a _________ not a __________.”
The worker should repeat the correct order to you. If it is okay, you need to pay the worker for your meal and then wait for your food to be ready.
If you need ketchup or some other item, just say:
“Can I please have some ____________?”
Some fast food restaurants have “value meals” that can be ordered by only saying a number. If you want a value meal, just say:
“I would like meal number _________.”
If you have a special order, you can say:
“I would like a plain hamburger.” OR “I only want ______ on my hamburger.” OR “No _________ on my hamburger, please.”
Telling People About Yourself
Telling People About Yourself
When you meet a new friend or you are asked to introduce yourself, here are some things you can say:
1. My name is ___________________. I am from Japan.
2. I came to America _____________weeks/months/years ago.
3. My husband is a/an _______________ at ___________.
4. We will stay in America for ______________ months/years.
5. I don’t have any children.
OR
6. Or, I have ____________ child/children. My child/children goes to ________ school.
7. I have many hobbies. I like to ______, ______, and ______.
8. I don’t have a pet.
OR
9. I have a pet. It is a _________. His/Her name is _________.
10.When I lived in Japan, I used to _____________. That is one thing I miss about Japan.
11.My favorite thing about America is _________. I really like that.
12.Before I go back to Japan, I want to ________________. That is my dream.
When you meet a new friend or you are asked to introduce yourself, here are some things you can say:
1. My name is ___________________. I am from Japan.
2. I came to America _____________weeks/months/years ago.
3. My husband is a/an _______________ at ___________.
4. We will stay in America for ______________ months/years.
5. I don’t have any children.
OR
6. Or, I have ____________ child/children. My child/children goes to ________ school.
7. I have many hobbies. I like to ______, ______, and ______.
8. I don’t have a pet.
OR
9. I have a pet. It is a _________. His/Her name is _________.
10.When I lived in Japan, I used to _____________. That is one thing I miss about Japan.
11.My favorite thing about America is _________. I really like that.
12.Before I go back to Japan, I want to ________________. That is my dream.
What is Groundhog Day?
What is Groundhog Day?
1. February 2nd is Groundhog Day. It is the day that the fictional
groundhog, “Punxsutawney Phil”, comes out of his hole after a long winter. Punxsutawney Phil lives in Gobbler’s Knob Pennsylvania.
2. If Groundhog Day is sunny, Phil sees his shadow. So, Phil
thinks there will be six more weeks of winter and he returns to his hole. If Groundhog Day is cloudy, Phil doesn’t see his shadow. So, Phil thinks spring is coming soon and he stays above ground.
3. Groundhog Day began as Candlemas Day. In European
countries, Christian priests and pastors bless candles and distribute them to people on February 2nd. If Candlemas Day is sunny, people think winter will be longer. If Candlemas Day is cloudy, people think spring is coming soon.
4. Many German people settled in Pennsylvania. They brought
the Candlemas Day tradition with them, but they used groundhogs instead of candles. So, that’s why we have Groundhog Day in America.
1. February 2nd is Groundhog Day. It is the day that the fictional
groundhog, “Punxsutawney Phil”, comes out of his hole after a long winter. Punxsutawney Phil lives in Gobbler’s Knob Pennsylvania.
2. If Groundhog Day is sunny, Phil sees his shadow. So, Phil
thinks there will be six more weeks of winter and he returns to his hole. If Groundhog Day is cloudy, Phil doesn’t see his shadow. So, Phil thinks spring is coming soon and he stays above ground.
3. Groundhog Day began as Candlemas Day. In European
countries, Christian priests and pastors bless candles and distribute them to people on February 2nd. If Candlemas Day is sunny, people think winter will be longer. If Candlemas Day is cloudy, people think spring is coming soon.
4. Many German people settled in Pennsylvania. They brought
the Candlemas Day tradition with them, but they used groundhogs instead of candles. So, that’s why we have Groundhog Day in America.
Useful Phrases for Shopping
Useful Phrases for Shopping
1. Do you take credit cards?
2. Which credit cards do you take?
3. Do you take checks?
4. Do you have any more __________?
5. Will this be on sale any time soon?
6. Do you have this shirt in a smaller size?
7. Can I swap this for another color/size?
8. I need to return this because it doesn’t work.
1. Do you take credit cards?
2. Which credit cards do you take?
3. Do you take checks?
4. Do you have any more __________?
5. Will this be on sale any time soon?
6. Do you have this shirt in a smaller size?
7. Can I swap this for another color/size?
8. I need to return this because it doesn’t work.
Shopping Safety Tips
Shopping Safety Tips
1. Only carry the credit cards, cash, and checks that you need
when you go shopping.
2. Be very careful to hold on to your purse or wallet while you are
shopping. Also, don’t wear a lot of expensive jewelry.
3. Try to avoid driving alone at night. Travel on busy, well-lit
roads. Keep your doors and windows locked and closed. Try
to park as close as you can to the store. Don’t walk to your car
if you see suspicious people in the parking lot. Many stores
and malls will provide a security escort for you if you ask for
one.
4. Don’t overload yourself with packages. You need to be able to
easily walk and look around your environment. When you buy
something, put it in your trunk or hide it under a sheet or
blanket. Never leave your purchases in plain view in your car.
1. Only carry the credit cards, cash, and checks that you need
when you go shopping.
2. Be very careful to hold on to your purse or wallet while you are
shopping. Also, don’t wear a lot of expensive jewelry.
3. Try to avoid driving alone at night. Travel on busy, well-lit
roads. Keep your doors and windows locked and closed. Try
to park as close as you can to the store. Don’t walk to your car
if you see suspicious people in the parking lot. Many stores
and malls will provide a security escort for you if you ask for
one.
4. Don’t overload yourself with packages. You need to be able to
easily walk and look around your environment. When you buy
something, put it in your trunk or hide it under a sheet or
blanket. Never leave your purchases in plain view in your car.
Friday the 13th
Friday the 13th
1. There are superstitions about Friday and the number 13.
2. A lot of sailors refuse to set sail on a Friday. Some people think it’s bad luck to get married on a Friday.
3. Most buildings in America don’t have a rooms or floors with the number 13. Many people won’t eat at a table with 13 people. If they do, they think the first person to leave will be the next person to die.
4. In ancient times, the number 13 represented the unknown. Even now, children are taught their multiplication tables through 12 X 12.
5. When Friday falls on the 13th day of the month, some people think it is an unlucky day. One of the main reasons has to do with Jesus’ death.
Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Before Jesus died, he had the Last Supper with His 12 disciples. He said one of them would betray Him:
７０「あなたがた十二人を選んだのはわたしです。だが、なんということでしょう。悪魔が一人まぎれ込んでいます。」７１イエスが言われたのは、イスカリオテのシモンの子ユダのことでした。ユダは、十二人の弟子の一人でありながら、イエスを裏切ろうとしていたのです。(John 6:70-71).
Judas did betray Jesus. Judas was also the first person to leave the Last Supper and the next person to die.
6. Many people think a lot of other bad things in the Bible
happened on a Friday. (For example: Eve eating the fruit,
Abel’s murder, Stephen’s stoning) There is no way to prove
what day these things happened.
7. Personally, I don’t think Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. I
believe God is in control of every situation.
９神様の考えを無視して、計画を立ててはいけません。Proverbs16:9
神様は全人類を、一人の人間アダムから造り、すべての国民を全世界に散らされました。
Acts 17:26
７ばかばかしい理論や、くだらない作り話を、あれこれ議論し、むだに時間を費やしてはなりません。むしろ、時間と労力とを有効に使って、いつも霊的に高められるよう、自分を訓練しなさい。 1 Timothy 4:7
1. There are superstitions about Friday and the number 13.
2. A lot of sailors refuse to set sail on a Friday. Some people think it’s bad luck to get married on a Friday.
3. Most buildings in America don’t have a rooms or floors with the number 13. Many people won’t eat at a table with 13 people. If they do, they think the first person to leave will be the next person to die.
4. In ancient times, the number 13 represented the unknown. Even now, children are taught their multiplication tables through 12 X 12.
5. When Friday falls on the 13th day of the month, some people think it is an unlucky day. One of the main reasons has to do with Jesus’ death.
Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Before Jesus died, he had the Last Supper with His 12 disciples. He said one of them would betray Him:
７０「あなたがた十二人を選んだのはわたしです。だが、なんということでしょう。悪魔が一人まぎれ込んでいます。」７１イエスが言われたのは、イスカリオテのシモンの子ユダのことでした。ユダは、十二人の弟子の一人でありながら、イエスを裏切ろうとしていたのです。(John 6:70-71).
Judas did betray Jesus. Judas was also the first person to leave the Last Supper and the next person to die.
6. Many people think a lot of other bad things in the Bible
happened on a Friday. (For example: Eve eating the fruit,
Abel’s murder, Stephen’s stoning) There is no way to prove
what day these things happened.
7. Personally, I don’t think Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. I
believe God is in control of every situation.
９神様の考えを無視して、計画を立ててはいけません。Proverbs16:9
神様は全人類を、一人の人間アダムから造り、すべての国民を全世界に散らされました。
Acts 17:26
７ばかばかしい理論や、くだらない作り話を、あれこれ議論し、むだに時間を費やしてはなりません。むしろ、時間と労力とを有効に使って、いつも霊的に高められるよう、自分を訓練しなさい。 1 Timothy 4:7
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Saving Money at the Grocery Store
Saving Money at the Grocery Store
1. Try to buy products that are on sale. All of the grocery stores
have weekly specials. If those items are things you need, stock up on them for future weeks.
2. Always compare prices. You can look at the unit price to see
which product is the best deal.
3. Use coupons. Some stores double coupons up to $.50. If you
can use a coupon on a sale item, that’s even better. Make sure the coupon hasn’t expired. Also, make sure there aren’t any special requirements for the coupon to be valid. (For example, some coupons are only good for a certain size or they may say $.50 off 2 or more products.
4. Here are some useful phrases for the grocery store:
Excuse me, I’m looking for toilet paper. Can you tell me which
aisle it is on?
Excuse me, do you have any frozen shrimp?
Can you put my milk in a plastic bag, please?
I think I was charged twice for the bread. Can you please check
the receipt for me?
Can you tell me where to find the paper towels that are on sale?
If the bagger asks you if you need help getting your groceries in the car, you can say:
No, thank you. I can get it. OR Yes, please, that would be great!
1. Try to buy products that are on sale. All of the grocery stores
have weekly specials. If those items are things you need, stock up on them for future weeks.
2. Always compare prices. You can look at the unit price to see
which product is the best deal.
3. Use coupons. Some stores double coupons up to $.50. If you
can use a coupon on a sale item, that’s even better. Make sure the coupon hasn’t expired. Also, make sure there aren’t any special requirements for the coupon to be valid. (For example, some coupons are only good for a certain size or they may say $.50 off 2 or more products.
4. Here are some useful phrases for the grocery store:
Excuse me, I’m looking for toilet paper. Can you tell me which
aisle it is on?
Excuse me, do you have any frozen shrimp?
Can you put my milk in a plastic bag, please?
I think I was charged twice for the bread. Can you please check
the receipt for me?
Can you tell me where to find the paper towels that are on sale?
If the bagger asks you if you need help getting your groceries in the car, you can say:
No, thank you. I can get it. OR Yes, please, that would be great!
Shopping at the Farmer's Market
Shopping at the Farmer’s Market
1. You can buy fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmer’s Market.
You can also buy some canned goods and craft items at the
Farmer’s Market.
2. Most Farmer’s Markets are only open in the summer.
Gardeners and part-time farmers sell things at the Farmer’s
Market.
3. Usually, prices at the Farmer’s Market are higher than prices at
the grocery store. The higher price is worth it if you want fresh produce. If you go to the Farmer’s Market close to closing time, you may get a better deal because the sellers don’t want to take their goods back home. However, if you want the best selection, you need to go early in the morning.
4. Here are some useful phrases for the Farmer’s Market:
How much is a pound of tomatoes?
When will you have cucumbers?
What kinds of jams do you have?
Can I buy the whole bushel of beans?
How much is the bushel of beans?
1. You can buy fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmer’s Market.
You can also buy some canned goods and craft items at the
Farmer’s Market.
2. Most Farmer’s Markets are only open in the summer.
Gardeners and part-time farmers sell things at the Farmer’s
Market.
3. Usually, prices at the Farmer’s Market are higher than prices at
the grocery store. The higher price is worth it if you want fresh produce. If you go to the Farmer’s Market close to closing time, you may get a better deal because the sellers don’t want to take their goods back home. However, if you want the best selection, you need to go early in the morning.
4. Here are some useful phrases for the Farmer’s Market:
How much is a pound of tomatoes?
When will you have cucumbers?
What kinds of jams do you have?
Can I buy the whole bushel of beans?
How much is the bushel of beans?
Using Adjectives
Using Adjectives
Here are some examples for using adjectives:
1. It’s fun to play tennis.
2. It’s hard to save money.
3. It’s convenient to pay at the pump at the gas station.
4. It’s cheap to shop at the Dollar Tree.
5. It’s expensive to eat at Outback Steakhouse.
6. It’s boring to walk by yourself.
7. It’s nice to have free time.
8. It’s easy to make pancakes.
9. It’s relaxing to go to the beach.
10. It’s exciting to go to college.
11. It’s stressful to have a teenager in the house.
12. It’s good to live in America.
13. It’s difficult to say good-bye to a friend.
Here are some examples for using adjectives:
1. It’s fun to play tennis.
2. It’s hard to save money.
3. It’s convenient to pay at the pump at the gas station.
4. It’s cheap to shop at the Dollar Tree.
5. It’s expensive to eat at Outback Steakhouse.
6. It’s boring to walk by yourself.
7. It’s nice to have free time.
8. It’s easy to make pancakes.
9. It’s relaxing to go to the beach.
10. It’s exciting to go to college.
11. It’s stressful to have a teenager in the house.
12. It’s good to live in America.
13. It’s difficult to say good-bye to a friend.
Feelings
Feelings
1. If you love music and you are at a concert, you will feel happy.
2. If you didn’t get an invitation t your friend’s party, you would
feel sad.
3. If someone hurt your child, you would feel angry.
4. If you saved your money to go to the movies and you didn’t like
the movie, you would feel disappointed.
5. If a good friend started ignoring you, you would feel confused.
6. If a family member said mean words to you, you would feel
hurt.
7. If you went to a big party and you didn’t know anyone, you
would feel shy.
8. If your husband gave you an unexpected gift, you would feel
surprised.
9. If your child got into trouble at school, you would feel upset.
10. If a friend remembered your birthday, you would good.
1. If you love music and you are at a concert, you will feel happy.
2. If you didn’t get an invitation t your friend’s party, you would
feel sad.
3. If someone hurt your child, you would feel angry.
4. If you saved your money to go to the movies and you didn’t like
the movie, you would feel disappointed.
5. If a good friend started ignoring you, you would feel confused.
6. If a family member said mean words to you, you would feel
hurt.
7. If you went to a big party and you didn’t know anyone, you
would feel shy.
8. If your husband gave you an unexpected gift, you would feel
surprised.
9. If your child got into trouble at school, you would feel upset.
10. If a friend remembered your birthday, you would good.
Raising Children in America
Raising Children in America
America is a great place to live, but sometimes people do bad things to children. It’s important to protect them. Here are some things to remember:
1. Never leave your children alone in the car.
2. When you are out in public places or in other people’s homes, always watch your children at all times.
3. Don’t let children go in public restrooms alone. When mothers are in public with their sons, this can be tricky. Try to make your sons use the ladies restroom for as long as possible—and always go with them. When your sons are too old to use the ladies restroom, try to find a family restroom. If a family restroom isn’t available, wait outside the door until your son comes out of the restroom. (I still do this with Paul and he’s 13!)
4. Don’t let your children stay home alone until they are at least 10 or 11 years old. Even then, they should only stay home for a short time by themselves. Tell them not to answer the door or the phone for any reason. Teach your children what to do in case of an emergency (call 911, call a neighbor, or call a friend).
5. Don’t let your children undress, scream, or run wild in public. Also, don’t spank your children in public. Someone may call the police and report you as an abusive or negligent parent. This is rare, but it has happened.
America is a great place to live, but sometimes people do bad things to children. It’s important to protect them. Here are some things to remember:
1. Never leave your children alone in the car.
2. When you are out in public places or in other people’s homes, always watch your children at all times.
3. Don’t let children go in public restrooms alone. When mothers are in public with their sons, this can be tricky. Try to make your sons use the ladies restroom for as long as possible—and always go with them. When your sons are too old to use the ladies restroom, try to find a family restroom. If a family restroom isn’t available, wait outside the door until your son comes out of the restroom. (I still do this with Paul and he’s 13!)
4. Don’t let your children stay home alone until they are at least 10 or 11 years old. Even then, they should only stay home for a short time by themselves. Tell them not to answer the door or the phone for any reason. Teach your children what to do in case of an emergency (call 911, call a neighbor, or call a friend).
5. Don’t let your children undress, scream, or run wild in public. Also, don’t spank your children in public. Someone may call the police and report you as an abusive or negligent parent. This is rare, but it has happened.
RSVP's and Thank You's
RSVP’s and Thank You’s
RSVP’s:
If an invitation has R.S.V.P. on it, you should call the host and tell them whether or not you are coming.
You can say:
This is _________. I can come to your party. I am looking forward to it. Thank you for the invitation.
Or,
This is ________. I’m sorry. I cannot come to your party. I have other plans. Thanks for inviting me.
Thank You’s:
After you go to a party, you should tell the host thank you for inviting you to the party. A verbal thank you as you are leaving is okay.
You can say:
Thanks for inviting me to your party. I had a great time.
If the party was fancy or you had a really good time, you can write a thank you note to the host and/or give them a small gift.
You can write:
Dear _______,
Thank you so much for inviting me to your party. The food was delicious. I had a really good time. Please accept this gift as a symbol of my appreciation.
Your Friend,
__________
RSVP’s:
If an invitation has R.S.V.P. on it, you should call the host and tell them whether or not you are coming.
You can say:
This is _________. I can come to your party. I am looking forward to it. Thank you for the invitation.
Or,
This is ________. I’m sorry. I cannot come to your party. I have other plans. Thanks for inviting me.
Thank You’s:
After you go to a party, you should tell the host thank you for inviting you to the party. A verbal thank you as you are leaving is okay.
You can say:
Thanks for inviting me to your party. I had a great time.
If the party was fancy or you had a really good time, you can write a thank you note to the host and/or give them a small gift.
You can write:
Dear _______,
Thank you so much for inviting me to your party. The food was delicious. I had a really good time. Please accept this gift as a symbol of my appreciation.
Your Friend,
__________
Open Houses
Open Houses
Open Houses by realtors:
Sometimes realtors will have Open Houses at the houses they are trying to sell. They will put the date and time of the open house on a sign. When there is an Open House, you are welcome to go inside and look at the house. The realtor will be in the house to answer questions for you.
Open Houses by schools, businesses, or other organizations:
Sometimes a school, business, or other organization will have an Open House. This means you are welcome to come and look around the building and meet the employees. You can come anytime during the Open House hours and you don’t have to buy anything.
Open Houses by individuals:
Sometimes a person or family will have an Open House. This is a party that gives you freedom to come and go anytime during the Open House hours. Usually, you don’t have to bring anything to an Open House party. If the host wants you to bring something, they will list it on the invitation.
Open Houses by realtors:
Sometimes realtors will have Open Houses at the houses they are trying to sell. They will put the date and time of the open house on a sign. When there is an Open House, you are welcome to go inside and look at the house. The realtor will be in the house to answer questions for you.
Open Houses by schools, businesses, or other organizations:
Sometimes a school, business, or other organization will have an Open House. This means you are welcome to come and look around the building and meet the employees. You can come anytime during the Open House hours and you don’t have to buy anything.
Open Houses by individuals:
Sometimes a person or family will have an Open House. This is a party that gives you freedom to come and go anytime during the Open House hours. Usually, you don’t have to bring anything to an Open House party. If the host wants you to bring something, they will list it on the invitation.
Invitations
Invitations
Here are some good phrases for invitations:
A. Would you like to have lunch together on Friday?
B. That sounds great! What time?
A. Let’s go shopping on Saturday.
B. Sure. Where do you want to go?
A. How about a movie?
B. Okay! Which one do you want to see?
A. We’re having a neighborhood cookout. Please join us.
B. Thanks. We’ll be there. Can we bring anything?
Here are some good phrases for turning down invitations:
1. I’m sorry. I’m busy.
2. I’m sorry. I have other plans.
3. I’m sorry. I’m not feeling very well.
4. I’m sorry. I’m tired today.
5. I’m sorry, maybe some other time.
Dropping by:
If someone asks you to drop by their house and they don’t give you a specific day and time, it’s not a real invitation. They are just being friendly. They don’t expect you to come to their house.
If someone asks you to drop by their house and they give you a specific day and time, then it is a real invitation. They expect you to come to their house.
Here are some good phrases for invitations:
A. Would you like to have lunch together on Friday?
B. That sounds great! What time?
A. Let’s go shopping on Saturday.
B. Sure. Where do you want to go?
A. How about a movie?
B. Okay! Which one do you want to see?
A. We’re having a neighborhood cookout. Please join us.
B. Thanks. We’ll be there. Can we bring anything?
Here are some good phrases for turning down invitations:
1. I’m sorry. I’m busy.
2. I’m sorry. I have other plans.
3. I’m sorry. I’m not feeling very well.
4. I’m sorry. I’m tired today.
5. I’m sorry, maybe some other time.
Dropping by:
If someone asks you to drop by their house and they don’t give you a specific day and time, it’s not a real invitation. They are just being friendly. They don’t expect you to come to their house.
If someone asks you to drop by their house and they give you a specific day and time, then it is a real invitation. They expect you to come to their house.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tag Questions
Tag Questions
A tag question is a statement followed by a mini-question.
Americans use tag questions at the end of statements to ask for confirmation.
They mean something like: "Am I right?" or "Do you agree?".
Tag questions are also used to ask for information or help, starting with a negative statement. This is quite a friendly/polite way to make a request.
For example:
"Where is the police station?" (not very polite),
"Do you know where the police station is?" (slightly more polite),
"You wouldn't be able to tell me where the police station is, would you?" (very polite)
The basic structure for tag questions is:
+Positive statement, -negative tag? -Negative statement, +positive tag?
Snow is white, isn't it? You don't like me, do you?
There is an exception to this rule: If you are using "shall" in the tag question, the statement and the tag will both be positive.
Here are some more examples:
This will work, won't it?
Well, I couldn't help it, could I?
It isn’t cold, is it?
You won't be late, will you?
You wouldn’t be willing to help me, would you?
She’s pretty, isn’t she?
This is delicious, isn’t it?
You don’t have a cell phone, do you?
Let's go shopping, shall we?
Now, let’s make some tag questions: (Answers are below.)
1 Your son plays baseball,
2 We need to leave at 7 o’clock,
3 She doesn’t have a dog,
4 It isn’t snowing,
5 Jenny was hoping to come,
6 It’s stopped raining,
7 He needs to be on time,
8 We’ve done this before,
9 You don’t like football,
10 She won’t be late,
11 Annie's French,
12 We met last week,
13 That’s wrong,
14 You haven’t been here before,
15 The sun will be shining tomorrow,
16 He’d rather go home,
17 He can’t sing,
18 We should leave earlier,
19 He hasn’t stopped smoking,
20 Let’s start,
ANSWERS
1 Your son plays baseball, doesn't he?
2 We need to leave at 7 o’clock, don't we?
3 She doesn’t have a dog, does she?
4 It isn’t snowing, is it?
5 Jenny was hoping to come, wasn't she?
6 It’s stopped raining, hasn't it?
7 He needs to be on time, doesn't he?
8 We’ve done this before, haven't we?
9 You don’t like football, do you?
10 She won’t be late, will she?
11 Annie's French, isn't she?
12 We met last week, didn't we?
13 That’s wrong, isn't it?
14 You haven’t been here before, have you?
15 The sun will be shining tomorrow, won't it?
16 He’d rather go home, wouldn't he?
17 He can’t sing, can he?
18 We should leave earlier, shouldn't we?
19 He hasn’t stopped smoking, has he?
20 Let’s start, shall we? (an exception to the rule--positive statement and positive tag)
A tag question is a statement followed by a mini-question.
Americans use tag questions at the end of statements to ask for confirmation.
They mean something like: "Am I right?" or "Do you agree?".
Tag questions are also used to ask for information or help, starting with a negative statement. This is quite a friendly/polite way to make a request.
For example:
"Where is the police station?" (not very polite),
"Do you know where the police station is?" (slightly more polite),
"You wouldn't be able to tell me where the police station is, would you?" (very polite)
The basic structure for tag questions is:
+Positive statement, -negative tag? -Negative statement, +positive tag?
Snow is white, isn't it? You don't like me, do you?
There is an exception to this rule: If you are using "shall" in the tag question, the statement and the tag will both be positive.
Here are some more examples:
This will work, won't it?
Well, I couldn't help it, could I?
It isn’t cold, is it?
You won't be late, will you?
You wouldn’t be willing to help me, would you?
She’s pretty, isn’t she?
This is delicious, isn’t it?
You don’t have a cell phone, do you?
Let's go shopping, shall we?
Now, let’s make some tag questions: (Answers are below.)
1 Your son plays baseball,
2 We need to leave at 7 o’clock,
3 She doesn’t have a dog,
4 It isn’t snowing,
5 Jenny was hoping to come,
6 It’s stopped raining,
7 He needs to be on time,
8 We’ve done this before,
9 You don’t like football,
10 She won’t be late,
11 Annie's French,
12 We met last week,
13 That’s wrong,
14 You haven’t been here before,
15 The sun will be shining tomorrow,
16 He’d rather go home,
17 He can’t sing,
18 We should leave earlier,
19 He hasn’t stopped smoking,
20 Let’s start,
ANSWERS
1 Your son plays baseball, doesn't he?
2 We need to leave at 7 o’clock, don't we?
3 She doesn’t have a dog, does she?
4 It isn’t snowing, is it?
5 Jenny was hoping to come, wasn't she?
6 It’s stopped raining, hasn't it?
7 He needs to be on time, doesn't he?
8 We’ve done this before, haven't we?
9 You don’t like football, do you?
10 She won’t be late, will she?
11 Annie's French, isn't she?
12 We met last week, didn't we?
13 That’s wrong, isn't it?
14 You haven’t been here before, have you?
15 The sun will be shining tomorrow, won't it?
16 He’d rather go home, wouldn't he?
17 He can’t sing, can he?
18 We should leave earlier, shouldn't we?
19 He hasn’t stopped smoking, has he?
20 Let’s start, shall we? (an exception to the rule--positive statement and positive tag)
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