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Showing posts with label Speaking Exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Speaking Exercise. Show all posts

August 05, 2022

Giving And Asking For Permission, And Making And Responding To Preventions In English

Asking For Permission
W
riting this material reminds me of one of the most amusing experiences that I have had during my long years of being an English teacher. That day, I was teaching a class when a boy student got up from his chair and walked to me. Then he spoke to me in Indonesian, asking for permission to go to the bathroom. I rejected and asked him to use English. Responding to my requirement, he said, "Sir, I am toilet." And the class burst out laughing.

Do you know why? Yes, the sentence "Sir, I am toilet." is NOT the correct expression to say when you are requesting or asking for permission to leave the classroom and go to the bathroom. Now, in order for us not to make a similar mistake when we are requesting permission, let's study the following expressions.

A. Using Modals: "Can I", "Could I", "May I":
Using "Can I", "Could I", "May I"Verb 1
Can I
Could I
May I
go to the bathroom?
use your car?
close the door?
Giving permissionRefusing to give permission
Yes, you can.
Sure, please do.
Certainly, go ahead.
Yes, of course
No problem
By all means.
Yes, why not?
No, sorry.
I’m sorry, you can’t.
No, I’m afraid not ....
I'm afraid you can't do that.
You're now allowed to ....
You should not ....
B. Using "Would you mind ...?":
Using "Would you mind if ...?"subject + Verb 2 (Simple Past)?
Would you mind ifI went to the bathroom?
I used your car?
I closed the door?
Giving permissionRefusing to give permission
No, not at all.
Certainly not.
Please do.
No, go ahead.
I'm sorry, you can't.
Yes, I would.
Certainly.
C. Using "Do you mind ...?":
Using "Do you mind if ...?"subject + Verb 1 (Simple Present)?
Do you mind ifI open the window?
I leave now?
I close the door?
Giving permissionRefusing to give permission
No, I don't.
No, not at all.
Certainly not.
Please do.
No, go ahead.
I'm sorry, you can't.
Yes, I do.
Certainly.
Note: Be careful when responding to a request using "Would you mind ...?". The response "Yes, certainly" would indicate that "you would mind". Hence, if you have objection to the request and do not want to give permission, the response should be "Yes, certainly", "Yes, I do". If you have no objection, the appropriate response would be "No, I don't mind", or "No, please be my guest."
D. Using Other forms:
Using "wonder"subject + could + Verb 1 (Simple Past)?
I wonder ifI could borrow your dictionary.
I could use your car.
Giving permissionRefusing to give permission
Yes, certainly.
Please do.
Why not? Go ahead.
I'm sorry, you can't.
I'm sorry, but I'm still using it.
E. Making Preventions:
Making Preventions
I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
I wouldn’t take the risk if I were in your shoes. It’s too risky.
(I think) it’s not a good idea.
Responding to Preventions
Allright. I’ll consider that.
I’ll think about that.
I’ll think it over.
I’ll reschedule my plan.
Please do.
Why not? Go ahead.
F. Example Dialogues.
Short Dialogue 1
Man : Excuse me, could I try this shirt?
Woman : Yes, please. There's a fitting room over there, near the counter.
Short Dialogue 2
Man : Do you mind if I use your computer to type this letter?
Woman : No, not at all. Please do.
Short Dialogue 3
Woman : May I open the windows? It's very stuffy here.
Man : I'm afraid you can't. The wind is very strong outside.
Short Dialogue 4
Man : Can I put my luggage here?
Woman : That's okay, but please don't be too long.
G. EXERCISE
Write short dialogues like the above examples about permissions based on the following situations.
  1. Your camera is out of battery. You want to borrow your friend's camera.
  2. It's getting late. You should leave your friend's house and go home.
  3. It's very windy and dusty outside. You want to close the windows.
  4. You forgot to bring your charger. You need to use your friend's phone charger.
  5. You want to turn on your television.
  6. You want to go to a movie with your best friends.
  7. You want to visit your friend at the hospital this afternoon. You ask for permission to your mother.
  8. You cannot use your motorcycle to come to your friend's party. You ask your best friend to lend you his motorcycle.
  9. Your pen suddenly runs out. You want to use your deskmate's pen but he is still using it.
  10. You want to go to the beach, but your parents do not allow you to go because the weather is bad.
Prev: 51611 1201PM PV192

May 23, 2022

There + be: 'There is' And 'There are'

livingroom
L
ook at the picture of a livingroom on the left. We can describe the existence of things in the room by using "there is" and/or "there are". The examples below talk about the existence or presence of things in the livingroom by using "there is" and "there are". Pay attention to them.
  • There is a window in the livingroom.
  • There is a sofa next to the window.
  • There is an orange carpet on the floor.
  • There is a standing lamp next to the sofa.
  • There is a wooden shelf beside the window.
  • There are some books and a photograph on the shelf.

A. Using "There is" and "There are"
I. Countable Nouns
Singular Nouns:
+: There is (There's) + singular noun
?: Is there + singular noun?
-: There is not (There isn't) + singular noun
Example sentences:
  • There is (There's) a big tree in the garden.
  • There is (There's) a book on that shelf.
  • There is (There's) a car in the garage.
  • There is (There's) the book you're looking for.
  • A: Is there a book in the bag?
    B: Yes, there is. / No, there isn't.
Plural Nouns
+: There are + plural noun
?: Are there + plural noun?
-: There are not (There aren't) + plural noun
Example sentences:
  • There are big trees in the garden.
  • There aren't many books on that shelf.
  • There are three cars in the garage.
  • There are the books you're looking for.
  • A: Are there many books on that shelf?
    B: Yes, there are. / No, there aren't.
  • A: How many students are there in your class?
    B: There are twenty.
II. Uncountable Nouns
+: There is (There's) + uncountable noun
?: Is there + uncountable noun?
-: There is not (There isn't) + uncountable noun
Example sentences:
  • There is (There's) some money in the drawer.
  • There is some tea on the table.
  • There is some ice in the fridge.
  • There is not (There isn't) any money in the wallet.
  • We can't go skiing. There is not (There isn't) any snow.
Note: "Some" is usually used with positive and interrogative sentences, while "any" is used with interrogative and negative sentences. To learn the difference between "some" and "any", read Some VS Any: What's The Difference?.
B. Example Dialogue
Practice the following dialogue. Pay attention to the italicized words.
In the kitchen
An estate agent is showing Mr. and Mrs. Harris the kitchen.
Estate Agent:There you are. A wonderful new kitchen.
Mr. Harris:It's very small.
Estate Agent:There's the cooker and there's the refrigerator.
Mrs. Harris:Where?
Estate Agent:Behind you. The refrigerator's behind you.
Mrs. Harris:I can't open it.
Mr. Harris:I can't put the table outside. Then you can open the refrigerator.
Mrs. Harris:What's that under the table? On the floor?
Estate Agent:It's a box.
Mrs. Harris:What's inside the box?
Estate Agent:There are spoons, knives, forks, ....
Mr. Harris:Plates ....
Mrs. Harris:And there are cups, too. Where will we put all these things?
Estate Agent:Put them in the cupboard. There's a cupboard behind the door.
C. EXERCISE
A. Write sentences with "There is" or "There are" using the provided nouns. Look at the example.
    Example:
  1. a cup - the table.
    Answer: There is a cup on the table.
  2. a book - the shelf.
  3. a lot of cars - the parking lot
  4. so many ants - on the table
  5. some tea - the table
  6. some ice - the fridge
  7. a computer - the room
  8. few good restaurants - my town
  9. some money - my pocket
  10. a big lamp - the center of the room
  11. two English dictionaries - our library
B. Complete these sentences with "there is / there isn't / is there / there are / there aren't / are there".
  1. The fridge is empty. ... any food in it.
  2. Surabaya is a big city. ... many good hotels there.
  3. ... more than 17,500 islands in Indonesian archipelago.
  4. I like shopping here. ... a wide variety of products to choose from.
  5. The park is not crowded. ... many visitors that day.
  6. I don't think we need to eat out. ... enough rice for dinner.
  7. ... a new building next to the parking lot. It is the school auditorium.
  8. ... an ATM near here? I need to draw some money.
  9. ... komodo dragons in the zoo?
  10. How many computers ... in the office?
C. Let's play a "Horse Race" game. Answer each question as quickly as possible. You may play it in full-screen mode if necessary.
051611 1147AM PV122

December 09, 2021

How To Express Amazement, Admiration, or Surprise in English

A. TELLING SURPRISING NEWS
  • Guess what!
  • Surprise!
  • I’ve got news for you!
  • Do you know what!
  • Are you sitting down?
  • You’d better sit down!
  • You won’t believe this, but...
B. EXPRESSING AMAZEMENT / ADMIRATION

That’s + adjective!

That’s
amazing!
incredible!
terrific!

That’s + noun phrase!

That’s
a beautiful goal!
a brilliant maneuver!
a nice dress!

What + noun phrase!

What
a wonderful voice she has!
a brilliant maneuver!
a nice dress!

How + adjective / adverb!

How
stunning she looks!
gently she walks!
clever!
C. EXPRESSING SURPRISE
Amazement, Admiration, Surprise
  • I’m really surprised at ....
  • Oh no! It can’t be (true)!
  • My goodness!
  • What a surprise!
  • What on earth is that thing?
  • I was shocked by ....
  • It’s too good to be true!
  • It’s unbelievable!
  • I can’t believe it!
  • Incredible!
  • It’s really beyond belief!
D. EXERCISES
I. Match each incomplete sentence into the correct word, "How" or "What".
II. Arrange these jumbled sentences
  1. experience – what – had – unforgettable – an – we
  2. was – fascinating – sunset – how – the
  3. actress – a – beautiful – what – is – she
  4. a – family – our – dinner – had – what – fantastic
  5. the – next – how – girl – is – adorable – door
  6. succeed – she – how – to – hard – tried
  7. perfect – by – what – Ronaldo – ball – a – long
  8. the – astonishing – was – sight – how
  9. hall – a – conference – large – what – is – it
  10. for – what – the – team – a – new – year – successful
III. Complete the following dialogues using your own words.
Dialogue 1
Didy:Look. Messy has just scored another goal.
Danny:Wow! ....
Didy:....
Dialogue 2
Bob:What are you reading?
Paul:Sport news as usual.
Bob:What's new today?
Paul:My favorite team won once again. So far, it is the only club that has won each of its five three league matches.
Bob:Really? ....
Paul:Furthermore, so far it has scored 11 goals and allowed none. Isn’t it amazing?
Bob:Indeed. ....
Dialogue 3
Yoyo:Can we go to the movie this evening?
Nike:I’d love to, but I’m sorry I’m tied up till 8 p.m. I’m going to have a meeting at 4 p.m. and it may last until 6. Then I still have to finish a report tonight in order to meet the deadline.
Yoyo:....
Nike:I wish I could go with you. What about Friday evening?
Yoyo:....

October 11, 2021

Making And Handling Telephone Calls

A. Useful Expressions
Receiving a call
  • Hello / good morning / good afternoon.
  • Good morning, ...(your institution)....
  • Hello. Dea speaking.
  • Yes, can I help you?
  • Oh, hi! It's been a long time. How are you?
Starting a call (caller)
  • Hello / good morning / good afternoon.
  • May I speak to ...(someone)..., please?
  • Could I speak to ...(someone)..., please?
  • I'd like to speak to ...(someone)....
Telling identity
  • This is ...(your name)... speaking.
  • ...(your name)... speaking.
  • I'm calling on behalf of ...(company)....
  • ...(someone)... told me to contact you.
Asking identity
  • Who's calling, please?
  • Who's speaking?
  • May I have your name?
  • Who am I speaking to?
  • Is that ...(someone)...?
  • Can I ask who’s calling?
Note:
We don’t use "Are you ...?"to find out who is on the other end of the phone.
We can ask "Is that Anne?", not "Are you Anne?"

Asking to wait
  • Hold the line, please.
  • Could you hold on?
  • Just a moment, please.
  • Please wait a minute.
Connecting
  • The line is free now. I'll put you through.
  • Thank you for holding.
Giving information
  • I'm sorry. He/she is not available at the moment.
  • I'm afraid the line is engaged. Could you call back later?
  • I'm afraid he's still in a meeting.
  • I'm sorry. He's out of the office today.
  • I'm sorry. There's nobody here by that name.
  • Sorry. I think you have dialled the wrong number.
Leaving a message
  • I'd like to leave a message.
  • Please tell him that I will meet him next week.
  • Please tell him that I called.
  • That's alright. I'll call back later.
  • Yes. Please tell him to contact me.
Taking a message
  • Would you like to leave a message?
  • Do you have a message?
  • May I take a message?
  • May I have your number?
  • Let me repeat your message. ...(repeat the message and confirm the details, e.g. place, time, telephone number, etc.)
Asking to repeat
  • I'm sorry. Could you speak up, please?
  • Could you repeat that, please?
  • I'm afraid I can't hear you.
  • I'm sorry. I didn't catch that. Come again?
  • I beg your pardon. The line is very bad.
Closing a call
  • Thank you. Bye.
B. Example Dialogues
Dialogue 1
Dave phones Vicki’s number to see if Nigel’s there.
DAVE: Hello, could I speak to Vicki?
VICKI: Speaking.
DAVE: Oh, hello Vicki – I didn’t recognise your voice. It’s Dave.
VICKI: Hi, Dave. How’s things?
DAVE: Not bad, thanks. Listen, I don’t suppose Nigel’s there, is he?
VICKI: No – but I’m expecting him round later on.
DAVE: OK – could you get him to ring me back?
VICKI: Of course. Can you give me your number?
DAVE: I think he’s got it, but let me give you it now just in case.
VICKI: Hang on – let me get a pen . . . OK.
DAVE: Six-seven-nine-oh-four-oh-four. Got that?
VICKI: Got it!

Dialogue 2
Handling Telephone Calls
Julie’s phone rings, and she answers.
JULIE: 247649.
TERRY: Ah, hello. Could I speak to Jim, please?
JULIE: Jim?
TERRY: Yes, Jim Fife. Is he there?
JULIE: I’m afraid there isn’t anyone here by that name. Who am I speaking to?
TERRY: This is Terry Smith. Isn’t that Marilyn’s house?
JULIE: No – you’ve got the wrong number.
TERRY: Ah – I’m sorry.
JULIE: Quite all right.

Dialogue 3
Cynthia phones to speak to Bob at work. But she gets through to his secretary.
CYNTHIA: Hello, it’s Cynthia Palmer here. Can I speak to Bob Watford please?
SECRETARY: Hold on, I’ll see if he’s available .... Hello? I’m afraid Mr Watford’s in a meeting at the moment. Would you like to leave a message?
CYNTHIA: Yes – could you ask him to get back to me as soon as possible?
SECRETARY: Yes – has he got your number?
CYNTHIA: Yes, he has.
SECRETARY: Fine – I’ll make sure he calls you as soon as he gets out of the meeting.
CYNTHIA: Thanks.

Source: Colloquial English: A Course for Non-Native Speakers by Gareth King

August 21, 2021

Some VS Any: What's The Difference?

Some VS Any
I
n this post, you are going to learn how to use "some" and "any" quantifiers and how they are different. Read the dialogue below in which there are sentences with "some" and "any" quantifiers. Pay close attention to how "some" and "any" are used.
A. Example Dialogue
Raka is visiting Hadi and his mother, Mrs. Wira, after school. Here's their conversation:
Mrs. Wira:Do you have any homework today, Hadi?
Hadi:Oh, I forget. But I think we don't have any homework today. I'm glad. I don't like homework.
Mrs. Wira:I know you don't like it, but - are you sure you don't have any homework?
Raka:I think we have some homework, Hadi. Yes! We must write an English exercise!
Hadi:Oh, Raka!
Raka:Look - this is the exercise.
Hadi:Yes. I remember now.
Mrs. Wira:Well, you'd better start your homework now.
Hadi:Yes .... Oh, I don't have any paper.
Mrs. Wira:Here's some paper. Do you have a pen?
Hadi:Yes. Oh, my pen is out of ink, and I don't have any spare pens.
Mrs. Wira:Oh, dear! Raka, do you have a spare pen?
Raka:Yes, Mrs. Wira.
Mrs. Wira:Good. Please lend it to Hadi.
Raka:Here you are, Hadi.
Hadi:Thank you.
Mrs. Wira:Now, Hadi, you have some paper and a pen. Now you can write that exercise.
Hadi:There! That's finished now.
Mrs. Wira:Let me see it, Hadi. Hmmm, you have some mistakes here, I think.
Hadi:Do I? Where?
Mrs. Wira:Look at this sentence. That isn't correct. Can you improve it?
Hadi:Oh, yes! I remember the correct words now. I must change that sentence.
Mrs. Wira:Let me see your exercise, Raka.
Raka:Oh, Mrs. Wira, I think I have some mistakes too.
Mrs. Wira:No, no, Raka. This is very good. You don't have any mistakes in this exercise.
Hadi:Raka usually doesn't make any mistakes. But I always make some. Please look at this sentence again, Mom. Is it correct now?
Mrs. Wira:Yes, I think so, Hadi. I don't see any mistakes now.
Hadi:Good!
Mrs. Wira:Well, would you like something to drink now?
Hadi and Raka:Yes,please.
Mrs. Wira:Good. Let's have some lemonade. .... Oh, I don't have any lemonade, but we can have some tea!
B. Explanation
  1. "Some" is used in positive sentences. Examples:
    1. I'm going to buy some books.
    2. There's some ice in the fridge.
    3. We did some exercises.
  2. "Any" is used in negative sentences. Examples:
    1. I'm not going to buy any books.
    2. There isn't any ice in the fridge.
    3. We didn't do any exercises.
  3. Most questions (but not all) use "any". Examples:
    1. Is there any ice in the fridge?
    2. Do you have any money?
    3. Why didn't you do any exercises?
  4. When we make offers or requests, we normally use "some", not "any". Examples:
    1. Would you like some ice cream?
    2. Can I have some coffee, please?
    3. Can you lend me some money?
  5. We can use "some" and "any" without a noun. Examples:
    1. I didn't take any photographs, but Ann took some. (=some photographs)
    2. I've just made some coffee. Would you like some? (=some coffee)
    3. We don't have any sugar. I'm going to buy some this afternoon. (=some sugar)
To check your understanding about the difference between "some" and "any", proceed to the exercise page HERE.
Reference:
  • Murphy, Raymond Essential Grammar In Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998.
  • March 28, 2021

    How to Make and Respond to an Offer

    Making an Offer
    I
    n our daily life, there are occassions where we feel that we should offer help, a service, or something to friends, work colleagues, or other people in order to be polite, kind and friendly. We do that for a social purpose, to maintain and improve good relationships with people around us. Offering help or something can be a great way to show them that we care and appreciate them. Now, if you’re not sure what to say when you want to make an offer in English, don’t worry. Below you’ll find common expressions you can use in making and responding to an offer.
    A. Making an Offer
    How to make an offer
    GambitsExample Sentence
    Shall I ...?
  • Shall I close the door?
  • Shall I turn on the lights?
  • Can I ...?
  • Can I help you?
  • Can I show you how to do it?
  • Would you like ...?
  • Would you like some tea?
  • Would you like a cup of coffee?
  • Would you like me to carry it?
  • How about ...?
  • How about some tea?
  • How about going to the beach?
  • What about ...?
  • What about some drink?
  • What about going to the beach?
  • Do you want me to ...?
  • Do you want me to carry it?
  • Do you want me to type it?
  • I'll ..., if you like.
  • I'll do it, if you like.
  • I'll make you some tea, if you like.
  • Also read "Offering and Asking for a Favor or Help" HERE

    Making an offer is different from giving advice and suggestion. Learn "Asking For, Giving, and Responding to Advice and Suggestions" HERE
    B. Responding to an Offer
    To accept or refuse an offer, you can use one of the following expressions.
    How to respond to an offer
    Accepting an OfferRefusing an Offer
  • Yes please.
  • Yes please. That's very kind of you.
  • Yes please, that would be lovely.
  • Yes please, that would be great.
  • Yes please, I’d love one.
  • If you wouldn’t mind.
  • If you could.
  • Thank you. I'd appreciate that.
  • No, thanks.
  • No, thank you.
  • It’s OK. I'll do it.
  • Don't worry. I can do it myself.
  • C. Example Dialogue
    Read and practice the dialogue between two friends, which contains offers and responses to offers, below.
    English Dialogue: Making and Responding to Offers
    Andy:Good afternoon, Anne.
    Anne:Good afternoon, Andy. How are you?
    Andy:I'm very well, thank you, Anne. How are you?
    Anne:I'm well, thank you. I'm glad that you feel well again.
    Andy:Yes, I don't have a cold now. My head isn't aching, and I'm not coughing, and I'm not sneezing.
    Anne:That's wonderful! Andy, afternoon tea is ready now. Would you like some tea?
    Andy:Oh yes, please, Anne.
    Anne:Would you like to sit here, Andy?
    Andy:Yes. Aah, this chair feels comfortable.
    Anne:Here's your tea.
    Andy:Thank you.
    Anne:Would you like some sugar, Andy?
    Andy:Yes, please Anne.
    Anne:I think your tea is very strong. Is it too strong?
    Andy:No, no, Anne. It's very good. I don't like weak tea. I like strong tea.
    Anne:Oh, I don't. I like weak tea. Would you like a biscuit, Andy? Or a piece of cake?
    Andy:I'd like some cake, please, Anne. Mmmmmm, it's lovely!
    Anne:Is it good? It's home-made.
    Andy:Really? Oh, you're a very good cook, Anne. Do you often make cakes?
    Anne:Yes, I do. Oh, but your cup is empty now. Would you like some more tea, Andy?
    Andy:No, thank you, Anne. But I have a cigarette here. I think I'll have a cigarette. Would you mind if I smoked?
    Anne:Not at all, Andy. Please do. But I think you should stop your smoking habit.
    Andy:Oh dear, where's my lighter? I can't find it.
    Anne:There it is, under the chair. You may have dropped it.
    Andy:Oh thank you, Anne.
    Anne:Where's Linda today? Is she at home?
    Andy:No, she isn't, Anne. She's visiting some friends.
    Anne:Oh, but she has a cold! She should stay at home.
    Andy:No, she doesn't have a cold now. She's well again.
    Anne:That's good.
    Andy:Yes, it's good. When she's sick, I make tea for her - and I always do something wrong!
    Anne:Oh, poor Andy. But now she's well, and she makes tea for you.
    Andy:Yes.
    Anne:Well, I hope you don't get another cold!
    Andy:Yes, I hope so.
    Anne:I'm sure you catch colds because you smoke much. Smoking decreases your immune system.
    Andy:You're right. I've read about that too.
    Anne:So, why don't you try to quit smoking and start living a healthy life?
    Andy:I'm thinking about it. Linda doesn't like my smoking either.
    Anne:I bet.
    "Would you like" is different from "Do you like". Learn the difference HERE

    D. Exercise
    1. Read the above dialogue again and identify all offers and the responses you can find, then write them in the table below. Number 1 has been done as an example.
    2. Identify all offers and the responses you can find in the dialogue and write them.
      OfferingResponding to an offer
      Example:
      1. Would you like some tea?

      Oh yes, please.
      2. ........
      3. ........
      4. ........
      5. ........
      ........
      ........
    3. Write polite offers using the expressions and gambits you have learned. Look at the example.
      1. Some bread?
        Answer: Would you like some bread?
      2. go to the beach?
        Answer: How about going to the beach? / Would you like to go to the beach?
      3. try our new dish?
      4. some candies?
      5. use my umbrella?
      6. give you a lift?
      7. try to repair your printer?
    4. Write an appropriate polite response for each of the following situations.
      1. Your teacher is carrying a pile of books. You offer to help her with it.
      2. Your colleague is printing a very important document. Suddenly, her printer broke down. You offer her to print the document using your printer.
      3. You are receiving a call from someone who wants to speak to your manager, but your manager is not available. You offer him/her to leave a message or call back later.
      4. The commuter train is full when an elderly woman gets on and she can't find a seat. You offer your seat to her.
      5. You are a shop assistant at a fashion store. You are serving a customer who does not seem satisfied with the dress she has just tried on. You offer another style of dress.
    Also read:

    March 23, 2021

    Imperative Sentences and Polite Requests in English

    Imperative Sentences and Polite Requests
    W
    e make a request, or give an instruction or an order when we are asking for something to be given or done, especially as a favor or courtesy. We make and receive requests, orders, or instructions in our daily life, whether we are at home, at school, at work, or even at public places.

    Therefore, it is essential to understand how to make requests, commands, or instructions, and how to respond to them appropriately. The ability in using polite forms in making requests and responding appropriately plays a very important role in presenting ourself in daily interactions. When we are polite, we appear gracious, agreeable, acceptable, and pleasant.

    I. IMPERATIVE SENTENCES
    The imperatives or imperative sentences are used for giving orders and instructions, making suggestions, and encouraging people to do things. We can make imperative sentences by using exactly the same form as the infinitive without to, e.g. open, close, clean, do, write, read, etc.. Look at the underlined verbs in the example sentences below:
    • Fill out this form.
    • Open the windows.
    • Sleep well.
    Remember the following important points when making an imperative sentence.
    1. A subject can be used for making it clear who is being spoken to, with no change in verbs (infinitives), e.g.:
      • Jim come here.
      • Somebody open the door!
      • You get out! ("You" before an imperative usually suggests anger)
    2. To make it more polite and emphatic, "Do" can be used before the infinitive, e.g.
      • Do sit down.
      • Do forgive me.
      • Do be quiet.
    3. Negative imperatives, as in prohibitions or warnings, are constructed with "do not" or "don’t", e.g.
      • Don’t be noisy.
      • Don’t blame me.
      • Do not lean out of the window.
    4. "Always" and "never" can be used before imperatives, e.g.
      • Always remember to smile.
      • Never be late to class.
      • Always make sure the PC is off before leaving.
    5. Passive imperatives can be constructed with "get" and "be", e.g.
      • Get vaccinated as soon as you can.
      • Get dressed quickly.
      • Please be advised that your tax has been overdue.
    6. "Please" makes the imperatives sound more polite, e.g.
      • Please don't tell her about it.
      • Please turn the music down.
      • Please make sure the PC is off before leaving.
    II. POLITE REQUESTS
    Polite requests can be constructed using modals, e.g. can, could, will, would, and sound more polite and softer than commands. To make requests sound even more polite, "please" can be used at the end of the sentence. Look at the following structure:
    Could you + Infinitive (Verb 1) (please)?
    Would you + Infinitive (Verb 1) (please)?
    Can you + Infinitive (Verb 1) (please)?
    Will you + Infinitive (Verb 1) (please)?
    Would you mind + Present Participle (Verb-ing)?
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    Look at the following examples:
  • Can you turn down the TV?
  • Could you leave the door open, please?
  • Will you send the email as soon as possible, please?
  • Would you keep the bedroom clean?
  • Would you mind washing the car after using it?
  • Would you mind not closing the door?
  • Note when making a request:
    1. "Can / Could / Will / Would you" is always followed by the infinitive (Verb 1), e.g.:
      • Can you come here, please?
      • Could you stay where you are?
      • Will you tell him to come?
    2. "Could / Would you ...?" and "Would you mind ...?" makes the request sound more polite and formal than "Can / Will you ...?", e.g.:
      • Would you open the door, please?
      • Would you write your name here, please?
      • Could you sign here, please?
    3. "Would you mind" is always followed by a gerund / noun (Verb-ing), e.g.
      • Would you mind turning the music down?
      • Would you mind taking care of my pet?
      • Would you mind telling her about it?
    4. "Please" makes our requests sound more polite, e.g.
      • Would you close the door, please?
      • Could you write your name here, please?
      • Will you not lean out of the window, please?
    "Would you mind ..." is different from "Would you like ...?"
    Learn more about "Would you like ...?" HERE
    III. ACCEPTING A REQUEST
    Generally, we can agree to a polite request by giving positive invitations such as "Yes, certainly" or "Sure, no problem." However, there is a difference in meaning between requests using "Can/Could/Will/Would you ...?" and those using "Would you mind ...?". Therefore, the responses will be discussed separately.
    1. Accepting a request with "Will / Would / Can / Could you ...?"
      We can accept "Will / Would / Can / Could you ...?" requests by using positive invitations such as:
      • OK. I’ll do that
      • All right.
      • Oh, sure. I’d be glad to.
      • Sure ! No problem.
    2. Accepting a request with "Would you mind ...?"
      Accepting to "Would you mind ...?" requests with positive invitations may cause confusion as people may assume that you would mind and do not want to do it, unless we can clearly give our assent to the request by using positive body language, such as smiling agreeably. However, we can avoid confusion by using the following expressions:
      • No, not at all.
      • No, I don't mind at all.
      • No problem, go ahead.
      • No, please be my guest.
    IV. DECLINING A REQUEST
    1. Declining a request with "Will / Would / Can / Could you ...?"
      We can decline "Will / Would / Can / Could you ...?" requests politely by saying sorry and an excuse, or maybe an alternative. Here are some examples:
      • I’m sorry, I’m still busy.
      • Oh, sorry. I can’t do it right now. Maybe later.
      • Sorry, I wish I could. I have to ...(do something else)....
      • I'm sorry, I still don't have time.
    2. Declining a request with "Would you mind ...?"
      Declining "Would you mind ...?" requests should be done politely in order to avoid offence. It is better to provide a clear reason why the request cannot be fulfilled, and whenever possible, use positive body language, such as smiling agreeably. Here are some useful expressions:
      • Yes, certainly. ...(give an excuse / reason)....
      • Well, I have to ...(do something else)....
      • I'm sorry, ...(give an excuse / reason)....
    EXERCISE
    1. Change the following imperatives into polite requests using "Can/Could/Will/Would you ... (please)?". Number 1 has been done as an example.
      1. Open the door!
        Would you open the door, please?
      2. Pass me the sugar.
        ....
      3. Ask him in, please.
        ....
      4. Be quiet, please.
        ....
      5. Do me a favor, please.
        ....
      6. Listen to me.
        ....
    2. Change the following imperatives into polite requests using "Would you mind ...?". Number 1 has been done as an example.
      1. Wait a moment.
        Would you mind waiting a moment, please?
      2. Close the windows.
        ....
      3. Take off your hat.
        ....
      4. Help me, please.
        ....
      5. Turn off the music.
        ....
      6. Speak more slowly, please.
        ....
    More exercises? Read "Offering and Asking for a Favor or Help" HERE
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