[Spoken English] [Speaking]Social and Functional English

INVITATIONS

    Inviting

            -Would you like to... (visit our new head office)?
            -Would you have... (dinner) with me?
            -How About... (doing some sightseeing)?
           - What about/How about... (joining us for lunch)?

    Saying "yes"

            -Thank you. That would be interesting.
            -Thanks veru much. I'd enjoy that.
           - That's a good idea.

    Saying "no" + reason

            -Thanks for asking me, but I'm afraid... (I'm busy this evening.)
           - I'd love to, but unfortunately... (I hve to leave tomorrow.)
            -I'm sorry, but... (I've got something planned.)


MAKING AND CHANGING ARRANGEMENTS

    Making an arrangement

        Can we arrange a meeting?

        When are you free?
        Is (Monday) possible for you?
        What about (Tuesday)?
        How about (Wednesday)?

        (Sunday) is OK.
        Yes, that's fine.
        No, (Tuesday) isn't possible.
        No, I'm sorry, I'm busy on (Wednesday).

        What time do you prefer?
        See you on (Thursday), then.

    Changing an arrangement

        I'm very sorry, but... (I've got a problem on Thursday).
        Can we change the date of our meeting?
        Can we arrange another time?


OFFERS AND REQUESTS

    Offering

        Can I... (take your coat)? ----> Thanks.
        Shall I... (explain the programme)? ----> Yes, please do
        Would you like... (a drink)? ----> Not at the moment, thanks./Yes, please.
        What would you like... (to eat)? ----> I'd like...

    Requesting

        Can I... (use your phone)? ----> Yes, of course.
        Could I... (borrow your video camera)? ----> Sorry, but...
        Can you... (bring us two coffees),please? ----> Certainly.
        Could you... (wait a minute)? ----> Certainly.


    Ordering food/drinks


        I'll have... (the soup), please.
        I'd like... (the fish), please.
        Can I have... ( glass of white wine)?
        Could I have... (a side salad)?

OPINIONS, AGREEING AND DISAGREEING

    Asking for opinions


        What do you think of… (privatization)?
        Do you think… (it’s a good thing)?
        Do you agree with… (Marta)?


    Giving opinions

        I think… (it’s a good idea).
        I don’t think… (you can…)
        In my opinion… (you can’t…)

    Agreeing

        I agree with… (you).
        Yes, I think (Marco’s) right.
        Exactly.

    Disagreeing


        Sorry, but I disagree with you.
        That’s true, but…
        I don’t agree with you.


SOCIAL EXCHANGES

    Thanking

        Thanks for all your help. --> You’re welcome.
        Thank you for the lovely present. --> I’m pleased you like it.

    Responding to good wishes

        Have a nice weekend. --> Thanks, the same to you.

    Apologizing

        Sorry I’m late. --> Don’t worry.

    Wishing luck

        I’ve got an interview for a job tomorrow. --> Gook luck!

    Responding to good news

        I’m geeting married next week. --> Congratulations!
        I’ve just passed my exam. --> Well done!

     Asking for repetition
            
        Sorry, could you say your name again?


  SUGGESTIONS

   Suggesting

    How about… (playing tennis)?
    What about… (coming to a party)?
    Why don’t we… (go to the sports centre)?
    Let’s… (go to the cinema).

   Saying “yes”

    That’s a good idea.
    Great idea.
    Ok. Fine

   Saying “no” + reason

    That’s a good idea, bur… (unfortunately I won’t have time).
    Sorry, I can’t… (I’m going on holiday tomorrow).
    I’d love to, but… (I have to go away then).

Very useful spoken English. Thanks!