4 Meeting people for the first time

Usual More formal

Asking somebody to do something
Usual Very polite
Hi! / Hello. Good morning / afternoon. Could I have (your passport), Would you mind (filling in this

New Nice to meet you. Pleased to meet you. / How do you do? please? form)?
This is (my husband). Could you (sign here), please? Do you think you could (send

ENGLISH FILE
this fax) for me, please?
‘Did you have a good
journey?’
‘Yes, fine thanks.’ Responses
Intermediate Plus Yes, of course.
I’m sorry, but…
No, of course not.
Sure. / No problem.
Mini phrasebook

Checking Asking permission

Question tags Short answers Usual Very polite Responses
You’re from Ankara, aren’t you? Yes, I am. Can I…? May I…? Sure. Go ahead. ✓
That’s the capital, isn’t it? Yes, it is. Could I…? Do you think I Of course. ✓
You haven’t been to Oxford before, have you? No, I haven’t. could…? I’m sorry, but… ✗
You don’t smoke, do you? No, I don’t. Do you mind if I…? No, not at all. ✓
I’d rather you didn’t. ✗
Apologizing
Usual Stronger Responses
Sorry. I’m very sorry. That’s OK / all right.
I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. Never mind.
I’m afraid (I’ve I’m terribly sorry. It doesn’t matter.
broken a glass). Don’t worry.
Content and Graphics copyright Oxford University Press, 2009. All rights reserved.
4 Explaining what you want
I don’t know what it’s called in English but…
Going out
Inviting / suggesting Responding
Conversation 1 Conversation 2 Are you doing anything (tonight)? Nothing special.

New What’s it like? It’s a kind of (hat). It’s a sort of (pen).

Do you want to come?
Would you like to (see a show)?
Yes, great. / I’d love to.
Sorry, I can’t (tonight).

ENGLISH FILE
It’s made of (plastic). It’s (small) and (fat).
Do you fancy seeing (a play)? That’s a good idea.
What’s it for? It’s a thing you use to It’s a thing for How about (a film)?
(cover your hair) when (marking important

Intermediate Plus you (have a shower). words).

Arranging to meet Responding

Mini phrasebook
Where shall we meet? What about (outside the station)?
What time shall we meet? How about (7 o’clock)?
Let’s meet (outside the theatre). OK. Fine.

Asking politely for information (indirect questions) Complaining in a shop

Could you tell me where the (bus station) is, please? I bought (this sweater two weeks ago…). I’ve got the receipt.
Do you know what time the (bank) opens? I’m not satisfied with it.
Could you tell me if this bus goes to (Piccadilly)? I’d like my money back.
I’d like to speak to the manager.
Giving directions
How do I get to (your house)? Complaining in a restaurant
Go along Station Road, past the park until you get to the big roundabout. I’m sorry, but I ordered a (chicken burger), not a (special burger).
Go round the roundabout and take the first, second, third exit. Excuse me. My (cheeseburger) isn’t cooked enough.
Keep going along that road. I asked for (medium). This is (rare).
Take the third turning on the right. I ordered (still mineral water). This is (sparkling).
Go straight down that road. Excuse me. There’s a mistake in the bill.
You can’t miss it.
Content and Graphics copyright Oxford University Press, 2009. All rights reserved.