Other Phrases in Giving

Instructions
REGULATION/CONTROL
FUNCTION OF COMMUNICATION
Asking for Attention (formal)

The following are some phrases you can use formally when you
want to ask for attention:

 Excuse me, I wonder if I could…

 May I have your attention, please?
 Excuse me, …
 Sorry to bother/trouble you.
Asking for Attention (Informal)

 Look at me!
 Look what I’ve got here.
 Look here.
 Look!
 Hey!
 Attention, please!
Asking for Permission

 Can I + Verb = Very Informal

Can I watch a movie tonight?
Can I have dinner with them?
NOTE: The use of “Can I do something?” is very informal, and
considered incorrect by many. However, it is used in everyday
informal speech and for that reason has been included.
Asking for Permission

 Is it okay if + verb = Very informal

Is it okay if I do my project here?
Is it okay if I sit here?
 May I + verb
May I have another cup of ice cream?
May I go to the mall with my classmates on Sunday?
NOTE: Traditionally, the use of “May I do something?” has been used for asking permission.
In modern society, this form has become a little more formal and is often replaced with other
forms such as “Can I…” and “Could I…” Many argue that “Can I…” is incorrect because it
refers to ability.
However, this form is quite common in everyday situations.
Asking for Permission

 Could I please + verb

Could I please go with Carl to the party?
Could I please hear mass this Sunday?
 Do you mind if I + verb
Do you mind if I stay with you in this room?
Do you mind if I practice my dance here?
Asking for Clarification/More Information

 I didn’t understand what you said about ___________.

 I’m sorry, I didn’t catch what you said about ___________.
 Sorry, but I’m not quite clear on _________.
 I’d like to ask you about _________.
 What did you mean when you said _________ ?
Asking Someone to Stop Avoid Doing
Something

 Please, don’t do it.

 Will you stop doing _______?
 Will you stop it?
 Please avoid that girl.
 Stop it, please?
Making Suggestions

 Why don’t you go to a Museum?

 How about going to the library?
 I suggest we form a group.
 I don’t think you should allow him in your life.
 Perhaps we could drink a coffee.
Giving Commands

 Stay here!
 Don’t sleep on the mat!
 You must switch on the light. It’s really dark.
 I’d like you to go with us to the gym tonight.
 I’d be grateful if you didn’t tell this matter to anyone
Giving Warnings

 Don’t push so hard on that box, or you might/will suffer from back
pain!
 Watch out! Be careful!
 Work hard otherwise you’ll fail your exam.
 Please see to it that you ________ or else it ________ .
 Don’t you ever do that again!
 Aside from using those formulas and grammatical structures in doing those
particular communicative functions, there are nonverbal cues that can also be used as
regulators. These include movements of the head, neck and eyes including hand
gestures and posture. For examples, nodding of the head indicates we are listening or
understanding something and we are encouraging the speaker to continue. Another is
moving away that signals we want communication to stop or we may raise a finger or
lift our head to mean we want to speak or perhaps show our palm to indicate we don’t
want to speak. To conclude, Regulation/Control as function of communication is
applicable to both verbal and nonverbal cues.