TOPIC 1.

WORKPLACE
EXPRESSIONS

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LEARNING OUTCOME
1. Use socially acceptable forms of the language to request
and ask for permission, invitations, apologies and thank and
express appreciation.

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ASSESSMENT
 Quiz (10%)

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SOCIAL EXPRESSIONS
1.1 General introductions to social expressions
1.2 Requests and permissions
1.3 Invitations
1.4 Apologies
1.5 Thank someone and express appreciation

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1.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTIONS TO
SOCIAL EXPRESSIONS
1.1.1 Identify the importance to use the proper social expressions

 Equips learners with the necessary language skills so that they can communicate
effectively in various formal and informal situations.

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1.2 REQUESTS AND
PERMISSIONS
1.2.1 Ask someone politely to do or not to do
something
To do Not to do
Please open the window. Please do not close the
window.
Please keep the class Please do not mess up the
clean. class.
Please be quiet. Please do not make noise.
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SAMPLE OF DIALOGUE
Harry: Excuse me, but could you help me with this bag, please?
Mollie: Sorry. Can’t. Got a bad back.
Harry: Well, it’s just I think it’s going to fall. Could you just hold onto this side, please?
Mollie: I said I’ve got a bad back.
Harry: But it’s going to fall. It’s got lots of valuable objects in it. Please!
Mollie: I can’t! Worth a lot of money, is it?
Harry: Yes, it is.
Mollie: How much?
Harry: What do you mean?
Mollie: How much will you pay me if I help you?
Harry: Oh, I see. I can give you ten pounds.
Mollie: Ten pounds? Are you joking?
Harry: That’s all I’ve got. Please, if you can’t help, could you go into the corridor and ask if anyone there
can help me.
Mollie: Hello! Is anyone there? No, there’s no one there.
Harry: Please. It’s falling...
Mollie: Whoops! Looks like I was too late. Shall I help you pick up the pieces?
Harry: No, thanks.
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1.2 REQUESTS AND
PERMISSIONS

1.2.2 Ask for assistance

Asking for assistance Respond
Give me a hand with this,  Sure
will you?  Ok
Can you spare a few  Go ahead
minutes?  Please do
Could I ask you a favor?
I wonder if you could help
me with this?
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1.2 REQUESTS AND PERMISSIONS

1.2.3 Ask for permissions

May I + verb
May I have another piece of pie?

Could I please + verb

Could I please go with Tom to the movie?

Do you think I could + verb

Do you think I could use your cell phone?

Would it be possible for me + infinitive

Would it be possible for me to use your computer for a few minutes?

Would you mind if I + verb in past

Would you mind if I stayed a few more minutes?
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Would you mind my + verb + ing + your + object
Would you mind my playing your piano?
1.2 REQUESTS AND PERMISSIONS

1.2.4 Grant or deny permissions

 If you would like to say "yes" to someone who
asks permission, you can give permission using
these phrases:
• Sure
• No problem.
• Go right ahead.

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Refusing a Favor
I'm afraid I'd prefer if you didn't / don't.
Sorry, but I'd rather you not do that.

Unfortunately, I need to say no.

I'm afraid that's not possible.

Saying 'no', is never fun, but sometimes it's necessary.

It's common to offer a different solution to try to help out even
if you can't give permission.

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1.3 INVITATIONS
1.3.1 Extend invitations

Mention the event, then ask the person to come:

 I’m having a few people over tonight. Would you like to join us?

In informal situations, use how about or how would you like:

How would you like to come over for dinner tonight?

In formal situations, use one of the following:

We would be delighted if you could join us for dinner on Saturday.

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1.3 INVITATIONS
1.3.2 Accept invitations
Use an expression of agreement:
Sure
I’d love to
That sounds like fun
Great

After accepting an invitation, you can ask a question about

the details:
I’d love to. What time?
Sure. What should I bring?
Great. Do you need any help?

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EXERCISE 1
Complete the dialogues with expressions for making and accepting invitations:

Shani : My family is getting together for my brother’s wedding dinner.

……………………………………………………………………….
Ramos : ………………………………………………………………………
Shanie: …………………………….. …………………………………….
Ramos : ……………………………….………………………………………

Chea Ren : What are you doing on Chinese New Year?

…………………………………………………………..……………
Rossa : ………………………………………………………………………
Chea Ren : ……………………………………………………………………….
Rossa : .………………………………………………………………………

Hashim : There’s a movie at the Tanjung Golden Village KLCC. …….

………………………………………………………………….
Jenna : …..…………………………………………………………………..
Hashim : …………………………………………………………………..…..
Jenna : …………….…………………………………………………………
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1.3 INVITATIONS

1.3.3 Decline invitations

Say you’d like to or you’re sorry. Then give a reason why

you can’t:

I’d love to, but I already have plans.

I’d really like to, but unfortunately I’m busy then.
Sorry, but I don’t think I can make it.
Oh, too bad. I already have plans.
I’m afraid I have to work.

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EXERCISE 2
Complete the dialogues with expressions for declining the invitations.

Shamy : My family is going to annual dinner.

: ……………………………………………………………………….
Ramu : ………………………………………………………………………
Shamy : …………………………….. …………………………………….
Ramu : ……………………………….………………………………………

Chantek : We are going to ECM.

…………………………………………………………..……………
Rita : ……………………………………………………………………….
Chantek : ……………………………………………………………………….
Rita : .………………………………………………………………………

Razak : We are going to karaoke after class.

: …………………………………………………………………………
Shira : …..…………………………………………………………………..
Razak : …………………………………………………………………..….. 16
Shira : …………….…………………………………………………………
1.4 APOLOGIES
1.4.1 Apologize
I'm sorry.
I made a mistake.
Please accept my apologies.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to …
(I'm) sorry. I didn't realize that …
I'm sorry (I have) to tell you this, but …
I hate to tell you this, but …
I don't know how to tell you this, but …
I have some bad news. 17
1.4 APOLOGIES

1.4.2 Accept apologies

A: Sorry I forgot to bring my homework.

B: OK. But please bring it tomorrow.
A: I apologies for what I said yesterday.
B: Oh, never mind.

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1.5 THANK SOMEONE AND EXPRESS
APPRECIATION
1.5.1 Thank someone
Thanking someone Thanking someone Responding to thanks
who tries to help (but
who does not
succeed)
 Thanks.  Thanks anyway.  You’re welcome.
 Thank you.  Thank you for (US)
 Thanks a lot. (looking).  Not at all. (formal,
 Thank you very  Thanks for (trying). UK)
much.  It doesn’t matter.  Don’t mention it.
 It was very kind of Thanks.  (Its) my pleasure.
you.  Never mind.  It was nothing.
 I appreciate your Thanks.  That’s alright / OK.
help.  No problem. 19
 You’ve been very  Any time.
helpful.
EXERCISE 3

Working with a partner, make up short conversations based on

the following situations. You may use other suitable
expressions if you wish. Then, write out these conversations.

a) A friend who has returned some library books for you.

b) A friend who has told you some good news.
c) A lecturer who has given you a lift.
d) Your friend who has lent you his notes.
e) Your lecturer who has offered to help you with your
assignments.
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1.5 THANK SOMEONE AND EXPRESS
APPRECIATION

1.5.2 Express appreciation

EXPRESSING APPRECIATION RESPONSE

 Thank you for taking the time to  You’re entirely

outline a better way to process our welcome
orders  Don’t mention it
 Thanks for calling it to our attention. It  Well, I just wanted to
seems so obvious now that you show my appreciation
mention it. for …
 Thank you for calling our attention to  It was nothing
the problem in the parking lot.  Sure
 We’ve had several suggestions  What are friends for
regarding the holiday work schedule,
but yours seems to be the most
equitable. We plan to give it a try. 21
EXERCISE 4
Complete the dialogues below with appropriate answers:

1. Zahidah: Would you like to come to my house for dinner?

Farah : ___________________________________________

2. Emma : Excuse me, can I possibly ask you to hold this bag while I tie my shoelaces?
Andy : Sure, no problem at all. I’d delighted to help.
Emma : ___________________________________________

3. Noreen: May I borrow your car? I have to sit for my English test at 8.00 a.m today. It’s 7.45 a.m now.
Kaer : Why not? Here is the key.
Noreen : ___________________________________________

4. Allan : Happy Birthday, Farah!

Farah : Thank you. Wow…What is this?
Allan : A gift for you.
Farah : ___________________________________________

5. Fitriah : Be calm. Don’t worry. The ambulance is on the way now.

Linda : My right leg… I think it is still bleeding.
Fitriah : Let me have a look. Perhaps I can do something to stop it. 22
Linda : ___________________________________________
EXERCISE 5
Choose phrases from the box on the right to complete these dialogues.
1. A : Are you using your camera?
B : ………………………………………………………………  Not at all.
 Never mind.
A : Do you mind if I borrow it for the weekend?  Not at the moment.
B : ………………………………………………………………  Sure.
A : Thanks. That’s very kind of you.
B : ………………………………………………………………  Of course.
You’re welcome.  Sure, help yourself.
 Sorry, I’m using it
right now.
2. A : Do you mind if I borrow your calculator?  Not at all.
B : ………………………………………………………………  Oh, never mind then.
A : Oh, well could I borrow it when you’ve finished with it?
B : ……………………………………………………………..
A : Thanks. And may I borrow your dictionary for about five minutes?
B : ……………………………………………………………. 23

A : Thanks very much.

3. A : Can I ask you a favour?
B : …………………………………………………………….  You’re welcome.
 All right.
A : Are you going downtown?  Sure. Where do you want to
B : ……………………………………………………………. go?
 Yes, I am.
A : Can I get a lift from you?  Of course.
B : …………………………………………………………….  Thanks very much

A : To Jalan Wong Ah Jang.

B : …………………………………………………………….

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SUMMARY
Ask for someone politely
Ask for assistance
Ask for permission
Grant/ deny permission
Extend invitation
Accept invitation
Decline invitation
Apologies
Accept apologies
Thank someone
Express appreciation
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