Core Idea: Social micro-interactions

This exercise will help you perform below functions in everyday life in English:

• offering help
• asking for help
• accepting / declining help
• invitations (make/accept/refuse)
• offering food/drink
• accepting / refusing offers
• expressing reluctance
• permissions (give/ask/refuse)
• requests (accept/refuse)

Instruction to do the exercise:

1. Hear all reflexes in general way.
2. Pick reflexes one by one and utter it aloud 4 to 5 times.
3. Use correct pronunciation of word.
4. Use weak form while pronouncing function word.
5. Apply word linking technique.
6. Apply rhythm exercise technique. (Applicable for advanced learners only)

Group 1:

I’d like to reserve two seats on the coach to Baroda tomorrow.

I’d like to book my car in for a service, please.

Do you think I need to book a seat?

How many days in advance do I have to book?

Is the first-show fully booked?

Are there any second class seats available?

I’d like to book three seats for Tuesday the 6th, please.

What price are tickets, please?

Do you have any seats for the evening?

Have you got any seats for Saturday evening?

Are any seats available for the matinee?

I’d like to book two seats for the first-show today, please.

Is Sunday completely booked up?

Oh, that’s a pity. Well, thank you, anyway.

I’ll be there on the 14th.

Can you book a hotel room for me?

Book five seats on the Bangalore Express.

We have booked a seat for you on the Chennai flight.

Then book two seats for us on that bus.

Thanks, I’m glad you like it.

Thank you.

Really? I’m not sure about it, actually.

Thank you. I think it looks nice on me, too.

Nice of you to say so.

It’s nice, isn’t it?

I heard what happened. My deepest sympathy, Atul.

I’m very sorry to hear your father has died.

George, my deepest sympathy on your sad loss.

I heard about your tragic loss. I’m extremely sorry.

I hear your grandmother has died. I’m sorry.

Please accept my condolences.

I’m very sorry to hear about your uncle. He was such a good man. • I’m terribly sorry.

Oh, that’s terrible.

Oh, that’s rotten.

I’m sorry. What bad luck!

I’m sorry to hear that.

I’m extremely sorry to hear about it.

Oh, tough luck. I’m terribly sorry.

Oh, how upsetting!

Oh, how annoying!

That’s a pity!

Oh no! I’m ever so sorry.

Bad luck, Gita. You can always try again.

Oh, it’s such a shame!

That’s a crying shame — it really is!

I’m so sorry to see you in this state.

You’ll get well soon.

I know it must have been a great shock to you.

I know how it feels.

What bad luck!

Group 2:

What an awful situation for you!

I’m so sorry to hear about that.

Oh, that’s tough (= unfortunate). I’m sorry.

How terrible for you!

I can’t tell you how sorry I am.

When did he die? Was it very sudden?

Did he suffer very much?

You must be very upset about it.

Hard luck, Vinod! I know you had worked so hard for the test.

Congratulations, Paul!

Many, many congratulations!

Congratulations! Your essay has won first prize.

I’m so glad!

My heartiest congratulations!

I’m so happy for you!

I hear you’ve had a baby. Congratulations!

I do think you’re a lucky man.

Hey, you’ve got that job? Congratulations. Well done!

Let me offer you my congratulations.

I think you deserve it!

I was delighted to hear about it.

Splendid! You must be very pleased.

I couldn’t have been more pleased!

I congratulate you. You’ve done a fine job, Deepak!

That was excellent. Congratulations!

I’m so pleased for you!

I was thrilled to hear about your new job.

You deserve all the luck in the world!

How much is that?

How much does that sell for?

How much are these oranges?

Give me a kilo of apples. Pick out big ones, please.

Excuse me. I’d like a shirt for myself.

A packet of cigarettes, please.

I’d like a kilo apples. They must have no spoiled spots in them.

I’d like to see some belts, please.

Let me see what you have in handkerchiefs.

Give me a tube of toothpaste.

I don’t suppose you have anything cheaper?

Can I have a 10-rupee postal order please?

Which of these do you think are better?

I’m looking for a radio.

I think I will take this one.

Have you got a bigger size?

What’s the price of this washing machine?

Well, I’ll take half a dozen of those, please.

Oh, it’s more expensive, is it?

Have you got a different style?

These are small. Have you any that are slightly larger?

Let me see some pens, please.

Group 3:

Twenty 50-paise stamps, please.

I want some one-rupee stamps. Give me 29, please.

Are they my size?

Have you got a lighter colour?

What kind of material is this?

Have you got a looser style?

Have you got this one in any other colours?

You sell them by the kilo or by the dozen?

Do you have something like this in some other material except cotton?

That’s 10 rupees, isn’t it?

How do you sell these apples?

How much are they?

How are the potatoes today? I’d like a kilo. Be sure they’re small and solid.

Can I have ten envelopes please?

This is too big. Do you have a smaller size?

I think I can give you the right money.

Three hundred rupees?

That’s more than I care to spend.

Will you wrap it up, please?

This one is cheaper, isn’t it?

Have you got any checked shirts?

A bottle of shampoo, please.

No. I don’t need anything else.

Have you got a different style?

Nothing else, thank you.

Four hundred rupees is a little expensive.

I believe that’s about all.

Do you take credit cards?

I’ll leave it, thank you.

I’ll take it, thank you.

How much do I owe you for everything?

I want some lemons. How do you sell them?

Pick me out a few small ones, please.

I guess that’s about all.

CanI help you?

Can I give you any help?

Do you need any help?

Is there anything I can do to help?

Why don’t you let me help you with the cooking?

I’ll do it, shall I?

Maybe, I could help you do it.

I’m going to the post office. Would you like me to get anything for you?

Can I help?

Everything all right?

I’ll help you.

I’ll ring for the office boy.

Want me to try?

Please let me help you.

Can I help you with it?

Do you want me to help with the washing-up?

Group 4:

Can I be of any help?

Do you need some kind of help?

Allow me to do it for you.

It’s cold in here. Would you like me to shut the windows?

I’ll do it for you.

Is there anything else?

Perhaps I could be of some help?

Would you like me to try?

I’ll be glad to help, if you need it.

Do you want me to have a look?

If you like, I’ll phone him up.

Let me carry your bag.

I suppose you want something else, do you?

Shall I see if I can help you?

I can help, if you like.

If you like, I’ll help you with your work.

Let’s have a look.

Could I give you a hand to complete it?

Here, I’ll show you how to do it.

Permit me to help you.

Can I help you with anything?

Well, if you have any more trouble, just let me know.

It looks heavy. Could I give you a hand with it?

You seem to be having some problem.

What’s wrong?

I haven’t got much, but you can borrow what money I have.

Perhaps I could help you do it.

Let me help you.

I’ll help you, if you like.

Oh, that’s very kind/thoughtful of you.

Could you?

You’re most kind.

Yes, please. I’d appreciate it.

Oh, could you do that? That’d be very helpful.

That’d be lovely/great.

I’d be delighted if you could.

Would you?

That’s extremely good of you.

I’d appreciate it if you could.

If you’re sure it’s no trouble for you…

I’d be glad if you could.

Thanks. That’d be a great help.

Thanks very much.

I’d be glad if you would.

No, thank you.

Don’t bother.

No, please don’t bother — I can manage.

Don’t worry.

That’s very kind of you. Thank you, but I can manage.

I’d rather do it myself, thank you.

Group 5:

No, thanks. I’m fine.

That’s OK, thanks.

I’d better do it myself, thank you.

I’m all right, thank you.

Are you busy? How about a cup of tea?

Will you join us for a cup of tea?

Come on in.

I’m giving a party tomorrow. Would you like to come?

Do you feel like going for a walk?

Can you stay for lunch?

What about a cup of coffee?

Help yourself to some food, Sushil.

Perhaps you’d like to have a cup of tea?

We’re thinking of going on a picnic this Sunday. Why don’t you join us?

Help yourself to snacks.

How would you like to join us for lunch?

Why don’t you stay the night here?

Come in and sit down.

Look, I was thinking of going to a movie. Would you like to come?

Ah Reddy, come and join us.

Would you like to go for a walk?

How about joining me for a cup of tea?

Would you like to go to the movies today evening?

We’re having a party next Sunday night. I thought you might like to come. And bring your

wife along.

Do you fancy having a bite to eat before we leave?

Come and have some more coffee.

Wouldn’t you like to stay for dinner?

I thought I might have a party on Sunday. Would you like to come?

How would you like to come and spend some time with us?

Why don’t you lunch with me today?

I’d like you to have lunch with us tomorrow.

I’m going out for a walk. Do you feel like coming?

I’m thinking of going for a cup of coffee. Coming?

Come in and make yourself at home.

Shall we go and see a film?

I’m giving a party. Do come to my house this evening.

Can I give you a lift?

What about having lunch with us tomorrow?

Look, Asha, there’s a good film on at the Rex, I thought we could go together.

Do you feel like a cup of tea?

Do you like a walk?

Remember this: Before making an invitation, you must normally prepare the ground by engaging the addressee in a “preliminary exchange”. This is especially so before you make important invitations, such as invitations to parties, lunches, dinner etc. Here is such a preliminary exchange:

You: Are you free this Sunday?

Addressee: Well, yes. I’ve got no plans.

You: You know, we’re giving a party this Sunday night. It’s our 10th wedding anniversary, you see.

Addressee: Is that so? Congratulations!

You: Nothing elaborate. Just an informal party. Five or six of my closest friends and their wives. That’s all. Would you like to come?

Addressee: I’d love to. Many thanks.

You: Come to our place by seven, will you? And don’t forget to bring your wife.

Remember that the preliminary question you ask is mainly a gambit to pave the way for the invitation. Even if the addressee replies that he’s busy or that he has made some plans, you normally go ahead and make the invitation.

For more word groups that you can use as prefaces to invitations, see Sl. no. 115 Asking about plans. For responses, see Sl. no. 116 Answering questions about plans.

Group 6:

Thank you very much. What sort of time do you want me to come?

Many thanks.

Fine, I’d love to.

I’ll be happy to.

That’s very kind of you.

With pleasure!

Sunday? Good idea! Yes.

Thanks a lot.

That’d be lovely, thank you.

If you really insist…

I’m most grateful.

That’d be nice. What time would you like me to come?

That’d be fine. Who else is going with us?

It’s very kind of you.

Well, if you insist.

I’d like that very much.

I’d be glad to. Where do we meet, then?

Yes. Great! Delighted!

I’d love to.

All right. Where shall we meet, then?

What a good idea!

Thanks very much.

Thank you so much.

It’s very good of you.

I’m afraid I won’t be able to come this time. You see, I’ve already arranged to do something on Sunday. How about another day?

I’d love to, but I am afraid I have something else on Tuesday.

That’d be very nice, but I’m afraid I can’t. You see, my daughter is ill, and I must stay home to look after her. Thanks all the same.

That’s very kind of you, but you see, I won’t be free this evening.

I’d rather not. I’ve got a headache, and I’d like to lie down for some time.

I’m afraid I’m busy on Saturday. How about Sunday?

I’m terribly sorry. I don’t think I’ll be able to come. I’ll certainly try.

I’m afraid I’ve already promised to attend another meeting on that day.

Oh, Ajit, I have too much work to do, and I won’t be able to leave the office before seven.

I’m afraid I can’t, Anand. You see, I have some guests coming this evening. Thanks anyway.

I wish I could, but I’m afraid I’m already booked up for that day.

Sorry Suresh, I have something else fixed up for that day. Perhaps we could get together some other day?

(When someone offers to give you a lift.) No, I’d like to walk. Thanks anyway.

What a pity! You see, I’m leaving for Bangalore today evening.

Thank you very much for asking me, but I don’t think I can.

I’m afraid I can’t. I’ll be away on that day. Thanks all the same.

Would you like a drink?

Will you have another cup of coffee?

Can I get you a soft drink?

Would you like another helping of pudding?

Come on, have another one.

Can I get you anything to drink?

How about some more rice?

Another cup of coffee?

What would you say to a cup of tea?

Can I get you something to eat?

Group 7:

Try a piece of this cake, it’s home-made.

A piece of chicken?

Would you like to try these? They’re not hot.

Some ice-cream?

How about a drink, then?

Can I get you some more of this curry?

Help yourself to the salad.

Here, have a samosa.

Have another piece of cake. There’s lots left.

What will you have?

An orange?

You’ll have some tea, won’t you?

Have some more of this. Here you are.

Would you like some buttermilk?

Another cutlet?

Would you care for a ham sandwich?

Do you want anything else?

Do you need any ketchup?

What can I get you?

Fancy a piece of cake?

Yes, thanks.

Thanks very much.

Thanks. I’d love some.

Good idea. I’ll have a coffee.

Yes, please.

Thanks. I’d like one.

I wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee.

Well, if it’s not too much trouble, I’ll have a coffee.

Thanks, I’ll have a lemon juice, please.

Thanks. I’d like some.

Yes, just a drop. Thank you.

Lovely! A piece, please.

Yes, thank you. I’ll have some more.

Thank you. That’d be nice.

OK. Thank you. I won’t mind a cup of tea.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, I would.

Just a little, please.

Oh no, no…

I’m afraid not.

Look, I can’t possibly let you…

Oh no… I couldn’t eat any more…

Well, if I have to…

No, no… please.

I don’t think I can accept this, you know…

Well, if you insist.

Well, if you really want me to.

Look, there’s no need…

No, no… I’ve only just had lunch…

If it’s all the same to you, I won’t…

Group 8:

Well, if you really think so.

Some other time, perhaps…

No, it’s far too much, really.

I’d rather not.

I’m not sure I can accept this, thank you.

No, thank you. It’s really superb, but I really couldn’t.

No, not for me. Thanks.

Not for the moment. Thank you.

Not this time, thanks.

I really can’t eat another thing. Thanks.

I’m afraid I don’t eat fish.

Not just at the moment. Thank you.

No, please don’t bother.

No, I’m not very fond of it. Thanks all the same.

The cutlets are delicious. But I’m afraid I couldn’t. Thank you.

I’ve had enough. Thank you.

No, thank you. I’m just leaving.

I’m afraid I don’t drink coffee.

I’d love to, but I’m afraid I can’t.

I’ve had plenty. Thanks.

It looks delicious, but I’m afraid I couldn’t.

No, thank you. I can’t manage any more.

I will do it.

I promise I’ll do it.

I’ll buy you a necklace for our wedding anniversary.

I won’t repeat it, I promise.

I guarantee you’ll like it.

I give you my word.

I don’t know where he has gone, honestly.

I’ll let you know in the evening.

I’ll never be late again, I promise.

I’ll drop in again when I have more time.

If I can’t come tomorrow, I’ll let you know.

I’ll give you a buzz when we’ve finished.

I give you my word I’ll do it.

I promise you I’ll be punctual from now on.

I’ll have him get in touch with you as soon as he comes back.

You can leave it to me.

You can count on me.

I undertake to do it, honestly.

I won’t be late again, I promise I won’t.

I promise you.

I will, I promise.

Have a good journey!

All the best, Asha!

Have a nice time at the party!

Have a good trip!

I do wish you all the happiness in the world.

Best of luck with the exams!

Best of luck!

Have a nice journey!

Have a nice day!

Have a good time at the party!

Lots of luck, Prakash, in your new career!

Have a good time!

Good luck!

Good luck in your exams!

I hope you enjoy it.

Have a good weekend.