There are a number of formulas used when Giving Advice in English.

Here are some of the most

There are a number of formulas used when asking for information in English. Here are some of the
most common:
 Could you tell me...?
 Do you know...?
 Do you happen to know...?
 I'd like to know...
 Could you find out...?
 I'm interested in...
 I'm looking for..

These two forms are used for asking for information on the telephone:
 I'm calling to find out...
 I'm calling about...

Here are a number of useful phrases used when disagreeing or expressing another opinion. Notice
that a number of these expressions employ the first or second conditional.
 I wouldn't do that. I would...
 But if we...
 I'm afraid I have to disagree with you.
 Don't get me wrong, ...
 Even so, if...
 Don't forget that...
 Very true, but...

There are a number of formulas used when complaining in English. It's important to remember
that a direct complaint or criticism in English can sound rude or aggressive. It's best to mention a
problem in an indirect manner. Here are some of the most common:
 I'm sorry to have to say this but...
 I'm sorry to bother you, but...
 Maybe you forgot to...
 I think you might have forgotten to...
 Excuse me if I'm out of line, but...
 There may have been a misunderstanding about...
 Don't get me wrong, but I think we should...
There are a number of ways to guess in English. Here are some of the most common:
 I'd say he's about ready to quite his job.
 It might need some oil.
 He could be in the garden.
 It looks like a miniature motor.
 Perhaps he needs some time off work.
 Maybe they want to come and visit this summer.
 It's difficult to say, but I'd guess that it's used for cleaning house.
 I'm not really sure, but I think they enjoy hiking in the mountains.

There are a number of ways to give imprecise information in English. Here are some of the most
common:
 There are about 600 people working in this company.
 There are approximately 600 people working in this company.
 There are a large number of students interested in taking his course.
 Management predicts up to 50% growth for the coming year.
 It's kind of a bottle opener which can also be used to peel vegetables.
 It's the type of place you can go to relax for a week or so.
 They're the sort of people that like going bowling on Saturday evenings.
 It's difficult to say, but I'd guess that it's used for cleaning house.
 I'm not really sure, but I think they enjoy hiking in the mountains.

Sometimes you need to say no when someone makes a suggestion, offers something or asks you to
do something for them. Of course, saying just 'no' can be rather rude. Here are some of the most
common ways to say 'no' nicely - or at least not rudely.
 Would you like to see a film tonight?
I'm afraid I can't go out tonight. I've got a test tomorrow.
 Why don't we have some chinese food?
Sorry, but I don't particularly like chinese food.
 How about taking a nice walk?
I'd really rather not take a walk this afternoon.
 Would you like to come to the museum with us?
Thank you, but it's not my idea of a fun afternoon out.
 Let's go for a drive
Sorry, I'm not really fond of driving for the fun of it.
 Why don't you stay the night?
That's very kind of you, but I really have to get back to the city.

NOTE: Notice how we often say 'thank you' in some way before refusing the offer. When someone
makes an offer it is polite to first thank that person and then say no, often offering an excuse for
not wanting or being able to do something. Just saying 'no' is considered very rude behavior
indeed!
Sometimes you need to state a preference when someone makes a suggestion, offers something or
asks your opinion about what to do. Often people are asking for your opinion and you can state
your preference freely, other times, people have made an offer and you need to state a preference
politely if you do not want to do what has been suggested, or would rather do something else.
 Would you like to see a film tonight?
I'd rather go dancing. How does that sound?
 Why don't we have some chinese food?
Well, I'd prefer eating Italian. What do you think?
 What do you think we should do?
If it were up to me, I'd go out for dinner.
 What are we going to do today? The weather is awful!
I think we should go to a museum.
Why don't we go to a museum.
Let's go to a museum.
How about going to a museum.

There are a number of formulas used when making suggestions in English. Here are some of the
most common:
 Why don't you / we go to the movies tonight?
 You / we could visit New York while you're / we're there.
 Let's go to the travel agent's this afternoon to book our ticket.
 What about asking your brother for help?
 How about going to Hawaii for your vacation?
 I suggest you / we take all the factors into consideration before we decide.

There are a number of formulas used when offering help in English. Here are some of the most
common:
 May I help you?
 Can I help you?
 Are you looking for something?
 Would you like some help?
 Do you need some help?
 What can I do for you today?

Construction
Formula Verb Form
May I help you? Use 'May I' or 'Can I' the base form of the verb in a statement.
Are you looking for Use 'Are you looking for' something OR anything in particular OR specific
something? object
Would you like some help?
Use 'Would you like' some help OR some advice OR a recommendation
Do you need some help?Use 'Do you need' some help OR some advice OR a recommendation
Use 'What can I do for' you, her, him, etc. today OR this morning, this
What can I do for you
afternoon, this evening
today?

There are a number of formulas used when Giving Warnings in English. Here are some of the most
common:
 Don't push so hard on that toy, or you might / will break it!
 Watch out! Be careful!
 Work hard otherwise you'll fail your exam.

Construction
Formula Verb Form
Don't..., or you might / will... Use the imperative followed by might or will in a statement
Watch out! Be Careful Use the imperative
Use the imperative otherwise you will / might plus the base
Work hard, otherwise you'll...
form of the verb to show consequenses

Sometimes, things happen that we would like explained and we must demand explanations. For
example, if you have just bought a new computer and there is a problem, but the shop assistant
says that the guaranty does not cover the problem. There are a number of formulas used when
demanding explanations in English. Here are some of the most common:
 Can you tell me why...
 I don't understand why...
 Can you explain why..
 Why is it that...
 How come...
 Does this mean...
 Do you really expect me to believe...

Construction
Can you tell me why it has taken Use 'Can you tell me why' a full clause. An indirect
you so long to respond? question requires '?'.
I don't understand why it has Use 'I don't understand why' + a full clause. This is a
taken you so long to respond. statement and does NOT require a question mark (?)
Can you explain why it has taken Use 'Can you explain why' + a full clause. An indirect
you so long to respond? question requires a '?'.
Why is it that it has taken you so Use 'Why is it that' + a full clause. An indirect question
long to respond? requires a '?'.
How come it has taken you so Use 'How come' + a full clause. An indirect question
long to respond? requires a '?'.
Does this mean (that) it has Use 'Does this mean (that)' + a full clause. An indirect
taken you so long to respond? question requires a '?'.
Do you expect me to believe you Use 'Do you (really) expect me to belive (that)' + a full
weren't able to finish on time? clause. An indirect question requires a '?'.