Dialogs Involving Suggestions, Invitations, Offers and Requests

A number of dialogs in Part A involve a speaker making and/or responding to suggestions, invitations, or the others. There are many ways to express these language functions. 

There are pieces of advice that one speaker gives another. In most dialogs, the first speaker poses a problem and the second speaker suggests a possible solution to that problem. In some dialogs, the first speaker makes a suggestion, and the second speaker responds to that suggestion positively or negatively. 

Making Suggestions


  • Why don't you/we
  • Why not...
  • Have you ever thought of...
  • You/we might want to
  • You/we could always
  • Maybe you/we could
  • Try
  • If I were you...
  • If I were in your shoes
  • You/we should...
  • Shouldn't you///we
  • What about...
  • What if you///we....
  • How about....

Positive Responses


  • Why not!
  • Good idea!
  • That's an idea.
  • Sounds good to me. 
  • By all means!
  • Why didn't I think of that?
  • That's worth a try. 
  • Thanks, I'll give that a try. 

Negative Responses


  • I don't think so. 
  • I don't believe so.
  • I already thought of that. 
  • I don't think that will work. 
  • Don't look at me!
  • Can I take a rain check? (this means could we do this some other time)

You will hear:

M1: I'm doing so poorly in math class, I think I'm going to have to drop it.
F1: You know, Frank, you should talk to Professor de Marco before you do anything. He's given special help to lots of students who were having trouble.

You will read:

  • Study with a group of students. 
  • Drop his mathematics course. 
  • Discuss the problem with the professor. 
  • Take no action at this time. 

The woman suggests the man to speak with Professor de Marco because the professor has helped many students in the past. 

Invitations


These are requests for someone to come somewhere or to take part in some activity. The first speaker may invite the second speaker to do something and the second speaker responds, or the second speaker may invite the first speaker to do something. 

  • Shall we....
  • Would you like to
  • Would you care to
  • Would you be able to
  • Want to
  • Let's
  • Do you want to
  • Could you 
  • Can you

Positive Responses


  • Yes, let's. 
  • Sure, thanks. 
  • Sound sgood. 
  • All right, I'd love to.
  • I'd like that. 
  • What a great idea!
  • Sure. Thanks for inviting me. 
  • If you want me to. 
  • Don't mind if I do. 

Negative Responses


  • I'm sorry, but...
  • I'd like to, but....
  • I'd love to, but....
  • Thanks a lot, but....
  • That sounds nice, but....
  • I'll pass. 
  • Thanks for the invitation, but...
  • I don't think I'll be able to make it this time. 

You will hear:

M1: Would you like to join on Sunday? We're going to go on a picnic at the lake.
F1: I'd love to, but I have a test Monday, and I have to get ready for it.

What will the woman probably do on Sunday?

You will read:

  • Study for a test
  • Go on a picnic
  • Take an exam
  • Join a club

The man invites the woman to come to a picnic. The woman says that she'd love to go but that she must study for a test she is taking Monday. 

Offers


These are proposals to help someone or allow someone to do something. Either speaker in the dialog may make an offer. 

  • Let me
  • Shall I...
  • Would you like me to...
  • Do you want me to...
  • Can I...
  • May I....
  • Should I...
  • I could ......

Positive Responses

  • That would be nice. 
  • Yes, please. 
  • Please do. 
  • Sure, thanks. 

Negative Responses

  • I don't think so. 
  • I'm afraid not. 
  • That won't be necessary.
  • Thanks anyways. 
  • Please don't.

You will hear:

F1: Should I make reservations for dinner Friday night?
M1: Thanks anyways, but I've already made them. 

You will read:

  • He can't go to dinner Friday night. 
  • Reservations won't be required. 
  • He made reservations earlier. 
  • He'd like the woman to make reservations. 

The woman offers to make reservations, but the man replies that he's already made them. 

Requests


  • Would you...
  • Could you/I...
  • Do you mind if...
  • Would you mind if....
  • Will you....
  • May I...
  • Can you....

Positive responses

  • I'd be glad to.
  • I'd be delighted.
  • Sure thing
  • Certainly. 
  • Why not?
  • If you want to. 
  • If you'd like. 
  • You bet. 
  • Not at all. 
  • Of course not. 

Negative Responses

  • Sorry, but...
  • I'm afraid not.
  • I'd like to, but...
  • I wish I could, but...
  • Actually, I do (response 'do you mind if')

You will hear:

M1: I have to make one more phone call before I go. 
F2: Take your time. Would you just lock the office door when you finish?

You will read:

  • Lock the office. 
  • Finish the phone call quickly. 
  • Tell her what time it is. 
  • Look up a phone number. 
9 Lessons