Offering Something

Have you ever offered something to someone? You must have, right? At least in your mother tongue. Okay, let’s study this expression in English. To make it easier, I will divide this topic into 2 parts, they are offering and asking for something, together with the responds. Let’s discuss one by one.

I. Offering Something

A. The Expression

When you want to offer something to someone, you can use the following expressions:

1. Would you like+Noun …? Or Would you like to+Verb1 …?

Examples:

-Would you like something to drink?

-Would you like to go with me?

Note: It’s used in formal situation like at school, at work, in an office and any other formal places.

2. Do you want+Noun …? Or Do you want  to+Verb1 …? Or Do you want me to+V1 …?

Examples:

-Do you want some Japanese books?

-Do you want to read some Japanese books?

Note: It’s used when you are not really sure if other people will accept the help or the thing you offer. It’s commonly used in more informal situation.

3. Would you care for…? (It’s a very formal expression)

Examples:

-Would you care for some hazelnut tart for dessert, Sir?

-Would you care for watching a drama show after dinner?

Note: You will often hear this expression in a hotel and a restaurant.

4. Do you fancy…?

Examples:

-Do you fancy some mango juice?

-Do you fancy singing with me?

5. How about…?

Examples:

-How about collaborating a business with me?

-How about having gyokuro tea now?

Note: It’s another informal way of offering something to someone.

6. Can I get you…? 

Examples:

-Can I get you a pillow so that you sleep well tonight?

-Can I get you some medicine to cure your illness?

7. What will you have …?

Examples:

-What will you have for lunch?

-What will you have after lunch, coffee or tea?

8. Would you mind …?

Examples:

-Would you mind going out for dinner with me now?

-Would you mind having my cake? I made it myself, with the whole heart.

Or you can use some less formal expressions like: Have some? Fried banana? Like one? Etc.

B. The Respond

There are two kinds off responds for this expressions, they are accepting and refusing.

a. Accepting an Offer

To accept an offer, you can use the following expressions:

-Thank you.
-Yes, please.
-I’d like it very much.
-Thank you, I would …
-That would be very nice.
-I’m pleased to do that.
-With pleasure.
-Yes, I’d like some.
-Oh yes, I’d love to.
-That sounds nice.
-That’s very kind of you.

b. Refusing an Offer

To refuse an offer, you can use the following expressions:

-No, thanks.
-Not for now, thanks.
-No, I really won’t, thank you.
-I’d like to, but I have to go now.
-I’m afraid I can’t. Thanks anyway.
-It would be a great pleasure to have some coffee with you but I’m afraid I can’t.

II. Asking for Something

A. Expression

To ask for something to someone, you can use the following expressions:

1. Could you … please?

The pattern: Could you+Verb base form …, please?

Examples:

-Could I borrow your baking pan, please?

-Could I have the bill now, please?

2. Can I … please?

Examples:

-Can I have my book back tomorrow?

-Can I have one assistant to do this project, please?

3. May I … please?

Examples:

-May I sit next to you, please?

-May I use your computer?

4. Would you … please?

Examples:

-Would you help me, please?

-Would you accompany me here, please?

5. Would you mind if … ?

Examples:

-Would you mind if I submit my homework tomorrow, Teacher?

-Would you mind if we work together to finish the project?

6. Do you think you could … ?

Examples:

-Do you think you could give me some suggestions on my new novel?

-Do you think you could lend me some money?

7. I would be grateful if you could … ?

Examples:

-I would be grateful if you could send me that information.

-I would be grateful if you could meet me with her?

B. The Respond

There two kinds of responds to this expressions, they are accepting and refusing.

a. Accepting

If you accept the request from other people and willing to give the thing that he/ask for, you can use the following expressions:
– Here you are.

– Here it is.
– Okay
– Sure.
– Certainly.
– Of Course.
– I would be glad/happy to ….

B. Refusing

To refuse to grant other people’s request, you can use the following expressions:

– I’m sorry. I’m using it right now.

-Sorry for I can’t help you now.

-I am sorry I can’t do it now. Maybe next time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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