LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
Pattern I
Let's say - a way of making a more forceful suggestion
Examples:
Let's say you do your home chores first.
Please pick me up at 2 pm.
Let's say 2:45pm, I can't get there by 2:00 because I am still at the office.
Pattern II
Have to - indicates obligation or necessity.
-
Timmy has to be here earlier than the kids.
-
They have to extend their time creating new ideas.
Examples:
Pattern III
No problem
- can mean that a request is accepted.
Examples:
I would like to have a wider space to keep my products
No problem.
- can also be used to a reply to an expression of thanks. An alternative expression with the same meaning is you're welcome.
Thanks so much your help in reviewing this document for me.
No problem. It's my pleasure.
Pattern IV
Have too much on one's plate - indicates that someone is very busy - probably because of an unusual project or happening.
-
I wish to be there for you whenever you need me the most. Sadly, I have too much on my plate right now, I can't be there for you. I'm sorry.
Example:
Pattern V
How about...? - is a way of making a suggestion.
Examples:
I want to visit Europe and study the French language.
How about visiting America and study English instead?
I would like to eat Chinese dishes for dinner.
That sounds nice, but how about Japanese dishes?
LET'S READ! 📖
CONVERSATION A: I’D LIKE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Direction: Read the conversation below. Then, exchange roles with your mentor.
Situation:
Alexa would like to make an appointment with her physician.
Receptionist
Drs. Smith and Cole. How can I help you?
Alexa
Hello. My name is Alexa Anderson. I'd like to make an appointment to see Dr. Cole, hopefully sometime this month.
Receptionist
And what is it you want to see him about?
Alexa
I need a general physical checkup.?
Receptionist
Do you wish to take all the possible laboratory examination?
Alexa
Yes, I do- and it looks like I'll need a pretty thorough exam.
Receptionist
Can you fax it to me? That way I'll know how much time to allot for your appointment.
Alexa
Sure. Can you give me your fax number?
Receptionist
It's 962-555-2508.
Alexa
Good. I'll fax it to you right away. Will you call me back when you get it?
Receptionist
Sure. No problem.
Later 🕐
Receptionist
Hello, Alexa. This is Dr. Cole's office. I see you're going to need an hour and a half-long appointment, and Dr. Cole won't be able to do that for at least another month.
I could give you an appointment with Dr. Smith next Saturday, though, at 2:30 p.m.
Would you like to take that?Alexa
Um... yes, that sounds great. Is there anything I should do to prepare for the general physical checkup?
Receptionist
Yes. I know this will be difficult, but you mustn't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. I wish I could give you an appointment earlier in the day, but we don't have any other openings.
Alexa
OK. But if there is a cancellation earlier in the day, please let me know. I'd much rather come in early in the morning.
Receptionist
Of course. I will update you as soon as the slot will be open.
Alexa
Awesome! Thanks! Good-bye.
QUESTIONS
1. What kind of appointment was made by Alexa?
2. What preparation must be done before the general physical checkup?
3. When will she have her doctor's appointment?
4. What request did Alexa say to the receptionist regarding her scheduled appointment?
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
A. Express the following using modal verbs or their alternatives.
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(You are a teacher/professor) Tell your students to close their notebooks or keep their notes once the test will start.
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Ask your close workmate if it is important for him/her to work today.
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(You are the boss.) Tell your employee that she is obligated to work tomorrow.
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(You are sick.) Ask your doctor for her advice about when to take the medicine she prescribed.
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(You are a pediatrician.) Tell the mother of the baby that it is customary to have more frequent checkups.
B. Please choose the best response to each of the following questions or remarks.
-
I wish we could travel to the Bahamas.
a. Perfect.
b. Yeah, right. We shouldn't miss it.
c. Look - we can't afford it.
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We'd rather go to the beach than the riverside.
a. Listen - why don't you go to the beach and we'll go to the riverside.
b. Look - I'm tired
c. Perfect. Let's say we all go to the beach.
-
Can you help me with these tasks?
a. Oh dear, I can.
b. Oh dear, I can't.
c. Let's say no.
-
Are you moving to New York?
a. No problem!
b. I wish!
c. You have too much on your plate.
-
Why is your submission of the documents late?
a. No problem!
b. Of course!
c. I have too much on my plate!
I want to go to the mall.