Suggestions, offers and invitations

A Suggestions

We can use Shall we ...? or Let's to make a suggestion. It's a lovely day. Shall we go for a walk? ~ Yes, OK. Let's play some music. ~ Good idea.

We can also use could for a suggestion.

We could watch this comedy on TV tonight. ~ Well, actually I've seen it before.

You could invite a few friends around. ~ Yes, why not? We can also use Why don't...?

Why don't we have a look round the market?

To ask for a suggestion we use shall, should or can.

Where shall/should we go for our holiday? ~ What about Spain? What can I get Claire for her birthday? ~ I've no idea.

B Offers

We can use will or can to offer to do something. I'll carry your bag. ~ Oh, thanks. We can give you a lift. ~ Oh, that would be great. Thank you.

We can also use question forms with shall or can.

Shall we pay you the money now? ~ Oh, there's no hurry. Can I get a taxi for you? ~ Yes, please.

To offer food or drink, we use would like.

Would you like one of these chocolates? ~ Yes, please. Thank you. Would anyone like more coffee? ~ No, thanks.

We can also use Will/Won't you have ... ?

Will you have a biscuit? ~ Thank you.

Won't you have something to drink? ~ Not for me, thank you.

In informal speech we can use the imperative. Have a biscuit. ~ Thank you.

C Invitations

The words we use in invitations are similar to those we use in offers of food and drink (see B). To invite someone, we often use Would you like to ...?

Would you like to have lunch with us? ~ Yes, I'd love to. Thank you.

Would like can have a verb with to after it, or an object with a noun. Would you like to stay the night. ~ Oh, that's very kind of you. Would you like a bed for the night? ~ Are you sure it's not too much trouble?

We can also use Will/Won't you ...?

Will you join us for coffee? ~ Yes. Thanks. Won't you sit down?

In informal speech we can use the imperative. Come and have coffee with us. Please sit down.

52 Will, would, shall and should

51 Exercises

i Suggestions, offers and invitations (A-C)

Put the words in the right order and write in the sentences:

post I for you I I'll / that letter have / one of these / wont I you

for a minute I shall / stop /we a game / like / would /you

► Wont you have one of these? 2 ........................................

1 ……………………………….. 3 ........................................

2 Suggestions and offers (A-B)

Complete the conversation. Put in could, shall, will or would.

Daniel: Where (►) shall we have our picnic, then?

Rachel: This looks all right. (1)....................... we sit here?

Emma: Oh, I've forgotten the sausages. They're in the car.

Matthew: (2) ....................... I get them?

Emma: Oh, thanks, Matthew.

Vicky: We (3)…………………sit by those trees. It looks nicer over there.

Rachel: No, it's fine here.

Daniel: Yes, it's better here, I think.

Emma: (4) .................. you like a sandwich, Vicky?

Vicky: Oh, thank you.

Emma: (5) ...................... you have one, Rachel?

Matthew: And here are the sausages. (6)…………….. anyone like one?

3 Suggestions, offers and invitations (A-C)

What would you say? There is more than one correct answer.

► A friend has called at your flat. Invite him to come in.
Would you like to come in ?

1 Offer your visitor a cup of tea.

2 You don't know what to say in your letter. Ask your friend for a suggestion.

3 You are walking in town with a friend. Suggest having a cup of coffee.

4 A woman you know is afraid to walk home alone. Offer to walk home with her.

5 You are writing to a friend. Invite her to visit you one weekend.

Date: 2014-12-22; view: 2387