COMMON EXPRESSIONS

CHAPTER 1

COMMON EXPRESSIONS

I. EXPRESSING OFFER
A. Expressing An Offer
- Would you like to have some drink ?
- Shall I get you a marker ?
- Do you want something to eat ?
- Will you a cup off coffee ?
- Would you like some more coffee ?
- What about going to the movie ?
- Won’t you have juice ice ?
RESPONSE
A. Accepting An Offer B. Refusing An Offer
- Yes please, thank you Sorry, I can’t. thanks any way
- Thank you, I’d like one (some) No, I can’t …
- I’d love too Thanks , but…
- I’d like too very much No , it’s ok . thanks
- That would be nice No , it’s all right really
- OK, sound great No , just at the moment, thank you.
- Just what I need No , thank you.
No , thanks



Answer the questions.
1. Do you want something to drink ?
a. Yes , thank you c. A glass of milk, please
b. Yes , some orange juice d. A bowl of noodle please
2. Are you ready to order ?
a. Is that all c. Can I help you
b. Yes , I think so d. Really ?
3. X : Would you like your tea with sugar ?
Y : … thanks.
a. A. That would be nice c. Let’s drink tea
b. B. Fine too d. Can I drink tea ?
4. A : Would you like to have something ?
B : … give me a few coffee and some snacks.
a. No problem c. Yes I will
b. No I didn’t d. Yes , please
5. Della : Can I see you this evening ?
Kenny : …
a. Yes , that would be nice c. That’s okay
b. Of course, i can make it d. Sorry I have lots of work to do.

II. THANKING
A . Expressing that need response of thank (appreciation )
- Congratulation
- I want to express my gratitude appreciation to …
- It is very good of you
- That’s very nice to you
- That would be nice
- I appreciate it / that
- You are very kind / nice

B . Expressing and Responding to gratitude :
1) Expressing Gratitude 2) Response
- I want to express gratitude to … You are well come
- I keep forgetting to thank you for … Don’t mention it
- I want to thank … Not at all
- I am grateful to … It was nothing at all
- Thank you (very much) No problem
- Thanks (very much) Glad to be help ;It was my pleasure

a. Formal Thanks Responses
- Thank you very much You’re welcome
- Thank you for ( your help ) Don’t mention it
- Thank you for (inviting me ) It’s a pleasure
- I’m very grateful for… It doesn’t matter
Don’t worry, it’s my job
b. Less Formal Thanks
- Thanks a lot That’s all right
- Thanks Never mind, fine



1. : Is this yours ?
Y : Yes, it is…
X : Here you are
Y : …
a. A. You’re welcome c. Thanks a lot
b. B. Don’t mention it d. That’s all right
2. A : Congratulation on your success.
B : …
a. Thank you c. It doesn’t matter
b. I don’t care d. That’s very nice of you
3. X : … for leading me your screwdriver
Y : You are welcome
a. That’s a good idea c. Can you
b. Thank you d. Would you
4. A : thank you for your help
B : …
a. The same to you c. One more, please
b. Same-same d. You are welcome
5. X : This is for you
Y : … May I open it ?
X : Yes of course.
a. I don’t care c. It doesn’t matter
b. That’s very kind of you d. You are welcome

III. GREETING
1. Formal Greeting
- God morning → midnight (00:00) to 12:00 noon
- God afternoon → 12:00 noon to sunset (18:00)
- God evening → (18:00) sunset to midnight

Response
- Good morning
- Good afternoon
- Good evening
2. Informal Greeting Response
- Hi - Hi
- Hello - Hello
- How is it going on ? - Very well
- How are things - All right
- How are you doing ? - Ok
- How is every thing ? - Not to bad
* There are several ways to express parting are leaving taking:
Parting Expression : Response
- I think I should be going now - I should get going too
- I have really got to go now - I will see you soon
- I really have to go now - I will call you
- Good bye - Good bye
- Bye - Bye
- Bye-bye - Bye-bye
- See you - See you
- Cheerio - Cheerio
- Take care - Take care
- Good night - Good night
- So long - So long
- Fare well - Fare well



1. A : Hi , John. How are you?
B : Hi …
a. pardon me c. so long
b. just fine d. take care
2. Arman : I think , I have to go now ?
Rudi : O. k . I will call you.
The underlined sentence express …
a. greeting c. invitation
b. parting d. agreeing
3. A : It is dinner time, so what do you say to greet your friend ?
B : I say …
a. good morning c. good evening
b. good afternoon d. good night
4. Joni : How are you Tom?
Tom : ……. Thanks.
a. Am I good and well c. I am okay
b. Yes, sure d. Nice to meet you

IV. LEAVE TAKING
Statement Response
- See you - So long
- Call me soon - Sure, I will
- Give my regard to - Of course, I will
- Keep in touch - I’ll call you
- Good bye - See you




1. A : Call me on Monday
B : … thanks for your help.
a. You’re welcome c. I will
b. Bye d. Don’t forget
2. X : Good bye. Keep in touch.
Y : …
a. Don’t mention it c. Not at all
b. Sure, I will d. Never mind
3. Susana : Well, I’m afraid it’s time to say good bye, have a nice flight Jane.
Jane : Cheerio , Susana.
Susana : … soon.
a. Not at all c. Sure I will
b. See you d. You’re welcome
4. A : Give my regard to your boss.
B : I will. I call you next week.
A : OK. Bye then, see you soon.
B : … bye.
a. You’re welcome c. Sure I will
b. Not at all d. See you
5. X : Thanks for lunch
Y : …
a. So long c. You’re welcome
b. See you d. Bye

V. INTRODUCTION
* Formal and Informal Introduction
Self introduction
1) Formal 2) Informal
- Let me introduce my self … My name is…
- Allow me to introduce my self … I am …
- I would like to introduce my self … Call me …
- If you don’t mind, I want to introduce my self …

Introducing others
1) Formal
- Let me introduce your self … - I would like to introduce you to …
- Allow me to introduce you to - If you don’t mind, I’d like you to meet …
2) Informal
- This is…

Self Introduction
1) Formal introduction Response
- Good morning. My name … Good morning. How do you do ?
- Please allow me to introduce my self. I am … Oh, hello, nice to meet you
- May I introduce my self. I am … How do you do? Nice to meet you
- How do you do ? May name is …

2) Informal
- Hello, I am … nice to meet you
- Hi, I am…….. nice to meet you
Response
- Hi, I am …nice to meet you
- Hello, I am …nice to meet you




1. Rina :…. my name is Rina
Igo : Hi, nice to meet you.
a. I’d like to introduce you to c. I’d like to introduce my self
b. Let me know your father name d. I want to meet you
2. A: Hello……. Our new mechanic, Ryan.
B: Hi, Ryan nice to meet you.
C: Nice to meet you to
a. My name is c. This is
b. Good morning d. Nice to meet you
3. Rita : I am so sorry, I think we’ve not met before…
Rida: Call me Rita.
a. Call me Rita c. What’s your name?
b. May I have your name? d. Do you know me?
4. Mr. Andy : How do you do?
Mr. Bejo : …..
a. How do you do? c. I am o.k.
b. How are you? d. Thanks
5. A: Excuse me, are you Siti Nurcahaya?
B: No, I am Siti Nur Haliza…..
C: I’m Aryani
a. What are you? c. Call you
b. What is your name? d. How do I call you?

VI. ASKING AND GIVING DIRECTION
Expressing used for finding places, are divided into:
A. In building
Asking for direction expressions:
- Where is…?
- I’m looking for…?
- Where can I find…?
- Pardon me, can you tell me how I can get…?

Giving direction expression we can use:
- Go down/up this hall/corridor
- Go straight a head
- Turn left/right
- Go a cross the hall
- Go up stairs/down stairs to the… floor
- It’s…

B. Out door
Asking For Direction :
- Can you tell me the way to…?
- Could you direct me to…?
- Please tell me how I can get to…?
- Which way is it to…?
- Is this the way to…?
Giving Direction:
- Go down this road until you get to…
- Keep going this road…
- It’s the next to…
Preposition which indicate the location are:
- at -under -in front of
- on -beside -at the back of
- in/inside -between -in the middle of
- above -among -in the corner
- on the top -against -on the right/left of




1. A: Excuse me… the Ramayana restaurant?
B: Yes, go along that way. It’s between…
a. Can you help me? c. Can you tell me why I get to?
b. Can you tell me how I get to d. Could you help me?
2. X: Pardon me…
Y: Yes, walk that way, the post office is on the left next to the traditional market
X: Thank you, madam
Y: You are welcome
a. Could you tell me how to get to the traditional market?
b. Could you tell me how to spell post office?
c. Could you tell me the way to the hospital?
d. Could you tell me to get to the post office?

3. Excuse me where is the nearest post office?
a. It’s on Jl. Pahlawan c. We’re buying some stamps
b. Yes, it’s near here d. We’re collecting some stamps
4. A: Where is the Jasmine restaurant?
B: It’s…. Ahmad Yani Street
a. between c. in front of
b. next to d. on
5. This is the asking direction expression…..
a. What can I do for you? c. Can you show me the bus to Yogya?
b. What dress do you like? d. Which fruits do you like best?

VII. INVITATION
To invite someone, we use the expression, such as:
- Will you come…
- Would you like to….
- Could you….
- If you don’t mind, I’ll invite you to come…
- If you are free, please come…
- If you have time…
Respond ( accepting ) ; Respond ( refusing );
- God willing, I come -I’m sorry I can’t
- That’s great -I’d love to, but…
- I’d love to -I’m afraid I can’t
- That’s would be nice
- That’s sound nice
- That’s OK




1. A: … for dinner tonight at my house?
B: Sure I Will
a. Could you come c. Why do you come
b. When do you come d. When will you come
2. If you don’t mind I’ll …. You to come to my house this evening.
a. wants c. invite
b. to want d. to invite
3. Dino : Can I see you this evening?
Sherly : …….. How about tomorrow?
a. Yes, that would be nice c. That’s okay
b. Of course, I can make it d. Sorry, i have lot’s of work
4. Mr. John : I’d like you to come to our house for dinner this evening?
Mr. Greg : we’d love to
The underlined utterance shows….
a. thanking people c. expressing pleasure
b. leave taking d inviting people
5. Kartie : Before you leave for your vacation can we get together and have lunch?
Darlene : ………
Kartie : How about Friday? Say about 12.30 at my place?
Darlene : That sounds good. See you then.
a. I’m not sure I can’t come to your house c. sure, I’d love to
b. sure, but I don’t like it d. A great, it is wonderful plan

VIII. PREFERENCE
To express preference we use:
- …. Like+ noun + better than + noun
Ving Ving
- …. Prefer + noun + to + noun
Ving Ving
- …. Would rather + V1 + than + V1
- …. Would prefer + to V1 + rather than + V1
- …. Rather than + V1 + S + would rather + to V1
Example:
- He likes tea better than coffee
- He prefers swimming to cycling
- We would rather leave early than wait for him
- I would prefer to go home rather than stay behind alone
- I would rather go for swim than play badminton




1. I like tea, I like coffee much…
The correct combination of those sentences is….
a. I like coffee much c. I like tea and coffee
b. I like coffee better than tea d. I don’t like tea but coffee
2. John would rather… than orange juice
a. drinks coca cola c. drinking coca cola
b. drink coca cola d. will drink coca cola
3. He… likes better than…
a. watching TV, listen to the radio c. watch TV, listening to the radio
b. watches TV, listen to the radio d. watching TV, listening to the radio
4. She prefers pop music… jazz
a. than c. better than
b. to d. rather than
5. I would rather…. Tea with sugar
a. have b. had c. has d. having


IX. COMMAND AND REQUEST
- Will you open it, please?
- Could you help me, please?
- Would you hold on a moment, please?
- Please sit down!
- Sit down please!
- Keep quite would you, please?
- Would you be quite, please?
Responses :
a. Positive Responses: b. Negative Responses:
- Yes of course - I’m sorry. I can’t
- Certainly - Sorry, I can’t
- All right ; OK - I’m sorry, but I have to…




1. Aya : What’s the matter with you, you look so pale, Andy?
Andy : I’m not so well, I’ve got headache since this morning…..
Aya : No problem, I’ll take it for you. where is it?
Andy : In the first aid kit
a. Can I take you an aspirin? c. Why don’t you see a doctor?
b. Can you get me an aspirin, please? d. I have to go now
2. A : Can you bring me the book?
B : …….
a. Yes, of course c. Never mind
b. You are welcome d. Thank you
3. Rina : This room is very hot…..!
Roni : Yes, I will.
a. Close the door, please c. Turn off the air condition
b. Close your book, please d. Turn on the air condition
4. X : ….. you mind closing the door, please?
Y : Certainly, I feel cold, too.
a. Should c. Would
b. Must d. Might

X. ASKING AND GIVING PERMISSION
Asking Permission
- Do you mind if I leave now?
- May I come in?
- Could I …., please?
- Excuse me, could I try to turn on the computer?
- I wonder if I could borrow your camera?
Giving Permission ( Positive Response )
- By all means -Yes, of course -All right, please
- Go ahead -Yes, that’s fine
- Yes, why not -Yes, certainly
Refusing permission ( Negative Response )
- I’m afraid I can’t do that
- You’re not allowed to….
- You should not…..
- No, I’m sorry. You can’t…




1. Putri :…. If I use your pen to sign this paper?
Adito : I’m sorry. I haven’t finished writing my curriculum vitae.
a. Do you want c. Do you mean
b. Do you mind d. Do you need
2. X : May I use your computer this afternoon?
Y : ……….. I’ll use it to type my report
a. I’m afraid you can’t c. Go ahead
b. All right, please do d. Yes, why not
3. A : Excuse me, could I try this one?
B : …….., there is a fitting room over there.
a. You’re not allowed c. No, I’m sorry
b. Yes, please d. No way
4. Nina : Ryan. Will you pass me that butter?
Ryan :…..
a. Here you are c. I’m sorry I’m busy
b. Take your self d. No, I don’t
5. James : It’s very hot in this room……
Allan : All right
a. Do you mind closing the door? c. Could you open the window, please?
b. Would you come with me, please? d. Do you mind if I close the door?

POSSIBILITIES
( + ) - It’s possible……. ( - ) - It’s impossible
- It’s likely… - It’s not likely
- There’s a good chance…. - I’m sorry but
- I’ll probably - No, I don’t think it’s possible
- It look like… - It doesn’t look as thought…







1. Bayu : Five? ….. I’m sure I had done all the problem correctly.
Budi : You had better ask the teacher. She may make mistake.
a. It’s possible c. That’s quite possible
b. It’s impossible d. It’s likely
2. X : Our boss is looking for Maya? Because she was absent yesterday.
Y : I’m really surprised. I never knew she was absent a day.
X : Well, I know that. She might have been sick.
The underlined sentence tells us that…..
a. Maya is sick c. Maya is probably sick
b. Maya was sick d. Maya is certainly sick
3. A : When will he come back to Jakarta?
B :……… fly on the afternoon flight tomorrow.
a. She’ll probably c. It doesn’t matter
b. He’ll probably d. No problem
4. Diana : Where did you leave your umbrella?
Sally : I forget……… under the table.
a. surely c. exactly
b. probably d. precisely
5. 5. Alice : Do you think that monetary crisis will soon come to an end?
Erica : ………. This condition won’t be back to normal within one or two.
a. I’m sorry to hear that c. It is very impossible
b. It is not my business d. It is likely

XI. WANTS AND NEEDS
- I’d like to have some rest
- I need money
- May I have a cup of coffee
- What I need is a black pen
- I’d love some music
- I wish I could have a new car
- To make a cup of coffee, I need a cup, a saucer, sugar, coffee, spoon, creamer, and hot water
Response :
- Of course it is
- Let’s do it
- Let’s get it
- Sorry, I can provide it for you




1. X: It’s very hot, I need a refreshment.
Y: Me too. There’s a coffee on the corner of the street……… and have a drink
a. let’s play c. don’t go
b. let’s go d. don’t play

2. Roy : Can you help me with this computer?
Finy : Well……..
a. let’s have a lunch at the restaurant c. why don’t you go to the supermarket?
b. let’s read the manual d. why not taking a taxi

3. A : May I help you?
B : Yes, please…..a pair of leather shoes
a. you need c. we need
b. you want d. I need


4. Terry : … some ice cream, please?
Waiter : I’m sorry, Sir. We haven’t got any ice cream left
a. I’d like c. Do you want
b. Do you like d. Do you need

5. Mandra : Did the telephone repairperson come yet?
Juwita : Not yet, he said he’d come after lunch.
Mandra : Didn’t you call him last night?
Juwita : Yes, but they always take their time.
Mandra : Oh, well…
a. let’s get back to work c. it doesn’t matter
b. let’s go to his house d. we wait for him at nine

XII. ASKING AND GIVING SUGGESTION
Expression used in asking suggestion:
- What do you think about………?
- What is your opinion about…..?
- What if I / we………?
- How about……….?
- What is your suggestion / advice………?
Expression used in giving suggestion :
- I think you should…….
- You’d better………
- It’s goods idea to…….
- I agree with you. we should……..
- I’m on your side, let’s……..




1. Budi : I don’t know what a order. I could eat everything on the menu.
Citra : …………….
Budi : that sound good. I love fish.
Citra : and I think I’ll have a thick steak. I’m starving.
a. Why we don’t we go to the Italian restaurant?
b. Why don’t you try the tuna and rice?
c. I don’t think so. It is very expensive.
d. Good. We only have five minutes.
2. You : What about going to the beach?
Lidia : ……….
You : Would you like to come and see a music show with me?
Lidia : Thank you, I’d like to.
a. That’s good idea c. Oh, I’m very sorry
b. It’s beautiful beach d. Maybe some time
3. Secretary : What do you think plain or patterned carpet in the waiting room?
Guest :……………….
a. Not much longer, I hope c. Either one is fine with me
b. There’s no room on the plane d. I think t is very interesting
4. Sally : Oh, I feel very cold, painful and vomit.
Mom : ………
a. Let’s do the washing c. Let’s go to the doctor
b. Let’s see the movie d. Why don’t you study?
5. Mira : I feel awful. I have a problem with my stomach.
Doctor : ……….. and have a bed rest for three days. OK?
a. have a lot of work c. read some magazines
b. work as hard as possible d. take this medicine regularly



XIII. HANDLING GUEST
Some expressions for handling guests:
- Welcome to our hotel / restaurant / office.
- What can I do for you?
- May I help you?
- We hope that you can enjoy staying in our hotel.
- I hope you enjoy the food.
- Have a nice rest, sir / Mom.
- We would like to offer you a special food.
- We’ll send your coffee right way.

XIV. HANDLING TELEPHONE

Make a telephone call:
- Could you put me through to extension 132, please?
- Hello, good morning / afternoon / evening…….
- May I speak to………., please?
- I’m … from ( mention your office / address)
- I’m calling about………
- Could you put me to Mr. / Mrs. …..
- Could you take my message for…….., please!
- Please, tell him / her to call me if she is back.
- Please, tell him that I’ll call her back at four this afternoon.

Receive a telephone call:
- Good morning / afternoon / evening…( name your hotel / office)
- May I help you?
- Who is speaking please?
- Just a moment, please?
- May I have your name, please?
- How do you for calling.
- Thank you for calling.
- Could you speak up, please. it’s a terrible connection.
- Sorry, the line is engaged.




1. Waiter : Would you like to order breakfast now?
Guest : ……………
a. Waiter : Wait a minute please.
b. Yes, I’ll have chicken pie and ice cream
c. Yes, I’ll have cheese omelet and tea
d. Yes, I’ll have orange juice, please
e. Yes, I’ll have green beans and carrots
2. X : Good morning………
Y : I’ll have the steak, please.
X : Certainly, sir.
a. Would you help me? c. Can you help me?
b. Could you help me? d. May I help you?
3. A : May I have a look at the menu, please?
B : ……… here you are.
a. Of course, Madam c. No way, Madam
b. Of course not, Madam d. No, not at all
4. X : ………
Y : Fried, please?
a. How are you? c. How much do you want?
b. How would you like your eggs d. What do you want?