Reference · module 18
Getting things done
Everything this module explains, on one page.
On the phone
Make and take a phone call.
- On the phone English says This is Anna, not I am Anna. It is one of the few places where this refers to a person speaking.
- Can I speak to Peter, please? and Who's calling? are the two halves of the opening. Speaking. on its own means it is me.
- If they are out: Can I leave a message? or Can you ask him to call me back? call back is two words and one idea.
The mistake you are about to make
Hello, I am Anna.
Hello, this is Anna.
Introducing yourself normally starts with I am, so the phone gets it too. On the phone English says this is — one of the few times this points at the speaker.
Making an appointment
Book a time and confirm it.
- I'd like to make an appointment is the opening in every clinic and office. make an appointment is a fixed pair, like make a decision.
- Then the times: Are you free on Tuesday? Does Thursday suit you? How about three o'clock? Three ways to ask the same thing.
- And confirm it back: So that's Tuesday at three. Repeating the arrangement is what stops half of all missed appointments.
The mistake you are about to make
I'd like to do an appointment.
I'd like to make an appointment.
Do and make split the work between them and the line is not obvious. This pair is fixed: make an appointment, like make a decision.
When something goes wrong
Explain a problem and ask for it to be fixed.
- It doesn't work. It's broken. There's a problem with the heating. Three sentences and most problems can be reported.
- English complains gently: I'm afraid there's a problem, or Excuse me, I think there's been a mistake. The softeners do real work.
- Then ask: Could you fix it? Could you have a look? Ending on a question rather than an accusation is what gets a problem solved.
The mistake you are about to make
It not works.
It doesn't work.
A bare not in front of the verb is how most languages build a negative. English needs the auxiliary first: it doesn't work.
Small talk
Fill two minutes with somebody you barely know.
- The weather, the journey, the weekend. These three are safe everywhere in the English-speaking world and are not considered boring.
- Keep it going by asking back and adding one detail: Yes, terrible weather. Did you drive here? Two moves and the other person speaks.
- To end: Anyway, it was nice to meet you, or Right, I should get going. Anyway and right are the words that signal the end.
The mistake you are about to make
How much do you earn?
How was your weekend?
Pay, age and what your flat cost are ordinary questions in plenty of places. In English-speaking small talk they are closed: weather, travel and the weekend are safe.