Everyday English

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Dialogs for Everyday Use.

Short situational dialogs for students of English as a foreign language.

Dialog 1

Formal Greetings and Farewells

Paul: Hello. How are you?

Don: Fine, thank you. How are you?

Paul: Fine, thanks, (bus sound-effect) oh, excuse me—here's my bus. Good-bye.

Don: Good-bye.

Language notes:

Hello. Good morning or good afternoon might also be used. They are somewhat more

formal. How are you? Notice the information. This how-question is one of the few instances

in which a form of be receives the primary sentence stress. (This phenomenon

normally occurs in "question word" questions in which the form of be stands at the end or

is followed by a non-demonstrative pronoun: What is it? Where is he? When was it? Where

will it be? Where have you been?) Sometimes, however, speakers stress the you, so that

the intonation is identical to the "response question" described below.

How are you? Notice that the responding speaker uses a different intonation for this

question than the first speaker used. The shift of stress onto you points to that word as

carrying the new or changed bit of meaning in this question, which is otherwise

identical to the question in the first line—for now the you refers to a different person than it

did in the original question. (Sometimes the responding speaker will answer simply, "Fine,

thank you—and you?" omitting all the words of the "understood" question except

the one word you, which, uttered with a strong stress, carries the new meaning. For an

example, see Dialog 2.)

Thanks is slightly less formal than thank you. Notice the contraction here's (= here is).

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Dialog 2

Informal Greetings and Farewells

Dick: Hi! How are you?

Helen: Fine, thanks – and you?

Dick: Just fine. Where are you going?

Helen: To the library.

Dick: O.k. I’ll see you later.

Helen: So long.

Language notes

• Hi is an informal equivalent of hello. For the intonation of How are you? See

dialog 1

• Fine, thanks—and you? See dialog1. Notice the rising into nation on and you?

• Notice that the normal response to Where are yon going? Is simply to the library—

not I ' m going to the library. It is unnatural and unusual to repeat the information

already supplied by the question.

• Ok. is a less formal equivalent of all right. The common saying I ' l l see you later

is often shortened to See you later (with the I'll understood).

• So long is an informal equivalent of goodbye.

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Dialog 3

Formal Introductions

Margaret: Mr. Wilson, I’d like you to meet Dr. Edward Smith.

Mr. Wilson: How do you do, Dr. Smith.

Dr .Smith: How do you do

Margaret: Dr. Smith is an economist. He’s just finished writing a book on international trade.

Mr. Wilson: Oh? That’s my field, too. I work for the United Nations.

Dr. Smith: In the development program, by any chance?

Mr. Wilson: Yes. How did you guess?

Dr. Smith: I’ve read your articles on technical assistance. They’re excellent.

Language notes

• Notice the ris ing intonation on the words Mr. Wilson. A falling

intonation on a name used in direct address is unusual in American English and

tends to sound brusque and impolite. Listen for the d in I'd . It is important to

include the d in this expression in order to differentiate it from I like, which has a

different meaning. (I'd like = I would like = I want.)

• How do you do has the form of a question (and is sometimes followed by a

question mark), but it is not a question in meaning. It is simply a polite formula

used in formal introductions.

• The response to How do you do is simply the same phrase uttered with the

same intonation by the other speaker. In fact, lines 2 and 3 are not strictly

statement and response but rather statements uttered by the two speakers

independently and, possibly, simultaneously.

• He's just finished writing... A useful pattern indicating an action recently

completed. (Just is frequently used with the present perfect tense.) You may find it

helpful to conduct a drill on this pattern in conjunction with the teaching of the

present perfect, using variations of this sentence, such as I've just finished reading.

. ., I’ve just finished cleaning. . ., She's just finished correcting . . ., They've just

finishing putting . . . ., The same pattern, with start or begin, is commonly used for

an action recently initiated: He's just started writing . . ., I've just started reading . ..,

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She's just started correcting .. ., etc. A somewhat simpler form of this pattern (just +

present perfect), to indicate an action recently completed, is of even broader

usefulness: He's just written…, I've just read . . ., We've just eaten . . ., I've just

heard. . ., They've just returned. . ., etc.

• Development program. Since these two words constitute a compound noun, the

principal stress falls on the first word.

I 've read... Listen for the /v/ in I 've. It is important to include the /v/ in

this expression in order to differentiate it from I read, which has a different

meaning.

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Dialog 4

Informal Introductions

Jim: Who’s the girl next to Barbara?

Charles: That’s Mary Anderson. Didn’t you meet her at Steve’s party?

Jim: No, I wasn’t at Steve’s party.

Charles: Oh! Then let me introduce you to her now…Mary, this is my cousin Jim.

Mary: Hi, Jim. I’m glad to meet you.

Jim: I’m glad to meet you. Can’t we sit down somewhere and talk?

Mary: Sure, let’s sit over there.

Language notes

Who’s is the contracted form of who is. It should not be confused with the possessive whose, which,

although pronounced the same (/huwz/), has a different meaning.

Didn’t you meet her…? Notice the use of the negative question. While generally used to indicate the

expectation of an affirmative answer, here it expresses surprise that the answer to the question will

probably-and unexpectedly-be negative.

Notice that in this sentence, the strongest stress, and the high point of the intonation, falls on at-

although prepositions normally receive weak stress. It is as if at, in this case, were equivalent to

present or there, as in I wasn’t present or I wasn’t there-in which the adjective and adverb,

respectively, would normally receive the strongest sentence stress.

Mary, this is my cousin Jim. Notice that the introducer mentions the girl’s name first, and

introduces the young man to her (not vice versa). This is the normal, courteous manner of

introduction among speakers of American English. Notice the rising intonation on Mary, a name used

in direct address. See note in dialog 3.

Hi . See note in dialog 2.

I’m glad to meet you. Notice that the second speaker says this sentence with a different intonation

than the first speaker used. The second speaker emphasizes you. . (compare \ How are you?)

Can’t we sit down…? = Would you like to sit down…?

Sure is often used in informal conversation as a strong affirmative response equivalent to yes,

certainly, of course, etc.

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Dialog 5

Time

Margaret : What time is it ?

Tom : It’s a quarter to five.

Margaret : Aren’t we supposed to be at Jim’s house by five o’clock?

Tom : Five or five – thirty. He said it didn’t make any difference.

Margaret : Then maybe we could pick your suit up at the cleaners .

Tom: Sure , we have plenty of time .

Language notes

• It's a quarter to five. This is probably the most common way of stating this time. Other

possibilities are It's a quarter of five or It's fifteen till five. (It's four forty-five is rarely heard in

casual conversation.) Fifteen minutes after the hour would usually be expressed thus: It's a

quarter after five or It's a quarter past five. We also hear It's five-fifteen (though this is less

frequent in casual conversation). An alternative form for five-thirty is half-past five. For times

other than the quarter-hours or half-hour, numbers are used: twenty past five or twenty after five,

ten to five or ten till five, etc. Frequently the speaker will omit the it's or it's a and answer simply a

quarter to five or quarter to five. Some speakers omit or obscure the a: i t 's (a) quarter to five.

• Aren't we supposed to be...? Notice that the negative question here indicates, as it usually

does, the speaker's belief that his assumption is true. He expects an affirmative response, a confir-

mation of his assumption. Supposed to = expected to; obliged to (not as strong as required to).

This meaning of suppose occurs only in the passive. Other examples: I'm supposed to prepare a

program for our English club meeting next week. They were supposed to be here an hour ago—I

don't know where they can be. We're supposed to practice the dialogues at home, too.

Children are supposed to obey their parents. Notice the difference in intonation between the

yes-no question in the c(rising) and the wh-question in line a (falling intonation). By five

o’clock= no later than five o’clock.

• He said it didn’t… in conversation the conjunction that (He said that it didn’t…) is generally

omitted in reported speech, as here.

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Dialog 6

A telephone call

(Phone rings)

Barbara: Hello.

Fred: Hello. May I speak to Alice Weaver, please?

Barbara: Just a minute ... Alice, it's for you.

Alice: Hello.

Fred: Hi, Alice. This is Fred. Would you like to go to a movie tonight?

Alice: Thanks, I'd love to. I haven't been to a movie for a long time.

Fred: Good. I’ll pick you up around seven – thirty, then. The movie starts at eight.

Alice: Fine, I’ll be ready.

(Phone clicks down)

Language notes

• A simple hello is the usual way of answering the telephone. Business firms, however,

frequently identify themselves when answering the telephone: Jones construction company, or

Good morning, Jones construction company, or, possibly, Jones speaking. construction

company, Mr. Smith

• May I speak to Alice Weaver, please? A possible alternative is I' d like to speak to Alice

Weaver. Or the person calling may identify himself: Hello. This is Fred Young. May I speak to

Alice Weaver, please?

• Would you like to...? This is a "polite" form of do you want to .. .? It should be carefully

differentiated from do you like to ...? which has quite a different meaning.

• I'd love to = I would love to, a somewhat more enthusiastic response than I'd like to. (all of

these are “polite" equivalents of I want to.) Care should be taken to include 'd in these

expressions in both speech and writing, to differentiate them from I love to and I like to , which

differ from them in meaning as well as in form. I haven't been to . . . = I haven't gone to. . . Other

examples: I haven't been to England yet, but I hope to go there soon. Have you been out today?

We've been to the theatre three times this week. We hadn't been there at all until last weekend. This

use of be is rather strictly colloquial and is generally limited to the perfect tenses.

• I'll pick you up ... = I ' l l come to your house so that we can go together. Pick up is a separable two-

word verb. Around seven-thirty = about seven thirty—perhaps a few minutes before or after 7:30.

To indicate a more precise time, the speaker would say "at seven-thirty." to emphasize punctuality

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or the exactness of the appointed lime, a speaker might say "at seven-thirty sharp," "at eight

o'clock sharp," etc. (notice that o'clock is often omitted in these expressions.) Although this

dialogue ends with the line fine, I'll be ready, a telephone conversation usually ends with each

speaker saying good-bye. When your students perform this dialogue, it would probably be useful,

therefore, to have each of them say good-bye at the end of the conversation.

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Dialog 7

Happiness

Linda: You look happy today!

Frank: I am happy. I just heard I passed my physics exam.

Linda: Congratulations! I 'm glad somebody's happy.

Frank: Why? What’s the matter?

Linda: Oh, I’m just worried, I guess. I have to take a history exam next week.

Language notes

• Notice the intonation of l am happy. This intonation, with the strongest stress on am, is

the emphatic, confirmatory form normally used in response position (as here). It is similar,

in meaning and intonation, to the short answer form, I am—which might, in fact, be used

here, with the weak-stressed happy simply dropping off. I just heard I passed ... Notice that

the that is omitted in th is bit of reported speech. Exam = examination. Physics exam,

a compound noun, has the principal stress on the first word.

• I ' m glad somebody's happy. Note the omission of that in reported speech, and the

strong contrastive stress on somebody (implying that the speaker herself is not happy).

• What's the matter? A common idiom meaning What is troubling you? What is

wrong?

• I'm just worried . Here just means merely, only. In l i ne b (I just heard. . .) it is used in

i t s meaning of very recently.

• Have to = must. Notice the /f/ in the pronunciation of th is idiom: /hft/.

• History exam. See note on physics exam above.

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Dialog 8

Ordering a meal

(Restaurant sounds)

Waiter: Are you ready to order now, sir?

Ralph: Yes. I ' l l have tomato soup, roast beef, mashed potatoes, and peas.

Waiter: That's tomato soup…, roast beef.. . Mashed potatoes ... And peas. How do

you want the beef—rare, medium, or well done?

Ralph: Well done, please.

Waiter: Anything to drink?

Ralph: Hmmm .. . Just water. I ' l l have coffee with my dessert.

Language notes

• I’ll have tomato soup, roast beef, mashed potatoes, and peas. Notice how the intonation

rises on the last syllable of each item in the series. Notice, too, that the verb in this idiom in

have, not take or eat. The waiter pauses briefly as he writes each item in his order book.

Rare, medium, or well done? Notice the slightly rising intonation on the first two items of

the series. Rare — slightly cooked.

• well done, please. Notice that the subject and verb are omitted in the response; only

the necessary information is given.

• anything to drink? Notice that the subject and verb are omitted. The question is

"understood" to mean something like Do you want anything to drink? Would yon like

anything to drink? Will you have anything to drink?

Hmmm is a pause sound, used while the speaker is thinking of what he wants to say. Just

water. Again, the response omits the subject and verb—in fact, all the words except those

needed to supply the necessary (new) information. The rest are supplied by the context. A

full-sentence equivalent would be something like I’ll just have water to drink. (American

restaurants customarily serve water with the meal, without request.)

I'll have coffee... Notice that the verb in this idiom is have (not take or drink): I ’ l l have

coffee (tea, milk, a coke, etc.).

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Dialog 9

Birthdays

Patty: How old are you?

Susan: Nine.. . But I’ll be ten on May sixteenth.

Patty: I’m older than you! I'll be ten on May fourteenth.

Susan: Are you going to have a birthday party?

Patty: Maybe. I'll have to ask my mother.

Language notes

Nine. A short form equivalent to I ’m nine years old.

Sixteenth. Notice that the strongest stress in this word is on the second syllable. (The

stress pattern, as well as the final /n/, differentiates sixteen from sixty.) Some

speakers insert the between the month and the numeral: may the sixteenth, may the

fourteenth.

I’ll be ten on May fourteenth. Notice the contrastive stress on the first syllable of

fourteenth. Normally, the stronger stress falls on the second syllable of this word:

four’teenth (like sixteenth in the line above). However, to bring out the contrast, the

speaker emphasizes the contrasting element, four-.

Going to. The rhythm pattern of English requires that this weak-stressed, potentially

three-syllable, element be reduced in length. In the process of reduction some of the

consonants are lost or modified and the vowels changed to more centralized, lax

forms.

Birthday party . Notice that the normal stress for a compound noun falls on the first

element of the compound.

Maybe. Notice that the intonation falls only slightly— indicating doubt, indecision, or

lack of completion.

Have to. See Dialog 7 Language notes

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Dialog 10

A Crowded Theater

Bob: Excuse me, is this seat taken?

Larry: No, it isn’t.

Bob: Would you mind moving over one, so my friend and I can sit together?

Larry: No, not at all.

Bob: Thanks a lot.

Language Notes

• would you mind moving over one ...? Would you mind is a polite request form

meaning are you willing to. Literally, it is roughly equivalent to do you object to or

do you dislike. Therefore, to indicate that he is willing to comply with the request, the

person answering will use a negative form, such as no, not at all or no, of course not.

By this he means no, I don't mind = I will be glad to.

Moving. Notice that the verb following would you mind. . . is in the -ing form. Other

examples: would you mind opening a window? Would you mind waiting a few minutes?

Would you mind speaking a little more slowly?

So = so that = in order that.

Not. No, not at all = no, I wouldn't mind at all or no, of course

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Dialog 11

Mistakes

Bruce: Where did John go?

Laura: He went to the drugstore.

(pause )

Bruce: To the bookstore?

Laura: No, I said he went to the drugstore.

Bruce: Oh, I misunderstood you. I thought you said bookstore.

Laura: How could you make a mistake like that? Weren't you paying attention?

Language notes

• drugstore. Since this is a compound noun, the principal stress is on the first syllable.

• to the bookstore? This is a normally shortened form (or did you say he went to the

bookstore?—with the omitted words "understood."

• bookstore. This word, a compound noun, has the principal stress on the first syllabic.

• drugstore. Notice the heavy stress and slightly higher than usual intonation on drug-, to

emphasize this syllable, as contrasted with book- in the l ine above.

• notice the difference in intonation between the how-question and the yes-no question.

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Dialog 12

Games

George: Say Joe do you play bridge?

Joe: No, I don't play any card games. But I know how to play chess. How about you,

George?

George: Well, I happen to be one of the best chess players around.

Joe: O.k. Let's play, then. We'll see who's the best!

Language notes

• Say. An interjection, used very informally as an attention-getter.

• I don't play any card games. Notice the strong stress on card. It is normal for this word to be

stressed, as it is the first element of the compound noun card games. The unusually strong

stress here implies that, although the speaker doesn't play card games, he does play other kinds

of games (as, for instance, chess).

• I know how to play chess. The idiom know how to, meaning to be capable of, to have the

skill to do something, is widely used. For example: do you know how to swim? He knows how

to drive a car. I don't know how to write.

• How about you, George? In this case means do you play chess, George?

• One of the best chess players around = one of the best chess players in this vicinity.

Chess players is a compound noun, and therefore has the principal stress on chess.

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Dialog 13

Health

Jane: I hear you've been ill.

Cathy: Well, I had the flu for a couple of weeks, but I’m fine now.

Jane: You're looking well. By the way, did you hear about Mrs. Jackson?

Cathy: No, what about her?

Jane: She had such a bad case of the flu that they had to lake her to the hospital.

Cathy: Oh, I ’m sorry to hear that!

Language notes

• I hear you've been ill. Notice the omission of that, as is usual in reported speech in casual

conversation.

• Well. An interjection, used here simply as an introductory word.

• You’re looking well. Here well is an adjective meaning healthy. Are looking is, in this

sentence, a linking verb.

• By the way = incidentally.

• Such a... That... Is a typical "result" sentence.

• They had to take her... This is the "general" they. This clause is equivalent in meaning to

the passive she had to he taken.

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Dialog 14

Sports

Phil: Say, what's your favorite sport?

Jack: Hmmm ... It's hard to say. I like golf a lot—but I guess I like tennis better.

Phil: Do you play much tennis?

Jack: Yes, quite a bit. How about a game sometime?

Phil: Sorry. I 'm strictly a spectator—football, baseball, basketball, golf... I watch

them all.

Language notes

Say. An interjection. See note, Dialog 12

Hmmm is a pause sound, indicating that the speaker is thinking about what he is going to

say.

It's hard to say = that's a difficult decision to make; it 's difficult to make a clear-cut choice. I

guess = I think (that).

Quite a bit = a lot, rather much.

How about a game sometime? = would you like to play sometime?

Sorry . This is a short way of saying something like no, I ’ m sorry, but I don't

play tennis.

Football, baseball, basketball, golf. Notice the series intonation, with the rising tone

recurring on each item of the series.

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Dialog 15

Asking Directions

Marilyn: Excuse me. Could you tell me which way Dobson’s bookstore is?

Nancy: Yes, i t ’ s that way. You go two blocks, then turn left. I t ' s on the corner

opposite the post office.

Marilyn: Thanks. I've only been in town a few days, so I really don't know my

way around yet.

Nancy: Oh, I know how you feel. We moved here a year ago, and I s t i l l don't

know where everything is.

Language notes

• Could you tell me. . .? An alternative (and slightly softer) version of 'can you

tell me ...'.

• Which way Dobson's bookstore is. Notice that in the "indirect question" the

subject precedes the verb—the reverse of the word order in the direct question (which

way is Dobson's bookstore?).

• Post office. A compound noun, with the principal stress on the first word.

• I ... Don't know my way around = I don't know how to find things or I don't know

how to go to various places.

• I know how you feel. Notice how the "indirect question" (how you feel) differs from

the direct question (how do you feel?): it has the word order of a statement rather than of a

question—the subject wholly precedes the verb, and the interrogative do is

omitted.

• I don't know where everything is. Again, an "indirect question" (where

everything is) has the word order of a statement, with subject preceding the verb, rather

than of the corresponding

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Dialog 16

Coincidences

Allen: Haven't I seen you somewhere before?

Julia: No, I don't think so.

Allen: But your face is so familiar. Wait a second . . . . I know . . . . We were on the same

flight to New York last month.

Julia: Oh, yes. Now I remember. What a coincidence to meet in San Francisco!

Allen: Well, you know what they say—it 's a small world.

Language notes

• Haven't I seen you somewhere before? The negative question is equivalent to I’ve seen

you somewhere before, haven't I? And expresses the expectation that the speaker's supposition is

true.

• What a ...! An exclamation denoting a great degree of surprise, joy, disappointment, etc.

Some other examples of its use: what a surprise to see you here! What a joy to have you with us!

What a misfortune! What a shame that you have to leave so soon! What a pity she couldn't come!

What a wonderful idea that is!

• You know what they say = you know the saying . .. Notice the word order of the "indirect

question" what they say. This is an instance of the "general" they.

• It's a small world is a common saying, or cliché, among native speakers of English.

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Dialog 17

Safety

(Street noises)

Peter: There's the shoe store we've been looking for. I t ' s just across the street.

Gail: Wait! You can't cross the street in the middle of the block! You have to cross at the

corner.

Peter: Oh, come on. Let's go across here.

(Sound of car screeching)

Gail: Look out! You nearly got hit by that car! Now do you see why you should cross at the

corner?

Peter: I guess you're right. I ' l l be more careful after this.

Language notes

• There’s the ... This is the "pointing out" there (the adverb, not the introductory

function word), and therefore it receives a strong stress.

• Shoe store. A compound noun; therefore the first word is singular and receives the

principal stress. The shoe store we've been looking for. This is the usual, natural way to

say this, omitting the relative pronoun and putting the preposition at the end. The shoe

store that we've been looking for is also possible. However, for which we've been

looking is extremely unlikely in this natural conversational context. Notice how the

present perfect progressive emphasizes the immediate, continuous nature of the activity.

• Just across the street = directly across the street, exactly across the street.

• Have to /haefta/.

• Oh, come on, as used here, means something like oh, don't be so careful and

scrupulous! The phrase come on is frequently used to mean hurry along. Don't delay!

Notice that the two-word verb come on has the stronger stress on the adverbial element on.

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Dialog 18

Musical instruments

(Sound of piano playing)

Anne: Listen! Somebody's playing the piano.

Betty: Yeah, it sounds nice, doesn't i t ? I wish I could play a musical instrument.

Anne: Don't you play the violin?

Betty: No, but my sister does. Actually, she's pretty good at i t .

Anne: I took flute lessons for a couple of years, but I never learned to play very well. I

guess I don't have any musical talent.

Betty: Oh, that's not true. You sing very well. I can't even do that!

Language notes

Yeah. An informal variant of yes.

Doesn't it? The falling intonation on th i s question tag shows that it is simply a conversa-

tional element not requiring an answer.

I wish I could ... Notice that could is a past tense form, as required after wish.

• don't you p l ay . . . ? The negative question implies that the speaker expects the answer

to be affirmative. It is equivalent to you play the violin, don't you? With a rising intonation

on the final you.

• My sister does. Does is a pro-verb, standing in place of the verb. The sentence means

my sister plays the violin.

• Flute lessons. A compound noun, with the principal stress on the first word.

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Dialog 19

Taking a Vacation

David: Did you say you're going to take a vacation next month?

Ruth: Yes, my family and I are going to New York for a week. We want to visit the museums

and see some plays.

David: I envy you. I haven't had a vacation for a longtime. I wish I could get away for a while.

Ruth: You can take a vacation sometime soon, can't you?

David: No, there's too much work to do. Maybe next year, though.

Language notes

• Did you say you're going to...? This could also be past tense: did you say you were going

to…? However, the present form (you're) seems more natural.

• My family and I are going to New York. Notice that this going to is the verb followed by the

preposition to. The going to in the l ine above is the future marker, which is normally said with

weak stress, as here.

• I wish I could ... Note the required past tense (could) after wish.

• Can’t you? The rising intonation indicates that this is a veritable question, requiring an answer.

• There’s too much work to do. Other examples of this pattern: there's too much equipment to

carry. There are too many papers to correct. There are too many people to see. There's not enough

food to eat. There isn't enough work to do. There aren't enough courses to take.

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Dialog 20

Recipes

Shirley: Would you like some cookies? I just made them.

Louise: Thank you. Yes, I would.

Shirley: These are chocolate, and those are almond-flavored.

Louise: I guess I’ll try a chocolate one first. Mmmm… This is delicious! Are they hard to

make?

Shirley: No, they’re really quite easy. Wait a minute; I’ve got the recipe right here. See these are

the ingredients and then you just follow the directions.

Louise: That does look easy. I think I’ l l make some tonight.

Language notes

• Would you like some cookies? Is equivalent to would you like to have some (of these) cookies?

It is a more courteous form than do you want some cookies?

• Just = very recently.

• A chocolate one. Notice that the stress falls on chocolate, since one, when used as a

pronoun, is normally unstressed.

• Mmmm is a sound denoting gustatory enjoyment.

• Are they hard to make? A useful pattern. Some additional examples: is that hard to do? Are

these hooks difficult to read? Is that paper hard to write on? My new car is easy to drive. These

shirts are easy to wash and so on.

• I’ve got the recipe ... Alternative form: I have the recipe. ..

• Just = simply: only.

• That does look easy. The emphatic form of that looks easy. Notice the strong stress on does.

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Dialog 21

Weather

(wind noises)

Karen: Brrrr! I'm cold. I thought it was supposed to get warmer today.

Ed: Yeah, I thought so, too. That's what the weatherman said.

Karen: It must be the wind that makes it so cold. I 'm freezing!

Ed: Me, too. Let's go inside.

Karen: O.k. It's no fun standing out here, even if the sun is shining.

Language notes

• Brrrr! Is a sound made to indicate that the speaker feels very cold. It is sometimes pronounced

with a trilled r or a bilabial trill.

• Was supposed to = was expected to. The meaning of supposed to here is slightly different than

in 5, since here it carries no sense of obligation. Notice that was supposed to is past tense

afterthought.

• To get warmer = to become warmer (but become would rarely be used in this context in

casual conversation).

• Yeah is a very informal form of yes.

• That's what the weatherman said. A useful pattern. Some other examples: that's what the

teacher told us. That's what Mr. Johnson said. That's what my father always says. That's what

the students say.

• Weatherman. Notice that this word has a primary stress on the first syllable and a tertiary stress

on the third syllable: /Dwcaè?mñn/. Some other words ending in-man that have a tertiary stress

on the final syllable are mailman, milkman, superman, snowman. Some words with the

suffix -man, however, have an unstressed final syllable (with a consequent obscuring of the

vowel sound). Among these are fireman, gentleman, postman, salesman, Englishman. Note

that postman and mailman are identical in meaning but differ in stress pattern.

• It must be the wind... This is the must of probability or supposition. Other examples of

this usage: it must be going to rain—it's so dark outside. They must not be home yet—they

didn’t answer the telephone. That tree must be thirty feet tall—it's higher than the roof of the house.

Notice that the two its in this sentence have no direct reference or antecedent. The first one is a

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function word in the idiomatic structure it must be ..., while the second refers only vaguely to

the weather.

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Dialog 22

Having Things Done

- Excuse me; I wonder if you can help me.

- Sure, what is it?

- I want to have my hair cut but I can’t find the barber shop.

- I know where one is. Come on, I’ll show you.

Language notes

• I wonder if... A polite introduction to a request for assistance. Some other examples: I

wonder if you could show us how to get there. I wonder if you would mind moving over

one, so my friend and I can sit together. I wonder if you can tell me where I can find a barber

shop.

• Sure. See 4.

• What is it? = what is it you would like me to do? Notice the stress on is.

• Have my hair cut = have someone cut my hair. Other examples of the causative have: I

had my shoes shined just before I came. We're going to have our house painted next year.

You should have that window repaired before the rainy season begins.

• Barber shop. A compound noun, with the principal stress on the first word.

• I know where one is. Notice the word order of the indirect question: the subject

precedes the verb. Notice that the pronoun one is weakly stressed, and the stronger stress is

on is. See 20.

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Dialog 23

Mailing Letters

Dean: Do you mind if we stop by the post office? I have to mail these letters and I don't have any

stamps.

Carol: Oh, I have some. We don't need to go all the way to the post office.

Dean: That would save time. Can you let me have two airmail stamps and one regular one?

Carol: Here you are. Are you sure that's enough?

Dean: Yes, that's fine. Now all we have to do is find a mailbox.

Language notes

• do you mind ...? = is it all right with you . . . ? Or do you have any objection . . .? This phrase is

similar to, but somewhat more direct than, would you mind. . .? (see 10). It is followed by an if

clause to provide for the change of subject from you to we: do you mind if we stop .. .? However, if

the speaker wishes simply to request the hearer to stop by the post office (in which case there is no

"we" involved, hence no change of subject), he will use an -ing form complement: do you mind

stopping by the post office? Some additional examples of the "if" type: do you mind if Mary and

Fred come with us? Do you mind if we talk about that later, when we have more time? Do you mind

very much if I don't come to see you today? Some examples of the' '-ing'' type: do you mind asking

Mary and Fred to come with us? Do you mind discussing that later, when we have more time? Do

you mind very much postponing our visit until tomorrow?

Post office. A compound noun, with the principal stress on the first word.

Have to /

That would save time. The strong stress on would and the fact that the intonation falls only partially

at the end indicate a thoughtful, hesitant attitude.

Can you let me have... = can you give me . . .

Two airmail stamps and one regular one. Notice the contrastive stress on airmail and regular and

on two and one. Notice also the weak stress on stamps and on the corresponding pronoun one.

• have to/ haefta /.

mailbox is a compound noun, with the stress on the first part.

All we have to do is... = the only thing that we must do is. . ., the one thing that remains to he

done is. . . Some other examples: I’ve finished writing the story; now all I have to do is think of a

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title, he's finished all his courses; now all he has to do is pass the examination. We've got the

decorations all ready for the party; now all we have to do is prepare the food.

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Dialog 24

Animals

- That’s a beautiful cat! I wonder who it belongs to.

- It belongs to the Browns. They live across the street from us. They have three cats, two

dogs and a canary.

- They certainly must like pets! But how do all those animals get along with each other?

- Don’t ask me, ask the Browns!

Language notes

• who it belongs to. Notice the word order of this indirect question. The preposition

naturally falls at the end. I wonder whom it belongs to and I wonder to whom it belongs

are also grammatically correct but sound awkward and inappropriate in this context.

• three cats, two dogs, and a canary. Notice the rising intonation.

• they certainly must like pets. This is the must of supposition or logical inference (see 21).

• Get along with each other = live harmoniously and compatibly.

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Dialog 25

Shopping

Saleslady: Can I help you?

Gloria: Yes, I’m looking for a pair of white gloves. I think I wear size six.

Saleslady: The white gloves are on this counter. Let’s see… here’s a size six. These are very nice,

and they’re washable, too.

Gloria: Oh, I’ll try them on. Hmmm……… they seem to fit. How much are they?

Saleslady: five dollars.

Gloria: All right. I’ll take them.

Saleslady: That’ll be five-twenty with the tax.

Language notes

Can I help you? Or may I help you? is the way a salesclerk normally approaches a customer

with an offer of assistance.

• Size six. Women's gloves are usually available in quarter-sizes (6, 6 ¼ , 6 ½ , 6 ¾ , etc.). Most

women wear a size between 6 and 8.

• The white gloves are on this counter. Notice the emphatic stress on while and this, which the

saleslady is contrasting mental ly with other colored gloves on other counters.

• Let's see . . . An expression used when a person wants to think something over, to ponder, to

make a choice or decision, or to look for something.

• I’ll try them on. Try on is a separable two-word verb meaning to test the fit or appearance of a

garment by putting it on. See 5.

• How much are they? = how much do they cost? Notice that the primary sentence stress falls

on are in this question (see 1).

• five-twenty = f ive dollars and twenty cents ($5.20)

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Dialog 26

Transportation

(Street noise)

Joyce: Shall we take a taxi or a bus to the meeting?

Bill: We'd better take a bus. It's almost impossible to find a taxi during rush hour.

Joyce: Isn't that a bus stop over there?

Bill: Yes.. . Oh, oh! There's a bus now. We'll have to run to catch it.

Joyce: O.k . . . . Oh, no! We just missed it.

Bill: Never mind. There'll be another one in ten minutes.

Language notes

• Shall we...? = do you think we should. . .? (will is never used for th is meaning.)

• Take a taxi or a bus...? Notice the rising intonation on taxi and falling intonation on

bus in this "or" sentence.

• We’d better... = we ought to . . .; it would be wise to ....

• Rush hour — the time of day when most people are going to or from work and therefore

the traffic is heaviest. In most American cities, rush hour is from seven-thirty to nine in

the morning and from about five to six-thirty in the evening. Notice that rush hour is a

compound noun, with the principal stress on the first word.

• Isn’t that. .. ? The negative question expresses an expectation of an affirmative

answer.

• Bus stop is a compound noun, with the principal stress on the first word.

• Oh, oh! An exclamation expressing alarm or sudden caution. Notice the high-to-low

intonation.

• Oh, no! An exclamation expressing sudden disappointment, shock, or discouragement.

Notice the emphatic stress and intonation.

• We just missed it = we arrived a moment too late to catch the bus.

• Never mind = it doesn't matter; don't concern yourself.

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Dialog 27

Comparing

Jean: I think this material is much prettier than that, don't you?

Lois: Well, I don't know. I like them both. Why do you like that one better?

Jean: Well, the design is more interesting and the colors are brighter. And it 's not as

expensive, either.

Lois: Oh, I see what you mean. And besides, these colors are more becoming to you.

Jean: Do you really think so? I’ll buy it then.

Language notes

• I think this material... Notice that the conjunction that introducing an indirect

statement is often omitted in casual conversation.

• Much prettier. Much is a common intensifier for comparative adjectives and

adverbs: much harder, much more difficult, much less useful, etc. A lot is also used for

this purpose: a lot prettier, a lot more practical, a lot more expensive.

• That = that material.

• Don't you? The rising intonation indicates a true question, requiring an answer.

• I like them both = I like both of them. That one refers to a piece of material

apparently near the first speaker, who referred to it as "this material."

• I see what you mean = I understand (why you like it).

• These colors are more becoming to you. The strong stress on are indicates, in th is

case, something like: now that I have really thought about it . . ., or taking

everything into consideration . . .

• Becoming to you. Becoming is an adjective meaning suitable in appearance: having

an attractive effect.

• Then = in that case: since that is so.

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Dialog 28

Pastimes

- What do you do in your spare time?

- Oh, nothing special. I read… Watch TV… Go to the movies.

- Don’t you have any hobbies like stamp collecting or things like that?

- No, I don’t have any hobbies. How about you?

- I have just one: photography. It’s expensive but it’s a lot of fun.

Language notes

• Spare time = leisure: extra lime: free lime.

• Nothing special = no particular thing.

• I read ... Watch TV ... Go to the movies. Notice the rising intonation on the first

two elements of the series.

• Stamp collecting. A compound noun. Therefore the principal stress falls on the first

word.

• How about you? = do you have any hobbies? This question How about you? Has the

effect of directing the original question back to the other speaker.

• just = only.

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Dialog 29

Weddings

Bonnie: Guess what! Paul and Susan are engaged!

Janice: Really? When did that happen?

Bonnie: A week ago. They met last summer and now. Just think . . . The y' l l be married

soon.

Janice: Have they set a date for the wedding?

Bonnie: No, not yet. But Susan says they'd l i ke to get married in November or December.

Then they'll go to Hawaii for their honeymoon.

Language notes

• Guess what! = I have something important to tell yon.

• Really? This is a rejoinder meaning oh, that's interesting! It is frequently used in

conversation in th is way. In th is usage, really simply expresses an animated interest in the

previous speaker's remark; it does not question the truthfulness of the remark.

• Just think ... This phrase indicates that the speaker is reflecting with interest on what

has just been said or (as in th is case) on what he is going to say next.

• Set a date = decided on a day when it will lake place.

• They’d like = they would like = they want. They'd like is a l i t t le "softer," a l i t t le

less positive, than they want.

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Dialog 30

Effort

- I give up. I simply can’t learn French!

- Why do you say that? I think you’re making a lot of progress.

- No, I’m not. I try and try and I still can’t speak it very well.

- Learning any language takes a lot of effort. But don’t give up! Why don’t we practice

those dialogs together?

- Good idea! That just might help.

Language notes

Give up = stop trying; abandon effort.

Simply = absolutely, completely, clearly.

• I try and try = I try again and again. Other examples of repetition of the verb to

express continuous or repeated activity: I read and read, and I still can't understand it. He writes

and writes, but he never produces a worthwhile composition. The children play and play

that game and never seem to get tired of it.

• Good idea = that's a good idea.

• That just might help = that might, in fact, be a helpful thing

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More Dialogs for Everyday Use.

Short situational dialogs for students of English as a foreign language.

Dialogue 1

GREETINGS

A. (Acquaintances)

MATT: Good morning

MAXINE: Good morning. How are you today?

MATT: Just fine, thanks. How are you?

MAXINE: Wonderful. Things couldn’t be better.

B. (Good Friends)

DOTTY: Hi. What’s up?

VIVIAN: Nothing much. What’s new with you?

DOTTY: Not too much. I’ve been pretty busy.

VIVIAN: Me too. Seems like all I do is eat and sleep.

DOTTY: Gotta go. Call me tonight.

VIVIAN: Okay. Check you later.

C. (Family)

MOTHER: Good morning.

SON: Morning. What’s for breakfast?

MOTHER: The usual. Eggs, toast, and cereal. Coffee, if you want.

SON: I think I’ll just have cereal for a change.

MOTHER: Help yourself. The cereal and sugar are on the table. The milk’s in the

refrigerator.

NOTES

*Acquaintance= a person one knows but not a close friend

* Things couldn’t be better = Everything is going well.

* Hi = informal way to say hello

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* What’s up? = What’s new? Used informally.

* Pretty = rather; somewhat

* Me too = has meaning of I have been busy too.

* Seems = It seems

* Cotta = I’ve got to = I must

* Check you later = I’ll call you later.

* What’s for breakfast? = What are we having for breakfast?

* Just = only

* Help yourself. = Serve yourself.

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Dialogue 2

EARLY IN THE MORNING

GENE: It’s time to get up!

ED: I just went to bed!

GENE: You shouldn’t have stayed up so late watching TV. I told you we had to get an early

start.

ED: I know, but that movie was just too good to leave. I guess I’ll just have to pay the price

and be sleepy.

GENE: Do you want to eat breakfast here?

ED: No. Why don’t we just grab a bite at the coffee shop next door?

GENE: Okay by me.

NOTES

* TV = television

* get an early start = leave early in the morning

* Just = simply

*pay the price = suffer the consequences

* grab a bite = (Informal) get something to eat

* Coffee shop = a type of restaurant

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Dialogue 3

DAILY NE EDS

JUDITH: This is the last of the milk.

MOTHER: I know. I intend to go to the store today.

JUDITH: Would you get some of that new cereal we saw advertised on TV?

MOTHER: Which one?

JUDITH: You know… the one with the silly ad about how vitamins jump up and down.

MOTHER: Oh, you mean “KIKIES”

JUDITH: Yeah. That’s the one.

MOTHER: Well, I’ll see. Sometimes the stores don’t have some of the new kinds of cereal.

NOTES

*Last of the milk = exhausts the supply of milk

* Silly = foolish

*ad = advertisement

* Yeah = (Informal) Yes

* I’II = I’ll examine the possibility.

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Dialogue 4

AIRPORT BUS

STAN: What time does the bus leave for the airport?

HARRY: I don’t know. It used to leave every half hour, but I think the schedule’s been

changed

STAN: Do you know the telephone number to call?

HARRY: It’s Enterprise 7-4700. At least that’s what it used to be.

STAN: Yeah, I’ll try it (PAUSE) they don’t seem too answer.

HARRY: I expect that it’s a little too early. I don’t think they open until nine o’clock.

NOTES

*At least = In any case

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Dialogue 5

MAKING A DATE

DREW: What time are you leaving tomorrow?

PAUL: You mean to go to the graduation ceremony?

DREW: Yes, I’d like to go with you if I may.

PAUL: I’d be delighted to take you. I plan to leave here about nine-thirty.

DREW: Fine. I can be ready by then.

PAUL: Okay. I’ll pick you up at your house.

DREW: See you tomorrow, then, about nine-thirty.

NOTES

* making a date = making a social appointment

* I’ll pick you up = I’ll come to your house.

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Dialogue 6

CATCHING A BUS

STEVE: Is this where I catch the bus for the zoo?

ALAN: You can take a T-30 from here, but then you have to walk about six blocks.

STEVE: That doesn’t sound too bad.

ALAN: Actually, if you go to the bus stop in the next block, you can take a Z-8 which will let

you right off in front of the zoo.

STEVE: Maybe that’s what I’ll do. Thanks a lot.

ALAN: You’re welcome.

NOTES

* catching a bus = getting a bus

* T-30 = number of a bus

* That doesn’t sound too bad = That doesn’t appear to be difficult.

* Z-8 = number of a bus

* let you right off = take you exactly to

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Dialogue 7

ORDERING BREAKFAST

WAITRESS: Would you like to order now?

PHIL: Yes. I’d like bacon and eggs with buttered toast. No jelly.

WAITRESS: What would you like to drink?

PHIL: Do you have hot chocolate?

WAITRESS: Yes, we do.

PHIL: Then, I’ll have a cup of hot chocolate.

WAITRESS: How do you want your eggs?

PHIL: Over easy, please.

NOTES

* How do you want your eggs? = How do you want your eggs prepared?

* Over easy = egg fried on one side and slightly on the other with the yolk left uncooked or

partially cooked, not hard. Other ways to prepare eggs are scrambled, fried (hard), boiled (soft or

hard), and poached.

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Dialogue 8

NEAR ACCIDENT

QUINN: How about that!

KERWIN: What? What happened?

QUINN: Did you see what that guy did?

KERWIN: No. I was looking the other way.

QUINN: He made a U-turn right in the middle of the block and almost hit a kid on a bicycle.

KERWIN: Drivers get crazier every day!

QUINN: Right. Nobody wants to drive by the rules anymore!

NOTES

* Near accident = almost an accident

* How about that! = Just consider what happened!

* Guy = man

* I was looking the other way = I was looking in the opposite direction.

* U-turn = turn a vehicle such as a car or truck in the shape of a U.

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Dialogue 9

ARRIVAL TIME

PAT: What time does Mother’s plane get in?

CLIFF: I’m not sure, but I think at 2:35. I’ll call the airline to make sure.

PAT: Why don’t you do that while I change my clothes?

CLIFF: Do you think Dick or Brenda will want to go?

PAT: I don’t know. I guess we could call them.

CLIFF: I know Disk has to work, but maybe Brenda can go.

PAT: Okay. Call her first, then the airline. I’ll go get ready.

NOTES

• get in = arrive

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Dialogue 10

AFTER THE GAME

GLORIA: Did you watch the game last night?

ROY: I sure did. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything!

GLORIA: I think it was one of the best games I’ve ever seen.

ROY: Me too. I thought both teams played super ball. Too bad one had to lose.

GLORIA: Yeah. I thought they were evenly matched. It could have gone either way!

ROY: That shot that won in the last fifteen seconds was really something.

NOTES

* I sure did = I certainly did (watch the game)

* played super ball = played extremely well

* Too bad = unfortunately

* It could have gone either way! = Either team could have won!

* Really something = extraordinary; quite unusual

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Dialogue 11

GOING FOR WALK

ROGER: What did you say ?

CLAIRE: I said that it’s a lovely day. Why don’t we go for a walk?

ROGER: Can you wait a few minutes.? I have to finish this letter.

CLAIRE: Don’t take too long. It would be a shame not to take advantage of such

lovely weather

ROGER: I won’t be long. No more than ten minutes. Why don’t you go on ahead and

I’ll meet you in the park.

CLAIRE: Believe I will. Look for me near the rock garden.

NOTES

* Don’t take too long = don’t delay

* go on ahead = proceed (to the park)

* Look for me... = Meet me...

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Dialogue 12

WHAT’S FOR DINNER?

MOTNER: I wonder what we should have for dinner this evening?

MONA: Are you asking me?

MOTNER: Yes, I am. I really don`t feel much like cooking, but the family must eat.

MONA: Well, you know me. I can always eat pizza-or spaghetti.

MOTNER: So I`ve noticed. You`re putting on a little weight, aren`t you?

MONA: I know. Don`t remind me! I`m starting a new diet day after tomorrow.

MOTNER: It`s about time!

NOTES

*I wonter... = I wish to know about...

* pizza = A spicy Italian dish made like a pie from bread dough and covered with cheese,

meat, spices, etc.

* putting on a little weight = gaining weight

* Don’t remind me! = Don’t call it to my attention!

* It’s about time! = It’s the right time (to begin)!

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Dialogue 13

ACADEMY AWARDS

JANICE: Did you see the Academe Awards program last night on TV?

ROB: I watched for awhile; then a I had to go to bed.

JANICE: You missed a good show. I didn’t agree with the selection for best picture,

though.

ROB: I guess I missed that part. What happened?

JANICE: Oh, they chose some picture that was so avant- garde that no one

understands it.

ROB: Well, I don’t go to the movies very often. You know me. I prefer more

active- type things.

JANICE: Too bad. I really wanted to discuss it with someone.

NOTES

* Academy Awards = awards in the film industry given annually for the best movie,

best actor, best director, etc. The awards, small statues, are

called Oscars.

* avant-garde = in the arts, having to do with creative ideas, methods, designs, etc.,

that are ahead of all others.

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Dialogue 14

AT THE HOTEL

CLERK: Yes, sir. May I help you?

TONY: I have a reservation for tonight. Tony Davis.

CLERK: Just a moment, please, while I check. That is correct. You have a reservation for a

three-room suite for tonight.

TONY: I’m afraid there’s been a mistake. I only asked for a single room, not a suite.

CLERK: I’m sorry, Mr.Davis, but we have only the suite available. Your request arrived too

late to reserve a single. There’s a large convention in town this week and we’re full up.

TONY: Well, if that’s the way it is, I’ll have to take it.

CLERK: Just sign the register here and I’ll have your bags sent up later. It’s suite 718.

NOTES

* May I help you? = May I serve you?

* We’re full up. = All of our rooms are taken.

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Dialogue 15

AFTER THE MOVIE

PAMELA: I really enjoyed that movie!

SCOTT: I did, too. At first I tought it was going to be a drag, but then it really got good.

PAMELA: What part did you like the best?

SCOTT: Oh, I don’t khow. I guess the scene that grabbed me the most was the one in which

the old man was dying.

PAMELA: I liked that one, too. In fact, I cried.

SCOTT: To tell you the truth, I had a few tears in my eyes.

PAMELA: Now what?

SCOTT: How about a coke and a hamburger?

PAMELA: Super!

NOTES

* be a drag = be boring pr uninteresting

* the scene that grabbed me the most = the scene that most moved me emotionally

* coke = Coca Cola or any soft drink

* Super! = Wonderful!

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Dialogue 16

AT THE BANK

TELLER: May I help you?

NANCY: I’d like to cash this check, please.

TELLER: Do you have an account with us?

NANCY: Yeah. Here’s my identification card.

TELLER: Do you want large or small bills?

NANCY: Actually, I want to buy some traveler’s checks.

TELLER: What denomination?

NANCY: Twenties would be fine.

TELLER: Do you want the whole amount in traveler’s checks?

NANCY: Yes, please.

NOTES

* to cash this check = to receive money for this check

* large or small bills = bills of large or small denomination

* traveler’s checks = special checks issued by banks for a special amount and which can only be

used by the buyer.

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Dialogue 17

DISCUSSING A NEWS STORY

HELEN: Did you hear about that guy who was struck by lightning?

MAVIS: You mean that man up in Maine?

HELEN: That’s the one; the blind guy who could see again.

MAVIS: I read about him in the paper this week. He’d been blind for about eight or nine years.

HELEN: Uh-huh. Wasn’t he also able to hear again after the lightning hit him?

MAVIS: Right. He didn’t have to wear a hearing aid anymore.

HELEN: I think it was a miracle!

MAVIS: Me too!

NOTES

* Maine = state in the northeastern part of the United States

* Uh-huh. = That’s right.

* Right. = Correct.

* hearing aid = device to help deaf or partially deaf persons hear

* Me too! = So do I!

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Dialogue 18

TALKING IT OVER

JEFF: Can’t we go someplace and talk? It’s so crowded in here.

SONIA: Well, there’s a little park down the street about three blocks. It’s usually not crowded

this time of day.

JEFF: Let’s go. I need to get some fresh air anyway.

SONIA: Just what is it you want to talk about?

JEFF You remember that note you sent me last month?

SONIA: Which one? The one about the trip out west?

JEFF: Yeah. That’s the one. Listen. I’ve got a terrific idea about the whole project and we need

to discuss it.

SONIA: Wonderful! I’d like to hear some of your ideas.

NOTES

* Talking it over = Discussing a matter or problem.

* anyway = in any case

* Just = Exactly

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Dialogue 19

WEEKEND PLANS

AL: Hi. I’m glad I ran into you.

BOB: Why? What’s up?

AL: How’d you like to go on a hike this weekend?

BOB: All weekend?

AL: Well, just Saturday and Sunday.

BOB: I’m not sure I can be gone all weekend. I promised to help my sister move Saturday.

AL: How about Sunday, then? We could start early in the morning.

BOB: I might be able to do that. Tell you what. Let me check and I’ll call you at home tonight.

AL: Great! I’ll talk to you later.

BOB: So long.

NOTES

* I’m glad I ran into you . = I’m glad I met you.

* What’s up? = What’s happening? = What’s going on?

* to help my sister move = to help my sister move her household effects to another house or

apartment.

* How about Sunday, then? = Is Sunday a good day, then?

* Tell you what = Here’s my opinion/reaction.

* Let me check... = Let me verify...

* Great! = Wonderfull!

* So long = Good-bye for now.

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Dialogue 20

DINNER INVITION

LAURA: Don’t forget. We’re invited out to dinner tonight.

TED: Oh. I almost forgot. Thanks for reminding me. What time?

LAURA: Seven-thirty. We should leave thr house by six-thirty. You know how bad the

traffic is that time of night.

TED: Uh-huh. It’s informal, isn’t it?

LAURA: Yeah. You can wear your new sports jacket.

TED: Okay. I’ll try to get home a little early.

LAURA: Good. Bye-bye.

NOTES

* We’re invited out to dinner tonight = We’re invited to have dinner with friends or

acquaintances.

* Uh-huh. = Yes, (I do).

* Bye-bye. = Good bye; so long.

Everyday English

56

Dialogue 21

CAR INSURANCE

DICK: I need to get car insurance. Ya got any ideas?

GEORGE: Well, you could try my company. It seems to have fair rates.

DICK: Do they insure older cars?

GEORGE: As far as I know, they insure all kinds of vehicles.

DICK: How long have you had a policy with them?

GEORGE: Oh, I don’t know. Maybe five years.

DICK: And you say their rates are low?

GEORGE: Not low, reasonable. I’ve always gotten good service from them. Let me give you

their phone number and you can call them.

NOTES

*car insurance = insurance on automobiles in case of accidents, theft, bodily injury, etc.

* As far as I khow... = To the extent of my khowledge...

Everyday English

57

Dialogue 22

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

JOE: Can you get a baby-sitter for tonight?

SUSAN: I don’t khow. Why?

JOE: Well, I thought we could go out for dinner and then go to a movie afterward.

SUSAN: I can call Debbie and see if she’s available. She usually doesn’t like to sit during the

week, but she might make an exception.

JOE: Well, do that, and then call me at the office if you have any luck.

SUSAN: Okay, but don’t get your hopes too high. It’s hard to find a good baby-sitter these days.

NOTES

* night out = evening away from home for the purpose of recreation or relaxation

* baby-sitter = woman or young girl hired, usually by parents, to watch small children while the

parents are away from home

* to sit during the week = to baby-sit on weekdays

* if you have any luck = if you are successful

* don’t get your hopes too high = don’t expect success

Everyday English

58

Dialogue 23

DISCUSSING THE ECONOMY

GORDON: The economic news doesn’t look good, does it?

HOBART: Not according to the newspaper yesterday. I saw a similar report last night on TV.

GORDON: I saw that, too. The analysis seemed to be quite realistic.

HOBART: I hope they’re wrong. We really need to get the rising price structure under control.

GORDON: Well, costs seem to be rising in so many categories that it appears to defeat any efforts

at stabilization.

HOBART: That’s my feeling, too. Raw material now costs more. Labol is demanding higher

wages and production costs continue to soar.

GORDON: There may be some relief this summer. I understand the price of some foodstuffs will

decrease.

NOTES

* That’s my feeling, too = That’s my opinion, too.

* soar = rise beyond what is common and ordinary

Everyday English

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Dialogue 24

DENTAL APPOINTMENT

(By Phone)

DENTAL ASSISTANT: Dr.Katuna’s office. May I help you?

KAREN: Yes. I’d like to make an appointment for a dental checkup.

DENTAL ASSISTANT: Are you one of the doctor’s regular patients?

KAREN: No, I’m not. I recently moved to this area and a friend of mine

recommended Dr.Katuna

DENTAL ASSISTANT: I see. Dr.Katuna can see you next Thursday. Do you

prefer morning or afternoon?

KAREN: Morning is best for me.

DENTAL ASSISTANT: Would 10:30 be all right?

KAREN: That would be fine.

DENTAL ASSISTANT: Good. We’ll expect you then at 10:30 on Thursday.

KAREN: Thank you very much.

NOTES

* I see = I understand

* Would 10:30 be all right? = Would 10:30 be acceptable?

Everyday English

60

Dialogue 25

MAKING PLANS

ALICE: When shall we meet?

SOFIA: You mean to talk about the party?

ALICE: Right. We really need to plan better this time. Remember what a mess it was at the

last party?

SOFIA: I sure do. I hope we’ll do much more planning this time.

ALICE: Well, that’s why we’re going to meet tomorrow at my house. How does 7:30 sound

to you?

SOFIA: Fine by me. I’ll call Jan and Judy. We’ll see you tomorrow.

NOTES

* Right. = Correct.

* mess = unpleasant or unsuccessful affair or event

* how does 7:30 sound to you? = How do you react to meeting at 7:30?

* Fine by me. = It’s all right with me.

Everyday English

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Dialogue 26

NEIGHBORHOOD PROBLEM

WIFE: We’ve got to do something about the neighbor’s dog!

HUSBAND: Why? Has he been into your flower garden again?

WIFE: The flower garden, the garbage can, and yesterday he started digging holes in the

yard!

HUSBAND: Did you talk to Mrs. Gorham about it?

WIFE: You khow how she is. All sweethess and light to your face but then she never does

anything. They should either keep that animal in the house or tied up!

HUSBAND: I’ll talk to Hank about it tonight. He usually listens.

WIFE: We need more than listening, dear. We need action!

NOTES

* All sweetness and light to your face... = Excessively agreeble and pleasant in the direct

confrontation...

* Hank = Mr.Gorham

Everyday English

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Dialogue 27

CAR THEFT

BYRON: Did you hear about what happened to Howard?

VANCE: No, what?

BYRON: Someone stole his car!

VANCE: Really? When did it happen?

BYRON: Last night. He left it parked in front of his girl friend’s house and when he came out

to go home, it was gone.

VANCE: Wow! That’s really tough. He just bought it last month, didn’t he?

BYRON: Uh-huh. Fortunately, he’s got insurance and the police think they already have a

good lead.

VANCE: Well, I certainly wish him luck.

NOTES

* theft = act of stealing

* Wow! = Exciamation of amazement, surprise, joy, etc.

* That’s really tough. = That’s too bad

* a good lead = a strong clue

Everyday English

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Dialogue 28

GETTING READY

BILL: We don`t have much time!

JERRY: I`m hurriyng as fast as I van!

BILL: Well, try to hurry a little bit more, will you? I don`t want to be late.

JERRY: Oh, we won`t be late. You know how these affairs are. They never start on time.

BILL: Maybe so. But I always like to get there on time.

JERRY: Oh, you`re such a fuddy – duddy. Don`t worry. I`ll get you there with time to

spare.

BILL: Is that promise?

JERRY: It`s a promise. Now leave me alone while I finish getting ready.

NOTES

*such a fuddy-duddy = an extremly fussy, hard – to-please, or very paricular person.

* time to spare=excess time

Everyday English

64

Dialogue 29

MAKING A PURCHASE

JOAN: How much is this?

CLERK: You mean the large one or the small one?

JOAN: The large one.

CLERK: They`re on special this week. They`ve been reduced to five dollars.

JOAN: Is this the only kind you have?

CLERK: No. We have some that different in style but not in color.

They`re over there. Do you see the sign?

JOAN: Oh, yes. I think I’ll look at those over there before I decide.

CLERK: Very well. Just take your time.

NOTES

*on special = special low price

*Just take your time.=Don`t be in a hurry

Everyday English

65

Dialogue 30

MAIL TIME

BARBARA: The mail has arrived.

NORMA: Did I get anything?

BARBARA: I think so. Let me look. You got something from the bank and an

advertisement from a health spa.

NORMA: Give me the letter from the bank. It might be important.

BARBARA: Here. Maybe you`ve overdrawn your account.

NORMA: No, danger of that. I don`t have any money to overdraw.

I hope it`s an offer of that job I applied for.

NOTES

*health spa = health resort

*Maybe you`ve overdrawn your account.=Perhaps you`ve spent more money than is in

your checking account at the bank.

*No danger of that=That`s not a possibility.

Everyday English

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Dialogue 31

BEDTIME

ANGELA: Did you lock the doors?

FRANK: All except the back door. I left that for Tim. He took the dog for a walk

ANGELA; Well, I`m going on to bed . I,m bushed

FRANK ; Okey I,m going to stay up a while.I`ve got to go over the household budget. We`re

a litlle overspent this month.

ANGELA: Please tell Tim to close the door to the basemant. I`don`t want the dog down there

tonight

FRANK: Okay. Good night.See you at breakfast

NOTES

*I`m bushed = I`m exhausted very tired

* Stay up= remain awake

* I`ve got to go oyer...= I must read to examine...

*overspent = expenses in excess of income

Everyday English

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Dialogue 32

GETTING SOMETHING FIXED

LEE: How long do you think it`ll take to fix it?

REPAIRMAN: Hard to tell. Sometimes we can find the problem rigth away and

sometimes it may take an hour or two

LEE: Should I wait or come back later?

REPAIRMAN: Suit yourself, but it`s probably better to come back later.

LEE: You will get it fixed today, won`t you?

REPAIRMAN : I don’t see any problem. We should have it ready for you by three at the

latest.But,better call before you come.

LEE: Okay. Thanks a lot.

NOTES

*Hard to tell. =Difficult to predict.

*right away = immediately

*Suit yourself ... = Do as you please ...

* by three at the latest = no later than three o’ clock

Everyday English

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Dialogue 33

FAMILY PLANS

WIFE: The gas company phoned this afternoon.

HUSBAND: About the gas stove that we ordered ?

WIFE: Yes, and also about the gas furnace you asked about .

HUSBAND: What did they say?

WIFE: They’re going to send someone out to talk with us about the furnace.

HUSBAND: Good. I think we’re doing the right thing. The old furnace

just isn’t very efficient anymore.

WEFE: I agree.We should be able to afford a new furnace now that you got

that raise in salary.

HUSBAND: Exactly my thoughts.

NOTES

*gas company = public utility company providing natural or manufactured gas for heating ,

cooking , etc.

*I think we’re doing the right thihg . = I think we are correctly .

* afford a new furnace = pay for a new furnace.

Everyday English

69

Dialogue34

PLANNING A BUSINESS TRIP

DAVE: When shall I say that you will arrive?

DON: Tell them that I plan to be there by tomorrow afternoon.

DAVE: Shall I have them make a hotel reservation for you?

DON: No need. I made one last week by telephone.

DAVE: Do you plan to stay longer than three days?

DON: I don’t think so. I can take care of all the necessary business in three days .

DAVE: Well , have a good trip.

DON: Thank you.

NOTES

*No need.= it’s not necessary.

*Have a good trip. = Have a pleasant , successful trip.

Everyday English

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Dialogue 35

A SHORT DISCUSSION

ROSALIE: Don ‘t forget ,Jim and Adrian are coming over tonight

TRACY: I thought they were coming next week.

ROSALIE: No.Tonight’s the night.I told you at least a half a dozen times !

TRACY: Well, I forget.

ROSALIE: You forget all too easily if you ask me.

TRACY: Anyway ,I’ve made other plans.

ROSALIEA: Like what?

TRACY: I told Frank I’d help him work on his car.

ROSALIE: Then, you’ll just have to tell him you can’t come.

NOTES

*coming over = coming to visit.

*Like what? = For example?

*work on his car = helf repair his car

Everyday English

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Dialogue 36

FAMILY SQUABBLE

BROTHER: Come on! It’s time to go!

SISTER: Wait a minute! Just hold your horses! What’s your hurry, anyway?

BROTHER: Well , I’ve got to stop and get gas in the car,first.

SISTHER: That won’t take long.

BROTHER: Well , it won’t if there’s no line at the pump.

SISTER: Well, I’m not quite ready.

BROTHER: I’ll give you five more minutes, then I’m going on without you!

SISTER: You wouldn’t do a thing like that !

BROTHER: Oh, yes I would!

NOTES

*squabble = noisy quarrel having little importance

*Just hold your horses! = Don’t be so impatient!

*Line at the pump = line of waiting cars at the gasoline pump

*not quite ready = not completely ready