nato phraseology course

NATO / PfP / MD UNCLASSIFIED

NATO / PfP / MD UNCLASSIFIED

ZRÍNYI MIKLÓS NATIONAL DEFENCE

UNIVERSITY MILITARY LANGUAGE TRAINING CENTRE

BUDAPEST STAFF OFFICERS’ MILITARY TERMINOLOGY COURSE

-------------------------

PHRASEOLOGY -------------------------

NATO/PfP/MD UNCLASSIFIED


PHRASEOLOGY Page

Part I A. The Military Briefing 1-4

B. Phrases for Speeches and Briefings 5-6

C. Expressions for Military Briefings 7

Part II Welcoming 8-10

Part III On the Telephone 11-16

Part IV Social Talk 17-19

Part V Phrases and Expressions

used in the English Language 20-48



THE MILITARY BRIEFING,

PHRASES FOR

SPEECHES AND BRIEFINGS

PART I

A. THE MILITARY BRIEFING

B. PHRASES FOR SPEECHES AND BRIEFINGS

C. EXPRESSIONS FOR MILITARY BRIEFINGS


PART I

1


Page

THE MILITARY BRIEFING 1-2

Preparing a Military Briefing 3

Format for a Military Briefing 4

PREPARATION FOR SPEECHES: PHRASES

Openings 5

Welcoming a Speaker 5

Introducing a Speaker 5

Speaker’s Introduction 6

Thanking a Speaker 6

EXPRESSIONS FOR MILITARY BRIEFINGS

Greeting 7

Identification Of Self (if appropriate) 7

Purpose 7

Classification 7

Questions 7

Closing 7


PART I

2


THE MILITARY BRIEFING

Most principles and techniques of effective speaking apply to the military briefing just

as to any other type of speech. However, the military briefing is more concise and is

usually limited to the basic facts needed for comprehension. The essentials are

delivered in a purely objective manner. The military briefing is often a one-time-only

presentation of facts, with reference to enough familiar material to establish a basis

for understanding by the listeners. The staff officer will often be required to discuss

precisely a broad subject in a limited time. Most briefings are situation-oriented to a

specific listener or audience; they deal with a specific subject in which the speaker

has expertise. Military briefings are used at every echelon to keep the commander

and his staff informed. The objectives, common to every briefing, are to facilitate a

rapid, co-ordinated response and to obtain a thorough understanding of operational

conditions that could affect the successful execution of the mission.

There are four recognisable types of military briefings:

the information briefing,

the decision briefing,

the staff briefing and

the mission briefing.

The purpose of the briefing determines its type; i.e., the decision briefing has the

purpose of clarifying a decision, the mission briefing is designed to brief training

missions that simulate combat, the staff briefing keeps the staff informed, and the

information briefing presents facts to the audience.


PART I

3


Preparing a Military Briefing

Step 1: Isolate and define the issue or problem at hand.

Step 2: Collect all relevant facts bearing upon the issue or problem.

Step 3: Make sound assumptions to cover the gaps in the available facts.

Step 4: Develop suitable, feasible, acceptable courses of action that solve the

problem, negotiate consensus/compromise, or disseminate knowledge.

Step 5: Compare and contrast the courses of action.

Step 6: Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of each course of action.

Step 7: Arrive at a sound conclusion regarding the recommendation of a

course of action that flows from the facts.

Step 8: Submit the recommendation to all parties affected by the proposed

decision, action, or situation. Determine their concurrence or non

concurrence.

Step 9: Resolve any conflicts and reassess the recommended course of action.

Step 10: Prepare the military briefing and the implementing documents.

Recommendations

Be thorough and objective.

Consider all sides of the problem.

Discuss all possible courses of action.

Be ready to support, by explanation and evidence (facts, statistics, authoritative

sources, etc.), any part of your briefing.

Anticipate questions or objections.


PART I

4


Format for a Military Briefing

I. Introduction

A. Provide greeting and introduction of self/organisation.

B. Explain the classification of briefing.

C. State the problem or situation.

D. Proffer recommendation (course of action/implementation procedures).

II. Body

A. Give a detailed statement of the issue or problem (if needed).

B. In a logical sequence, present facts bearing upon the issue or problem.

C. Identify assumptions that bridge any gaps in factual data.

D. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

E. Identify disagreements among other commanders and staff officers.

III. Conclusion

A. Review key points and restate the recommendation.

B. Provide a memorable finish.

C. Allow for a question and answer session.

D. Be prepared to introduce any ensuing speakers.


PART I

5


PREPARATION FOR SPEECHES: PHRASES

OPENINGS Ladies and Gentlemen, General Blinkey, Gentlemen, General Blinkey, Honoured Guests, Mr. Secretary, General Blinkey, Ladies and Gentlemen,

WELCOMING A SPEAKER

On behalf of/in the name of ... I have great pleasure in welcoming General Flakey to our school. It gives me very great pleasure to welcome ... It is a pleasure and an honour for me to welcome ... I am very glad/happy/pleased to be in a position to welcome ... I am very glad/happy/pleased to be able to welcome ... I am very glad/happy/pleased to welcome ...

INTRODUCING A SPEAKER It is a great honour for us to have General Blinkey here today. It is a great pleasure for us to ... You do us a great honour by taking the time to speak to us today. It is a privilege to have you here at ... We are very glad/happy/pleased to have you here at ... General Flakey has kindly agreed to come today to speak to us about ... It gives me great pleasure to introduce General Flakey ... Ladies and Gentlemen, General Flakey ...


PART I

6


SPEAKER’S INTRODUCTION OF SUBJECT I would like to thank you for your (kind) invitation ... I am delighted to be here today and to have the opportunity to speak about ... I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for giving me the possibility to talk about ... I am glad to have the opportunity here today to speak (to you) about ... It gives me great pleasure to talk (to you) about ... It is a pleasure for me to talk (to you) about ...

Today I would like to tell you (a little bit) about ... What I would like to do this morning/afternoon/evening is to show you ... I would like to give you my thoughts on ...

THANKING A SPEAKER On behalf of ... (everyone here), I would like to thank General Blinkey for his most interesting/informative/enlightening/entertaining talk. I take very great pleasure in thanking General Blinkey for ... May I express my thanks to General Blinkey for ...? Thank you very much indeed, Colonel Smith. I’m sure I’m speaking for all of us when I say how much we have appreciated your being here today.


PART I

7


EXPRESSIONS FOR MILITARY BRIEFINGS

1. GREETING a. Good morning, gentlemen. b. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. c. Good morning, General Blinkey, ladies and gentlemen. d. On behalf of Lt Col Smith, I would like to welcome you to 2/28 Tank Bn.

2. IDENTIFICATION OF SELF (IF APPROPRIATE) a. I am Captain Jack Jones, S-2 of the 34th Signal Battalion. b. My name is Major Jack Teagarden, S-3 of 2/28 Tank Bn.

3. PURPOSE a. I have been asked to brief you on ... b. I have been tasked to brief you on ... c. I am to brief you on ... d. My aim is to brief you on ... e. The aim of my briefing is to ... f. It gives me great pleasure to brief you on ... g. It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity to brief you on ...

4. CLASSIFICATION (ONLY IF MATERIAL IS CLASSIFIED) a. The classification of this briefing is Restricted. b. This briefing is NATO Secret.

5. QUESTIONS a. If you have any questions during my briefing, please interrupt me and

ask them. b. If you have any questions during my briefing, could you please hold them until the end?

6. CLOSING a. This concludes my briefing. Are there any

(further) questions? b. I thank you for your attention.

Are there any (further) questions?


PART II


PART II WELCOMING

Page

Welcoming a Visitor/Group of Visitors 9

Thanking the Host at the End of a Visit 10

Thanking a Departing Colleague/Worker

For Long Years of Service

10


PART II

9


WELCOMING A VISITOR/GROUP OF VISITORS

On behalf of/in the name of ... I have great pleasure in welcoming you to our barracks. It gives me very great pleasure to welcome you to the … It is a pleasure and an honour for me to welcome you to ... I am very glad/happy/pleased to be in a position to welcome you to ... I am very glad/happy/pleased to be able to welcome you to ... I am very glad/happy/pleased to welcome you to ... I would like to welcome you to ... It is a great honour for us to have you here. It is a great pleasure for us to have you here at the Command and General Staff Course. You do us a great honour by taking the time to visit us. It is a privilege to have you here at the … We are very glad/happy/pleased to have you here at ...


PART II

10


We would like to thank you for accepting our invitation, as we know you are very busy. We would like to show you our unit and give you insight into our work. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us at any time. If you find anything lacking, or need special help, please let us know. We hope that you will enjoy your visit.

THANKING THE HOST AT THE END OF A VISIT

On behalf of/in the name of ... I would like to thank you for the warm reception given/accorded to us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the cordial hospitality extended to us. I would like to thank you for the trouble you have taken to make this visit so successful for us. The excellent briefings/presentations were of particular interest to us all. The demonstration/tour of your installations has left a lasting impression on us all. Please convey my/our thanks to General Flakey. Please permit me to present you with a gift from our group. Would you please accept, as a modest token of our appreciation, this plaque from our General Staff class? As a token of our gratitude, we would like you to have this coat of arms of our school. Would you please accept this plate, which bears the crest of our College, as a token of our gratitude/appreciation? I would like to propose a toast to your health ... May I offer a toast to you and your officers ...

THANKING A DEPARTING COLLEAGUE/

WORKER FOR LONG YEARS OF SERVICE Today we would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your many years of service. On behalf of the officers of ..., I take very great pleasure in thanking Major Müller for ... You have been with us now for 4 years, and during this time ... Your willingness to work and to help out in emergencies has made you an invaluable asset. Your positive attitude and sense of humour are/have been much appreciated by everyone. As a sign of our appreciation and thanks, I would like to present you, Mrs. Johnson, with this certificate of long service and this gift.


PART III

11


PART III ON THE TELEPHONE

Page

Getting a Number 12

Different Types of Telephone Call 13

Your local Operator speaks 13

When the Number you are calling answers 14

The answering Switchboard Operator speaks 15

Answering the Telephone 15

When Problems occur 16


PART III

12


GETTING A NUMBER Could you get me Newhaven 465786 (four-six-five-seven-eight-six), please? You’ll have to look up the number in the directory. You should get the number from International Directory Enquiries. Would you give me Directory Enquiries please? Can you give me the number of the Decapex Company of 54 Broad Street, Newham? It’s not in the book. They’re ex-directory (Brit). They’re unlisted (US). What is the code for Exeter? Can I dial direct to Colombia? You omit the ‘0’ from the area code when dialling England from France. How do I make an outside call? What do I dial for an outside line?


PART III

13


DIFFERENT TYPES OF TELEPHONE CALL It’s a local call. This is a long-distance call from Worthing. I want to make an international call. I want to make a reverse charge call or a transferred charge call to a London number (Brit).

I want to call a London number collect (US).

(Brit) or a person-to-person call (US) I’d like to make a personal call to Joseph Broadway on Jamestown 123456. I want an ADC call to Bournemouth. I’d like a credit card call to Berlin. What do I dial to get the speaking clock? I’d like an alarm call for 7.30 tomorrow morning.

YOUR LOCAL OPERATOR SPEAKS

Number, please. What number do you want? What number are you calling? What number are you dialling? Where are you calling from? Would you repeat the number please? You can dial the number direct. Replace the receiver and dial again.


PART III

14


There’s a Mr Sandy Campbell calling you from Canberra and wishes you to pay for the call. Will you accept it? Can Mr Williams take a personal call (Brit)?

Can Mr Williams take a person-to-person call (US)? Go ahead, caller. (Directory Enquiries) There’s no listing under that name. There’s no reply from 45775784. I’ll try to reconnect you. Hold the line, caller. All lines to Bristol are engaged - please try later. It’s a card phone. I’m trying it for you now. It’s ringing. Ringing for you now. The line is engaged (Brit).

The line is busy (US).

WHEN THE NUMBER YOU ARE CALLING ANSWERS

Could I have extension 516? Can you give me extension 516? Is that Mr Lambert’s phone? Could I speak to Mr Swinton please? I’d like to speak to Mr Swinton, please. Is Mr Swinton there? Could you put me through to Dr Henderson, please? Who’s speaking? I’ll try again later. I’ll call back in half an hour. Could I leave my number for her to call me back? I’m ringing from a callbox (Brit).

I’m calling from a pay station (US).


PART III

15


I’m phoning from England. Would you ask him to ring me when he gets back? Could you ring that number for me?

THE ANSWERING SWITCHBOARD OPERATOR SPEAKS

Queen’s Hotel, can I help you? Who is calling, please? Who shall I say is calling? Do you know his extension number? I am connecting you now. I’m putting you through now. I’m putting you through now to Mrs Thomas. I have a call from Tokyo for Mrs Thomas. I’ve got Miss Martin on the line for you. Miss Paxton is calling you from Paris. Dr Craig is talking on the other line. Sorry to keep you waiting. There’s no reply. I’ll put you through to our Sales Department.

ANSWERING THE TELEPHONE

Hullo, this is Anne speaking. (Is that Anne?) Speaking. Would you like to leave a message? Can I take a message for him? Don’t hang up yet. Put the phone down and I’ll call you back. This is a recorded message. To leave a message, please speak after the tone.


PART III

16


WHEN PROBLEMS OCCUR

I can’t get through (at all). The number is not ringing. I’m getting ‘number unobtainable’. I’m getting the ‘number unobtainable’ signal. Their phone is out of order. We were cut off. I must have dialled the wrong number. We’ve got a crossed line. I’ve called them several times with no reply. You gave me a wrong number. I got the wrong extension. This is a very bad line. This line has an (interfering) echo.


PART IV


PART IV SOCIAL TALK

Page

Introducing Yourself 18

Introducing Others 18

Starting a Conversation 18

Changing Groups 19


PART IV

18


1. INTRODUCING YOURSELF - Hello! I don’t believe we’ve met. My name is ... - Hello! I don’t believe we’ve been introduced. I’m ... - Hi! My name is Hans Müller. I’m from Germany. - Excuse me, haven’t we met before? - Excuse me, don’t I know you from somewhere?

2. INTRODUCING OTHERS

“General Blinkey, may I present Captain Flakey to you? Captain Flakey, this is General Blinkey”. General Blinkey: “How do you do?” Captain Flakey: “How do you do, sir?” “Mrs. Potts, I’d like you to meet Mr. Blitz. Mr. Blitz, this is Mrs. Potts.” Mrs. Potts: “How do you do?” Mr. Blitz: “It’s nice to meet you./Pleased to meet you.” “Tom, do you know Susan?” Susan, this is Tom Hawk, a friend of mine from work. Tom, this is Susan Schalk.” Susan: “Hi!” Tom: “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.” “Mary, this is Hans Müller from Germany. Hans, this is my wife Mary.” Mary: “Nice to meet you.” Hans: “Nice to meet you.” “Hello, everyone. This is Hans Müller from Germany.” Everyone: “Hi, Hans!”

3. STARTING A CONVERSATION - Sorry, what was your name again? I didn’t catch it. - Sorry, I didn’t quite catch what you said. - Nice (terrible/lousy) weather, isn’t it? - Is the weather always this good/nice/lousy? - Is the weather always

like this? - Where are you from? - Are you from this area? - Where are you staying? - What sights are there to see in this area?


PART IV

19


- What is there to do (What do people do) in the evenings here? - Where do you work? - How do Americans usually go about doing that? - Excuse me, I couldn’t help but overhearing - did you say something about ...? - What do you (your section/group) think about ...?

4. CHANGING GROUPS - Nice talking to (with) you! See you around. - I need to refresh my drink. - I really should go over and talk to ... - I really need to circulate. Nice talking to you. - If you’re ever in ..., don’t hesitate to give me a call. - If you’re ever in ..., stop by and see me. Here is my calling card with my

address and phone number.



PART V

PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS USED

IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE


PART V

21


Page

Able or Unable 22

Advice 23

Agreement 24

Apology 26

Approval/Disapproval 28

Certainty 29

Comparison 30

Disagreement 31

Doubt 33

Emphasis 34

Impossibility 35

Improbability 35

Intention and Desire 36

Likes,

Dislikes,

Preferences

37

Obligation 39

Offers 41

Opinion 42

Moderating a Statement 43

Permission 44

Possibility 46

Probability 46

Suggestion 46


PART V

22


ABLE OR UNABLE

I can drive a car.

I am able to drive a car.

I know how to drive a car.

I can’t drive a car.

I don’t know how to drive a car.

Applicants must be able to use a word processor.

Can you speak French?

Do you speak French?

I can or I am able to lend him the money.

He is quite incapable of telling a lie.

He is quite unable to tell a lie.

He cannot tell a lie.

He was quite incapable of passing that examination.

He was quite unable to pass it.

It is quite impossible for me to be in Paris next week.

I cannot be in Paris next week.

We are not in a position to give any sort of decision yet.

He has been ill, and is still not up to or equal to any heavy work.

I’m quite hopeless at or I am no good at decorating and practical things.

I’m afraid the task proved quite beyond his powers or beyond his capabilities or

beyond his abilities.

It proved quite beyond him.

He simply could not cope with the stresses of family life.


PART V

23


ADVICE

ASKING FOR ADVICE

I’d like your advice about or I’d appreciate your advice about where to go in Italy.

What would you advise me to do in the circumstances?

Would you advise me to do as they ask?

How would you go about it?

What would you do, if you were me?

Do you think I ought to sell it to him?

What would you recommend in these circumstances?

GIVING ADVICE

If you want my advice, I’d say you should steer well clear of them.

Take my advice and don’t rush into anything.

My advice would be to have nothing to do with this affair.

I would strongly advise you to reconsider this decision.

I would advise against any such course of action.

It would certainly be advisable to or You would be well advised to get his permission before going any further in this matter.

In your place I would or If I were you I would clarify the matter with her headmaster first.

I think you should send or I think you ought to send it by express post, as time is so important.

Why don’t you explain to her exactly what happened?

If I were you, I’d go by air to save time.

You’d be as well to think it over carefully before taking any decision.

Would you allow me to suggest something? You could go there directly from London.

If you ask me, you’d better find another travel agency.

Do be sure you read the small print before you sign anything.

Try to avoid a quarrel with him, for my sake.

Whatever you do, don’t drink the local brandy.

We believe that you would be ill-advised to have any dealings with this firm.

smAll print

CO

NTR

ACT


PART V

24


Please believe me when I say it is in your interest to act promptly now.

(LESS DIRECTLY)

It might be wise or It might be a good thing to go and see your doctor about this.

In view of the present situation, it might be better to think it over for a while before acting.

I’d be very careful not to commit myself.

You might like or You might care to write to him and explain what happened.

There would be something to be said for acting at once.

I wonder if it might be as well to wait for another few days?

WARNING SOMEONE ABOUT SOMETHING

Take care not to spend too much money.

Be careful not to believe everything they tell you.

Make sure you don’t or Mind you don’t sign anything.

I’d think twice about going on holiday with her.

It would be sensible to consult someone who knows the country before making detailed plans.

It would be sheer madness to marry him if you feel that way about him.

You’re risking a long delay in Cairo, if you decide to come back by that route.

AND, ACCORDING TO CONTEXT: What would you do in my position?/can you help me to...?/I should be grateful if you could…/what would your reaction be if…?/might I be allowed to offer some advice?/we would urge you to.../things being what they are…/in your shoes, I would…/my view of the matter is…/it’s really none of my business, but.../a word of caution.../it would seem a good idea to.../I hope you don’t think I’m interfering, but.../it occurred to me that you might…/don’t be offended if I suggest/if I might be permitted to.../I should warn you that…/instinct tells me that…

AGREEMENT

AGREEING WITH A STATEMENT

I fully agree with you or I totally agree with you on this point.

We are in complete agreement on this.

You’re quite right or You are quite correct when you say the fault lies here.

I share your opinion that this was extremely badly arranged.

I share your concern abut this matter.

I share your views about this.

I think we see eye to eye on the question of who should pay these costs.

We are of the same mind, when it comes to allocating responsibility within the department.

We have been thinking along the same lines, that is quite clear.

We are broadly in agreement with you on the way to approach this problem.


PART V

25


There are several points of contact between us.

My own experience certainly bears out or confirms what you say.

Our conclusions are entirely consistent with your findings.

My own independent statistics corroborate those of your researcher.

We must endorse your conclusions on this matter.

Our opinion coincides with yours on all the important points.

We applaud the group’s decision to stand firm on this point.

I take your point about the increased transport costs.

I am prepared to concede that a trip to Australia is justified.

It’s true that you had the original idea, but many other people worked on it.

I have no objection to this being done.

I do not object to your doing this.

AGREEING TO A PROPOSAL

This solution is most acceptable to us.

We will readily fall in with these proposals.

I like the sound of what you say about or I do like your idea of limiting sightseeing to mornings only.

This certainly seems the right way to go about it.

As for the idea of your speaking to him about it, I should certainly welcome this.

The proposed scheme meets with our approval.

This is a proposal which deserves our wholehearted support.

I will certainly give my backing to such a scheme.

We assent to or We give our assent to your plan to develop this site commercially.

AGREEING TO A REQUEST

Of course I shall be happy to get the tickets.

I’ll do as you suggest and send him the documents.

There is no problem about getting tickets for him, and I shall do it at the end of the week.

We should be delighted to cooperate with you in this enterprise.

We shall comply with your request at once.

INDICATING AGREEMENT

Nothing could be more true than this portrayal of the pangs of youthful love.

We must acknowledge the validity of the point made by Bevin.

One has to admit that these criticisms have some validity.

It is, as the writer says, a totally unexpected event.

They are to be congratulated on the accuracy of their predictions.

He says, rightly in my view, that there is no meaning in this statement.


PART V

26


In Act II, the hero makes an extremely perspicacious remark about John’s intentions.

AND, ACCORDING TO CONTEXT: I think the same as you do/as you have quite rightly pointed out…/I’ll go along with that/it makes sense to do this/I am fully in accord with/I am prepared to give the go-ahead to…/I am certainly in favour of…/I can see no reason to oppose this/this is quite satisfactory/I am quite ready to.../we shall sanction the use of…/if you insist, I shall.../there can be no doubt about…/I cannot dispute the facts given in…/there’s no denying that…/I hasten to agree with…/this is just what I had hoped for/I hoped you would say this/I would urge you to do so/I have taken this on board, and shall.../I note your suggestion about…/it is eminently sensible to.../this is justified by…/I have given it some thought/I agree in theory, but in practice.../I can’t help thinking that…/I agree up to a point.

APOLOGY

I am really very sorry - I can’t come on Sunday after all, as I have to go and visit my sister.

I’m sorry to disturb you.

I’m sorry that you have been troubled.

I can’t tell you how sorry I am about this unfortunate incident.

Please forgive me for not asking your permission before approaching him.

Do forgive me - I should have checked with your office first.

I must apologise for all the inconvenience you have been caused.

I am sorry to have to tell you that your application arrived too late.

(MORE FORMALLY)

I would ask you to excuse this misunderstanding on our part.

I can only apologise once again, on behalf of the Committee, for the disturbances

at your lecture.

I am writing to ask you to forgive our apparent rudeness in not replying to your original letter.

We send you our most sincere apologies for all the difficulties that have occurred in this matter.


PART V

27


(EXPRESSING REGRET)

I am very upset about the whole affair, which should never have happened.

I am really ashamed of what happened last week.

I wish I hadn’t mentioned it at all, although at the time it didn’t seem important.

I should never have said a thing like that.

To my great regret, we have been unable to dissuade him.

Unfortunately, it is not possible for me to do any more to help you in this matter.

I am entirely to blame for all this - I should have phoned the travel agency myself.

It is my fault that this misunderstanding happened, and I have written to the head of department explaining the circumstances.

I have absolutely no excuse for this error on my part.

I am afraid I quite forgot about it until the office had closed.

I admit I gave him the papers, and should not have done so.

It was an accident - I can assure you I didn’t mean to break the clock.

I really didn’t do it on purpose - I had not realised that the handle had already been damaged.

It is exceedingly unfortunate that the tickets were mislaid.

We regret to inform you that or We must regretfully inform you that this title is now out of print.

We very much regret that we cannot publish this work.

(SUGGESTING EXPLANATION)

I was simply trying to give you less work.

You may find this difficult to believe, but I thought I was doing the right thing.

There has obviously been an error in our accounting procedure, possibly owing to our recent change in computing facilities.

I was anxious not to upset him any more, as he was clearly very worried by what happened.

I was acting in good faith when I showed them the documents.

We were obliged to accept their conditions.

We were under the impression that these figures had been passed by the Accounts Office.

We unfortunately had no choice in the matter.

I can assure you that I had nothing to do with the arrangements.

We had no alternative but to terminate his contract at once.

AND, ACCORDING TO CONTEXT: I feel sure you will understand why/I can promise you it won’t happen again/you can be sure that we shall be more careful in future/I assure you that this cannot now happen/I shall do all in my power to see that.../we shall do all we can to improve.../I undertake to do all that is necessary in this respect.


PART V

28


APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL

APPROVAL

You are quite right to wait before making such an important decision.

I entirely approve of the idea of meeting you all in Geneva.

I have a very high opinion of or I have a very high regard for or I think very

highly of the school and its headmistress.

We are all very enthusiastic about or We are all very keen on his proposals for a new sports centre here.

It’s just the sort of arrangement I wanted.

I certainly go along with that!

I am very much in favour of that sort of thing.

This project is worthy of our admiration, in that it attempts to alleviate poverty and hunger.

I greatly appreciated the comfort and cleanliness of the hotel.

I certainly admire his courage in attempting such a daunting task.

I applaud your honesty in admitting all that.

I shall certainly give it my backing, as it seems the best hope the company has of surviving this very difficult period.

Thank you for sending the draft programme: I like the look of it very much indeed.

I must congratulate you on the careful way you approached this problem.

There are considerable advantages in such a method, not only from the point of view of cost effectiveness, but also ...

I can thoroughly recommend this plan of action, which has clearly been carefully thought out.

This plan deserves our total support or our wholehearted approval.

We are pleased to recognise the merits of this scheme.

We view this proposal favourably, not least because it is based on a clear perception of the situation.

We fully endorse all that is proposed for this region.

AND, ACCORDING TO CONTEXT: That’s the way it should be/it’s exactly what I had in mind/it’s just the job/we should do all we can to see that this is a success/you have a real gift for.../I couldn’t have put it better myself/it is worth the effort/I fully agree with what is being done/he rightly suggests…/what a splendid thing to do/an excellent idea.


PART V

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DISAPPROVAL

I strongly disapprove of or I heartily disapprove of such behaviour.

I cannot support or I cannot approve of any testing of the drug on live animals.

We are opposed to or We condemn all forms of professional malpractice.

I write to complain of what is being done in the name of progress.

I must object to this attempt to damage our hospital service.

I can’t say I’m pleased about what has happened.

I don’t think much of what this government has done so far.

I take a dim view of or I take a poor view of students who do not do enough work.

I have a poor opinion of or I have a low opinion of people like him.

I’m fed up with having to wait so long for a passport.

I’ve had about enough of this sort of insinuation.

I can’t bear or I can’t stand people who smoke between courses in a restaurant.

I am very unhappy about your idea of going off to Turkey on your own.

He was quite wrong to tell her what I said about her.

They should not have refused to give her the money.

How dare he say that such people do not matter!

AND, ACCORDING TO CONTEXT: It is really necessary to.../this does not seem to be the right way of going about it/it seems to be the wrong approach/I greatly dislike…/I write to protest against…/this is a dreadful nuisance/…with considerable dissatisfaction…/I reproach him with…/I am sorry to learn that…/it is a disgrace/it is a scandal.

CERTAINTY

I am sure or I am certain or I am positive or I am convinced that he will keep his word to us.

We now know for certain or We now know for sure that the exam papers were seen by several students before the day of the exam.

It is certain or It is indisputable or It is undeniable that the two men met last Friday in London.

There is no doubt or There can be no doubt that the goods arrived in Liverpool on May 9th.

It has been established beyond all possible doubt or It has been established

once and for all that he was working for a foreign power during the time he was in Cairo.

From all the evidence it is clear that they were planning to gain control of the company.

It is beyond all doubt or It is beyond dispute or It is beyond question that their country is rich enough to support such research.

The facts are these: we cannot sell the goods without their marketing resources.

No one can deny that the weather there is better for skiing.

We shall not fail to let you have the papers as soon as we have processed them.


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It is inevitable that they will get to know of our meeting.

You have my absolute assurance that this is the case.

Make no mistake about it - I shall return when I have proof of your involvement.

I can assure you that I have had nothing to do with any dishonest trading.

She was bound to discover that you and I had talked.

I made sure that or I made certain that no one was listening to our conversation.

COMPARISON

This year’s sales figures are very high in comparison with or compared with or

when compared with those of our competitors.

By comparison, this one is much more expensive.

If you compare New York and Washington, you realise how pleasant the latter is to live in.

If we set the overall cost against our estimate, we can see how inaccurate it was.

This house has a lovely garden, whereas or whilst the other has only a small yard.

The quality of the paintings is very disappointing beside that of the sculpture section in the exhibition.

In contrast to Joan’s, Anne’s career has flourished since she left university.

As opposed to John’s or Unlike John’s, Peter’s work is careful and thorough.

This is nowhere near as large as the other one.

Let us compare and contrast the two approaches.

We must now attempt to note the similarities and the differences.

There is no comparison between them or You cannot compare them at all or

They are simply not comparable - the first scheme is clearly much more ambitious than the second.

The former looks good, but the latter is more effective.

There is some (or no or a certain) resemblance between the two photographs.

There is some (or no etc.) similarity between them.

There is some (or no etc.) difference between them.

It’s swings and roundabouts - what you gain on one, you lose on the other.

It is something like a television screen, but much smaller.

He’s like his brother, only fairer.

What differentiates him from similar writers is his grasp of social truths.

(COMPARING FAVOURABLY)

It is greatly superior to that restaurant we went to last time we were in Rome.


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The imported version just can’t compete with the one we make ourselves.

I think James has the edge over Paul in maths.

The little chest of drawers is really in a class of its own.

(COMPARING UNFAVOURABLY)

It is much inferior to the sample they sent us.

His book is not worthy of comparison with or does not bear comparison with the writings of the experts in the field.

I’m afraid her work simply does not measure up to that of her classmates.

The English forwards were no match for the French, who scored three goals in the first half.

As far as brains go, he is not in the same class as or he is not a patch on his father.

(GREAT SIMILARITY)

It is really much the same as the other.

There’s not much difference between them.

There’s not much to choose between them.

These rings are about equal in value.

They are of equal value.

The value of this house is equivalent to or corresponds to that of the one you own.

It has been likened to or It has been compared to one of Wordsworth’s later poems.

His exam results are on a par with those of his brother.

(GREAT DIFFERENCE)

They are simply not comparable or You just can’t compare them at all - they are so different in their approach.

There is little correlation between one set of results and the other.

They have so little in common that it is a waste of time trying to assess their respective merits.

DISAGREEMENT

DISAGREEING WITH WHAT SOMEONE HAS SAID

I cannot agree with what you say about this.

I absolutely disagree or I totally disagree with you on this.

You are quite wrong when you suggest that it was his fault.

There must be some mistake - the ferry ticket could not cost as much as that.

This cannot be the case.


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I am obliged to point out that this is not the case.

You are wrong or You are mistaken in believing that my son was involved.

This is your view of the events: it is certainly not mine.

Surely you cannot believe all this?

I can’t share your point of view on this.

This is your opinion: I am afraid I cannot share it.

I cannot share your concern for this section of the group.

I cannot accept this interpretation of the events.

I entirely reject all you say about this.

We explicitly reject the implication in your letter.

We must agree to differ on this subject.

I think it might be better if you thought it over again.

I cannot support you on this matter.

I am afraid that I’m not altogether with you on this.

I can’t go along with all you say about them.

I have discussed this matter with my colleagues, and we cannot accept your

version of the events.

The facts do not bear out this assertion.

This report diverges from the facts as I know them.

I am afraid I think the whole thing sounds rather unlikely.

I take great exception to this statement.

DISAGREEING WITH WHAT SOMEONE PROPOSES

I am not too keen on this idea.

I don’t think much of this idea. I am afraid it seems to me to be

the wrong sort of approach to such a problem.

This does not seem to be the right way of dealing with the problem.

While we are grateful for the suggestion, we are

unfortunately unable to implement this change.

It is not feasible to change the schedule at this late stage.

This is not a viable alternative.

I’m very much against this idea.

I will not hear of such a thing.

INDICATING DISAGREEMENT

It is hard to agree with the popular view that religious belief is out-of-date.

This statement is totally inaccurate or is very far from the truth in many respects.

Unfortunately, there is not the slightest evidence to justify such a claim.

This argument offers no solution to the problems which have beset the artist from time immemorial.

ERRORMESSAGE


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This is clearly a false view of the poet’s intentions.

The pessimistic view of life should not go unchallenged.

This simplistic notion of Shakespeare’s aim is quite unconvincing.

I find it impossible to accept the philosophical argument for this.

REFUSING A REQUEST

I am afraid I must refuse.

I can’t do it, I’m sorry to say.

I won’t agree or I can’t agree to do that.

I cannot in all conscience do what you request.

I hope you are not too upset, but I just

can’t manage it.

I cannot possibly comply with this request.

I wouldn’t dream of doing a thing like that.

I refuse point-blank to have anything to do with this affair.

It would not be possible for me to do this.

This is quite out of the question for the time being.

It is unfortunately impracticable for us to commit ourselves at this stage.

In view of the proposed timescale, I must reluctantly decline to take part.

DOUBT

I doubt whether he knows where it came from.

It is doubtful whether he knows where it came from.

There is still some doubt surrounding his exact whereabouts.

It isn’t certain or It isn’t known for sure where she is.

It is not necessarily the case.

I am not sure or I am not certain or I am not convinced or I cannot say definitely that these goods will sell.

We are still in the dark about where the letter came from.

I am wondering if I should offer to help them out?

There is no proof or There is no evidence that what he says is correct.

It is touch-and-go whether they can save the company.

It’s all still up in the air - we shan’t know for certain until the end of next week.


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It is debatable whether there is any value in interviewing him so long after the event.

It’s anyone’s guess who will be chosen.

I have my doubts about the value of the experiment.

It is questionable whether the author intended this.

The government’s present attitude raises the whole question of whether local government can survive in its present form.

This line of reasoning sets a serious question mark against the future of education.

It remains to be seen whether new techniques can be found in time.

It is to be doubted whether the book is intended to convey a real message.

It may well be that Johnson is serious in this, but his motives are certainly

questionable.

Few people would deny the benefits of such a scheme. But, it may be argued, few people would identify the need for it in the first place.

It is certainly true that moral factors are important in this area, but I wonder

whether the economic background is not more crucial.

We can believe the author up to a point, but it is hard to be sure that he is right all the time.

In spite of the known facts, there must be serious doubts about the validity of this approach.

It is certainly possible that or It cannot be ruled out that the author wished us to believe this.

It may be conceded that in this play Hector is a type rather than a person.

Of course, one could reduce the number of accidents by such a method, but we must ask ourselves whether the price is not too high.

Undoubtedly this has improved life for a large section of our society, but we must consider carefully the implications of this fact.

It cannot be denied that the buildings are unusual, but whether they are beautiful is quite another matter.

He has begun well. It remains to be seen whether he will continue as impressively.

EMPHASIS

Let us be clear that the essential question is not one of money.

It should never be forgotten that the writer belongs to his own times.

It is hard to overemphasise the importance of keeping an open mind.

This disaster underlines the importance of good safety measures.

Most important of all, we must understand the feelings of the victims.

The reasoning behind this conclusion deserves especial consideration.

Not only does this passage enlighten us, but it also inspires us.

It is well worth noting the background to this argument.

It is essential to realise that the problem will not be solved by more spending.

This scene is a difficult one, especially in view of the unlikely background events.

Next I wish to focus our attention on the use of dramatic irony.

What is more, the argument lacks conviction.

It is no coincidence that law comes before order in the popular mind.


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Another argument supports this thesis: without the contribution which working married women make to the economy, taxes would rise immediately.

The chief feature of this scheme is its emphasis on equality of opportunity rather than material goods.

Let us remember that any chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Moreover, it was significant that the Conference rejected the call for peace at any price.

Virginia Woolf’s attitude to this, as to many things, is particularly interesting in that it reflects the artist’s sense of isolation.

It is obvious to everyone that Freud is right.

What is quite certain is that justice will triumph.

The writer clearly does not understand the issue.

The fact of the matter is that nuclear waste is harmful.

It is easy to concentrate on this aspect of the problem, but the real question at

issue is different.

The facts speak for themselves: James is guilty.

Politicians make much of education aims, but what we are concerned with here

are the financial resources to achieve these.

It should be stressed that this is only a preliminary assumption.

It would be ridiculous to assert that any one political doctrine holds the answer to our quest for Utopia.

Few will dispute the claim that the microchip has changed our lives.

It is undoubtedly true that time is money.

IMPOSSIBILITY

Such a thing cannot happen.

It cannot be the case that they want to return to the East.

It is quite impossible that or It is out of the question that or It is unthinkable

that such a thing should happen.

They couldn’t possibly have arrived already.

This rules out any possibility of their working with us again.

There is not the remotest chance that or There is absolutely no chance that he will succeed.

There is no question of our giving them a contribution to their fund.

There can be no return to earlier standards.

IMPROBABILITY

It is highly improbable that there could be any saving in the original budget.

You probably have not yet seen the document I am referring to.

It is very doubtful now whether the expedition will reach the summit.

In the unlikely event that she should get in touch with you, please let me know immediately.

There is but a small chance that anyone survived such a horrendous accident.

It is scarcely to be expected that the university will contribute towards the cost.


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INTENTION AND DESIRE

ASKING WHAT SOMEONE INTENDS OR WANTS

Will you take the job?

Do you intend to or Do you mean to take the job?

What flight do you mean or do you intend to take to New York?

What do you propose to do with the money you have inherited?

It would be useful to know what your intentions are or what you intend to do.

What had you in mind for the rest of the programme?

Did you mean to tell him how much you had paid for the house, or did the figure just slip out?

SAYING WHAT YOU INTEND (YOUR INTENTIONS)

I am going to or I intend to or I mean to or My intention is to sell the car as soon as I can.

They intended him to go to university, but he did not pass his exams.

I have made up my mind or I have decided to go to university.

I am thinking of going to live in the country when I retire.

I am hoping to go and see her when I am in the States.

They have every intention of returning next year.

I went to London, intending to visit her or with the intention of visiting her, but she was away on business.

What I have in mind is to start a small hardware business.

I aim to reach Africa in three months.

He resolved to or He made a resolution to devote his life to the welfare of the underprivileged.

Our aim or Our object in buying the company is to provide work for the people of the village.

My whole point in complaining was to get something done about the state of the roads.

We plan to move or We are planning on moving into the European market next year.

They bought the land in order to farm it or for the purpose of farming it.

He studied history, with a view to becoming a politician when he left college.

SAYING WHAT YOU DO NOT INTEND TO DO

I didn’t mean to or I didn’t intend to offend her, but she made me very angry.

I intend not to pay or I don’t intend to pay unless he completes the work.

His parents didn’t intend him to be a lion-tamer, but it was the only work he could find.

He had no intention of accepting the post even if it were offered to him.

We are not thinking of advertising this post at the moment.


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SAYING WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE

I should like to see the Sistine Chapel.

Her father wanted her to be a teacher.

Robert wished to work abroad but could not get a work permit.

I am very keen to see more students take up engineering.

I’m longing to or I’m dying to go to Australia, but I can’t afford it yet.

I insist that you inform me as soon as you hear from them.

SAYING WHAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO DO

I don’t want or I have no wish or I haven’t any desire to take the credit for something I did not do.

I wouldn’t want you to change your plans for my sake.

I refuse to tell you where I put the documents.

I should prefer you not to speak to her about this.

AND, ACCORDING TO CONTEXT: What have you in view for…/have you anyone in mind for…/I am trying to discover your exact aims/did you do it intentionally?/I did it on purpose/it was by design/it was quite deliberate/it was not intentional/I went into this with my eyes open/he contrived to.../we were figuring on…/we were reckoning on…/they do not envisage…/her dearest wish was to.../he had set his sights on…/his ambition is to…/I did not bargain for…

LIKES, DISLIKES AND PREFERENCES

ASKING ABOUT PREFERENCES

Would you like to visit the castle, while you are here?

How do you feel about going to a cricket match when you’re in England?

What do you like doing best, when you are on holiday?

What’s your favourite way to spend an evening?

Which of the two do you prefer?

We could either go to Ottawa or stay in New York .

Which would you rather do?


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SAYING WHAT YOU LIKE

I greatly enjoy going to the cinema, especially to see a good French film.

I’m very keen on gardening.

As for seaside towns, I’m very fond of Brighton.

What I like better than anything else is or There’s nothing I like more than a quiet evening by the fire with a book.

For me, there’s nothing to compare with the Italian Renaissance painters.

I must admit to a certain affection for or fondness for or weakness for Victorian houses.

I have a soft spot for Labradors.

I like people to be on time for their appointments.

SAYING WHAT YOU DISLIKE

I very much dislike that sort of holiday.

I can’t stand or I can’t bear books that other people have written on.

I’m not too keen on seaside holidays.

I can’t say writing essays appeals to me very much.

It’s not my kind of book (or film or place etc).

I’m fed up with snooker on television.

Cowboy films aren’t my favourite form of entertainment.

I’m not too wild about or I can’t get up any enthusiasm for hill-walking.

Knitting isn’t really my thing, I’m afraid.

I’ve gone off the idea of cycling round Holland.

There’s nothing I like less or There’s nothing I dislike

more than having to get up at dawn.

I don’t much like the fact that he is always late on Monday mornings.

I took a dislike to him the moment I saw him.

What I hate most is waiting in queues for buses.

I find it intolerable that there should be no public transport here on Sundays.

I have a particular aversion to or I have a particular

dislike of people who think like that.


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SAYING WHAT YOU PREFER

I should prefer to or I would rather wait until we have enough money to go by air.

I’d prefer not to or I’d rather not go and see her until I have found the book she lent me.

I’d prefer you not to or I’d rather you didn’t invite him.

We should prefer you to put any comments in writing and send them to our Service Manager.

I like the blue curtains better than the red ones.

I prefer the blue curtains to the red ones.

EXPRESSING INDIFFERENCE

I have no particular preference.

I don’t mind at all - let’s do whichever is easiest.

I really don’t care what you tell her.

It’s all the same to me whether he comes with us or not: I suggest you decide.

I don’t feel strongly about what sort of transport we choose - why don’t you make that decision?

It makes no odds, one way or the other.

OBLIGATION

SAYING WHAT SOMEONE MUST DO

You must or You have got to or You have to be back before midnight.

You must not fail to pay the amount owing, or you will become liable to prosecution.

You will go directly to the headmaster’s office and wait for me there.

They could not get into the country without a visa.

They had to have a visa to get into the country.

She was obliged to give up her room in the hostel.

He was forced to or obliged to ask his family for a loan.

He was driven to asking his family for a loan.

You need to or You must or You have to have an address in Rome before you can apply for the job.

Three passport photos are required.

It is essential to or It is of the utmost importance to know what the career options are like, before choosing a course of study.

Go and see Pompeii - it’s a must!

You really must or You really should or You really ought to be more careful with your things.

You certainly ought to visit the Coliseum.

A clean driving licence is indispensable or necessary or essential or compulsory for the job.


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It is a requirement of the job.

I must now offer my resignation: in the circumstances, I cannot do otherwise or I

have no alternative.

You have to come with me - there’s no two ways about it, since I don’t speak the language at all.

(ASKING WHETHER YOU ARE OBLIGED TO DO SOMETHING)

Do I need to or Must I or Do I have to or Have I got to have a work permit?

Ought I to or Should I take some reading matter?

Is it necessary to or Must one or Does one need to or Does one have to or Has

one got to own a pair of skis?

Am I meant or Am I expected or Am I supposed to fill in this part of the form too?

SAYING OR ASKING WHAT SOMEONE IS NOT OBLIGED TO DO

You needn’t or You don’t have to or You haven’t got to go there if you don’t want to.

I haven’t got to apply before September, but I’d like to do so before I leave on holiday.

It is not necessary to or There’s no need to or It is not compulsory to or It is not

obligatory to have previous experience, but it does help.

You are not obliged or You are under no obligation to invite him, but it would be a kindness to do so.

Surely I needn’t or Surely I haven’t got to give him all the details immediately?

SAYING WHAT SOMEONE MUST NOT DO

You must not or You are not allowed to sit the exam more than three times.

You must not or On no account must you show this document to any unauthorised person.

It is forbidden to or It is not allowed to bring cameras into the gallery without prior permission from the owners.

I forbid you to return there.

You are forbidden to return there.

Smoking is forbidden or is prohibited in the dining room.

Smoking is not allowed or is not permitted in the dining room.

You’re not supposed to or You’re not meant to use this room unless you are a club member.

You cannot be out of the country for longer than three months without losing your right to this grant.

AND, ACCORDING TO CONTEXT: he had to go/it was obligatory/they had made it compulsory/it’s vital that…/it is necessary/it is quite indispensable/it is a prerequisite of/it is my duty to.../I’m duty bound to.../the onus is on you to.../we could not but agree/he was compelled to...


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OFFERS

OFFERS/REQUESTS

May I show you the city while you are here?

Would you like me to find out more about it for you?

Is there anything I can do about your accommodation?

We would like to offer you the post of assistant manager.

I might perhaps or I could perhaps give you a hand with the painting?

Shall I collect the documents for you on my way there?

How about letting me find some help for you in the house?

(MORE INDIRECTLY)

Say I were to lend you the money till your bursary comes through?

Would you allow me to contribute towards the cost?

I would be delighted to help, if I may.

I hope you will not be offended if I offer a contribution towards the expense you are incurring.

It would give me great pleasure to welcome you to my home.

I’d like to pay my share, if it’s all the same to you.

If you don’t mind, I’ll buy my own tickets.

Do let me know if I can help you on anything else.

If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to write to me.

What if I were to call for you in the car?

It occurred to me that I might go with you as far as the border at least?

REQUESTS

Would you please or Will you please call in and see her if you have time when you are in Rome?

Would you please or Would you kindly reserve one single room for those nights?

Could you arrange or Would it be possible for you to arrange for a car to come to the airport for me?

Would you mind letting me have a copy of your letter to him?

Might I ask you to or Could I ask you to let me have a note of his address some time?

(MORE FORMALLY)

I should be grateful if you would let me know which items you have in stock.

I would ask you or I must ask you not to use the telephone for long-distance calls.

We should be glad to receive your cheque for this amount by return of post.


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You are requested to return the books to us at once.

Kindly inform us when your account will be in credit.

(MORE INDIRECTLY)

I would rather you didn’t tell him what I said.

It would be very helpful or It would be very useful if you could find me a room there.

I was hoping that you might find time to go and see her.

I wonder whether you might not ask her for it?

I would appreciate it if you could let me have copies of the best photographs.

AND, ACCORDING TO CONTEXT: I apologise for troubling you with such a request/I hope this will not take up too much of your time/if it is not too much trouble…/if I am not disturbing you…/I hope you don’t mind about this/don’t forget to.../for heaven’s sake don’t…/may I remind you to.../we look forward to receiving from you…/if you do not...we shall…

OPINION

ASKING FOR SOMEBODY’S OPINION

What do you think of or What is your opinion on the way he has behaved over this?

If I may ask your opinion, how do you see the traffic developing in this part of the town?

I’d be interested to know what your reaction is to the latest report on food additives.

Can you tell me what your own feelings are about the way the house was sold?

What are your thoughts on the subject of how to earn more money?

I have been asked to find out what your attitude is to this problem.

Have you come to any conclusions about how we should plan the next stage?

EXPRESSING YOUR OPINION

In my opinion or As I see it, that was the best thing that could have happened to them.

I feel children shouldn’t be ordered around too much.

Personally, I believe her sister should have invited her to stay.

When I think about it, it seems to me that there are too many people chasing too few jobs.

I have the impression that there has been enough money spent on this project already.

I have an idea or a hunch that he might be coming back before the end of the summer.


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I daresay he’ll apologise if you give him time.

To my mind, he’s the wrong man for the job.

From my point of view or As far as I am concerned, television is a complete waste of time.

My own view of the matter is that the government will have to act quickly.

My own point of view is that or It’s my belief that people are best left to sort out their own lives.

It’s my opinion that or I am of the opinion that such people should not be allowed access to public funds.

I am convinced that they did it in order to make things difficult for us.

From where I stand, it looks as though the school will have to close.

If you ask me or If you want to know what I think or If you want my opinion, he should have been sent to hospital right away.

REPLYING WITHOUT GIVING AN OPINION

I should prefer not to comment on that statement at the moment.

I would rather not commit myself at this stage.

I don’t know what to think about or I don’t know what to say about the new scheme to brighten up the town.

This is not something I have given a lot of thought to.

I have no particular views on this subject.

I haven’t any strong feelings about it.

I am not in a position to say much about what is going on at these talks, as I have been abroad for some time.

I haven’t any idea or I haven’t the slightest notion what we ought to do now.

I’m afraid I am totally ignorant about or I know nothing at all about the internal combustion engine.

It all depends on what you mean by...

It depends on your point of view.

It is difficult to say who is right about this.

Your guess is as good as mine.

It doesn’t much matter to me whether or not he decides to go.

I wouldn’t like to give an opinion on that.

MODERATING A STATEMENT

The new law could have far-reaching implications for patterns of crime.

There might well be an explanation which we have overlooked.

Such a response suggests that or might be taken to mean that the group lacked enthusiasm for the project.

Let us assume (or suppose or conjecture) that Mary does love Worthington.

There is a strong possibility that or There is a strong probability that Worthington loves Mary.

One might reasonably suppose or One might justifiably assume that such behaviour would be frowned upon in any civilised society.


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PERMISSION

ASKING FOR PERMISSION

May I or Might I or Can I or Could I tell her about this?

Would you let me or Would you allow me to be present at the interview?

Would it be possible for us to leave the car in your garage for a week?

Is there any chance of borrowing your boat while we are at the lake?

Do you mind if I come to the meeting next week?

Would it be all right if I arrived on Monday instead of Tuesday?

Would it bother you if I invited him?

Would you have anything against my inviting him?

Would you have any objection or Would there be any objection to my bringing a friend with me?

Would you be kind enough to allow me to or I should be grateful if you would

allow me to travel with your group as far as the border.

May I be permitted to or May I be allowed to leave early on these three days?

Are we allowed to or Are we permitted to or Is it allowed to or Is it permitted to visit the Cathedral?

Is visiting the Cathedral permitted?

Is it permissible to take photographs inside the gallery?

GIVING PERMISSION

You can or You may have the car if you promise to drive carefully.

Of course you can borrow our boat - we are always glad when friends use it.

By all means, borrow our boat...

I should be delighted if you gave my name as a reference for this job.

It’s all right by me or I’m quite happy if you want to skip the visit to the Cathedral.

Of course I don’t mind if you prefer to stay in Italy for another week.


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I have no objection at all to your quoting me in your article.

I have nothing against your quoting me.

You have my permission to be absent for that week.

We should be happy to allow you to inspect the papers here.

You are allowed to visit the Museum, as long as you apply in writing to the Curator first.

We have been given permission to or We have been authorised to hold the meeting in the town hall.

The manager is quite agreeable to or has agreed to our using his premises.

REFUSING PERMISSION

You can’t or You mustn’t go anywhere near the research lab.

I should prefer you not to or I wouldn’t want you to or

I’d rather you didn’t give them my name.

We regret that it is not possible for you to visit the castle at the moment, owing to the building works.

I cannot allow this or I cannot permit this for the time being.

I couldn’t possibly allow you to show the photographs to a publisher.

I’m not allowed to visit such places alone.

I forbid you to approach him on my behalf.

You must not approach him.

You must not or You are forbidden to enter the premises without authority from the owners.

I’ve been forbidden to swim for the moment.

My doctor forbids me any alcohol.

I’ve been forbidden alcohol by my doctor.

It is strictly forbidden to carry weapons in this country.

Carrying weapons is strictly prohibited.

AND, ACCORDING TO CONTEXT: I wanted to ask you if I might…/I wonder if I might…/if it’s all right by you, I.../can I have the go-ahead to.../with your permission, I should like to.../if you agree…/that’s OK by me/permission is granted/I’m sorry, there’s no chance of this/I’m sorry to have to say no, but.../we are obliged to withhold permission/I am afraid we must reject this request/he has no objection to our.../they won’t object/I managed to get him to agree to.../he wouldn’t hear of it/he refused point-blank.


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POSSIBILITY

The situation could or might change from day to day.

Perhaps he has already arrived.

It would appear or It would seem that the grey car had been in an accident.

It is possible that or It is conceivable that they had met before.

It may be that I shall come to the States in the autumn.

It may be the case that they got your name from your former department.

It is within the bounds of possibility that he will know the man you mentioned.

There is reason to believe that the books were stolen from the library.

There are grounds for believing or There are grounds for the belief that they knew what we were doing as early as 1970.

I venture to suggest that he could be the man we need.

There is the outside chance that the hotel isn’t yet full.

PROBABILITY

It is highly probable or quite likely that they will come to the airport to meet you.

They will very probably come to meet you.

He must know what we want of him.

The cheque should reach you in Saturday’s post.

It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that he was working for the Americans.

There is a strong chance that or It seems highly likely that they will agree to the deal.

It could very well turn out to be the case that they had run out of funds.

The probability is or The likelihood is that we shall have to pay more for it if we buy it from them.

In all probability or In all likelihood we shall have to pay more.

It is reasonable to think that he will agree to join us.

It would appear or It would seem that he knew James Joyce in Ireland.

The chances are that or The odds are that or There is a good chance that you are right.

It stands to reason that he had seen the book before.

SUGGESTION

We could stop off in Barcelona for a day or two, if you would like to.

How do you fancy a couple of days at the sea?

What would you say to a morning on Grand Canal?

Would you like to visit the castle while you are here?

I suggest (that) or I would suggest (that) or I’d like to suggest that we offer him the job.

What if we were to arrange a meeting for the end of May?

Perhaps we should ask him if he would like to come with us?


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Why not go round to see him yourself?

Suppose or Supposing you were to rent a house in Sicily?

Perhaps you might care to add your name to this list?

You could or You might buy the tickets for both of us, if you agree.

You might like to write to him and explain what happened.

In your place or If I were you, I’d be very careful.

What do you think about trying to set up such a meeting?

Have you ever thought of applying for the job?

I’ve got an idea - let’s invite him over here.

If I may make a suggestion, why not discuss it with him?

If I might be permitted to suggest something: would you take her on in your department for a while?

We propose that half the fee be paid in advance, and half on completion of the contract.

(MORE TENTATIVELY)

It is quite important that you should wait till he returns.

I am convinced that this would be a dangerous step to take.

I was thinking of going there next month - how about it?

There would be a lot to be said for acting at once.

Might I be allowed to offer a little advice? Talk it over with your parents first.

I’d advise you to steer well clear of them.

In these circumstances, it might be better to wait.

It might be a good thing or It might be a good idea to warn her about this.

If you were to give me the negative, I could get copies made.

Would it matter if you didn’t hand in the essay on time?

Say you were to change the date of your holiday?

Some people might prefer to wait until they are sure of the money before acting.

Perhaps it might be as well to ask her permission first?

I’d be very careful not to commit myself.

ASKING FOR SUGGESTIONS

What would you do in my place or What would you do if you

were me?

Have you any idea what the best way to go about it is?

I wonder if you have any suggestion to offer on where we might go for a few days?

I’m a bit doubtful about where to start.

AND, ACCORDING TO CONTEXT: if you don’t object…/I’d like to ask you a favour/I would advise you to.../take care not to.../I would recommend…/whatever you do, don’t.../perhaps you would kindly…/I cannot put it too strongly/my idea was to.../how do you feel about this?/I should be grateful if you would…/it could be in your interest to.../it occurred to me that…/I

?


PART V

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would be delighted to.../I hope you will not be offended if…/if I were to make an informed guess, I’d say…/it might have something to do with…/if you ask me, you’d better…/it would certainly be advisable to...

nato phraseology course

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