Focus on Pronunciation (English VI)
Summer 2006

A: Good morning. Are you staying cool in this hot weather?

B: Uh huh. It's not so bad, but somebody told me that yesterday was the hottest June 25 since 1925. Are you okay today?

A: Uh uh. I didn't sleep well. I'm tired. ... Say, do you want to go to Subway tonight?

Later at Subway:

Worker: Hi. What'll you have?

A: Can I have a 6-inch sandwich on honey-oat bread with cheddar cheese, turkey, lettuce, cucumbers, hot peppers, bacon and salt and pepper? I'd also like oil, vinegar, and mayonnaise.. for here. ...And a 21-ounce Coke.

B: And I'll have a wrap with white American cheese, ham, chicken, tomatoes, pickles, green peppers, and olives ... and sweet onion sauce. Oh, and some potato chips.

Worker: For here or to go? And anything to drink?

B: For here. And a just a glass of water please.

Worker: Here you are ... That's $6.20 and $5.95. [six-twenty and five-ninety-five]

A and B: Thanks.

Worker: No problem.

Notes:

1. "I want" is not polite!

Use: "I'd like .... , please." or "May I have .... , please ?"

 

2. "Can I have .... ", "I'll take ...", or "I'll have ...." are informal and sometimes impolite. If you say these phrases nicely, without stress, and follow them with "please", they are often okay in informal situations.

3. Many people don't like the phrase "No problem" (meaning "You're welcome"). Don't use it with older people.