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Expressions of Offering

The document discusses different expressions for offering something to someone in various contexts and formality levels. It outlines phrases like "Would you like...?", "Would you care for...?", "Can I get you...?", "Do you want...?", and "Who would like...?" along with examples of how to use each one appropriately based on whether the situation is formal, informal, or semi-formal. The conclusion emphasizes that "Would you like...?" is most common but other expressions like "Do you want...?" are more informal while "Would you care for...?" is very formal. Politeness is important regardless of the context.

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Lita Amaliaa
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323 views2 pages

Expressions of Offering

The document discusses different expressions for offering something to someone in various contexts and formality levels. It outlines phrases like "Would you like...?", "Would you care for...?", "Can I get you...?", "Do you want...?", and "Who would like...?" along with examples of how to use each one appropriately based on whether the situation is formal, informal, or semi-formal. The conclusion emphasizes that "Would you like...?" is most common but other expressions like "Do you want...?" are more informal while "Would you care for...?" is very formal. Politeness is important regardless of the context.

Uploaded by

Lita Amaliaa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Different Expressions of Offering Something to Someone

1. How to Use “Would you like…?” to Offer Something


This is the most common polite expression used to offer something to someone. In formal
situations, “Would you like…?” is used. Let’s look at some examples.
Structure: Would you like + noun/noun phrase/infinitive + extension?
Examples: Would you like a cup of tea? Would you like to have a cup of tea? Would you
like a trip to London with me?
2. How to Use “Would you care for…?” to Offer Something
“Would you care for…?” is a very polite expression used to offer something. As you
already know, the modal “Would” is used in formal situations; this particular expression is
also used in formal situations. In hotels and restaurants, “Would you care for…?” is used
commonly to offer foods.  
Structure: Would you care for + noun/noun phrase + extension?
Examples: Would you care for some more curry? Would you care for a glass of juice?
Would you care for pudding, sir?
3. How to Use “Can I get you…?” to Offer Something
“Can I get you…?” is also commonly used to offer food or drink, however, you can use this
to offer other things as well. You can use it in semi-formal settings. See some examples
below.
Structure: Can I get you + noun/noun phrase + extension?
Examples: Can I get you a cup of coffee? Can I get you some milk? Can I get you
something?
4. How to Use “Do you want…?” to Offer Something
“Do you want…?” is a very common informal expression that is used to offer something to
someone. It sounds too direct; thus, you can only use it in informal situations. The examples
will show the use of “Do you want…?
Structure: Do you want + noun/noun phrase + extension?
Examples: Do you want some sugar? Do you want another glass of coke? Do you want
dessert?
5. How to Use “Who would like…?” to offer something
At a party or an event where a group of people is present, you can use “Who would
like…?” to offer something to everyone at a time. This is a formal expression. You address
all the people at a time, and whoever responses, you give it to them. The example may help to
clarify the idea.
Structure: Who would like + noun phrase/infinitive + extension?
Examples: Who would like a cup of green tea? Who would like to have something sweet?
Would you like something to drink?

Conclusion
Would you like…? is the most usual way of offering something to someone, or inviting
them to do something.
Do you want…? is a more informal way of offering something to someone.
Would you care for…? is a very formal way of asking someone if they would like
something.
Who would like…? is used when offering something to a group of people.
Can I get you…? is used especially when offering someone food or drink.
No matter whether you make a request or ask for permission, or offer something to someone,
politeness is the key. Regardless of contexts: formal, informal, or semi-formal, you are
expected to be polite and cordial.

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