Basic Grammar

Bach Khoa Sai Gon College

Instructor: Tran Nguyen Minh Khoa
Course outline
DATE LESSON PLAN
Date 1 (September 14th) Unit 1, 2, 8
Date 2 (September 18th) Unit 10, 22
Date 3 ( September 21st) Unit 4, 7, 12
Date 4 (September 25th) Unit 5, 6
Date 5 (September 28th) Unit 3, 9
Date 6 (October 02nd) Unit 11, 15
Date 7 (October 05th) Unit 13, 16
Date 8 (October 09th) Unit 17, 18
Date 9 (October 12th) Unit 19, 20
Date 10 (October 16th) Unit 14
Date 11 (October 19th) Midterm
Date 12 (October 23th) Unit 21
Date 13 (October 24th) Unit 23, 24, 27
Date 14 (October 26th) Unit 25, 26
Date 15 (October 30th) Unit 28, 29, 30
Date 16 (November 02nd) Unit 30
Date 17 (November 06th) Review
Express an offering
• Offering Help
• Offering something
Offering help
• Offer means to give something physical or abstract to someone
which can be taken as a gift or trade.
• Offer means help, so it can be taken or refused.
• Expression of offering help is an expression that used to offer help to
someone.
• There are two ways for offering help: formal & informal
 Kinds of expression for offering help
Informal: Formal
• Can I help you?
• Is there any thing that I can do?
• Let me help you.
• If you like I could help..... • What should I do for you?
• I’ll do it for you. • Would you like any help?
• May I help you? • May I be of assistant?
• Do you need some help?
• Do you need any more help?
• Might I help at all?
• What can I do for you?
Examples of Offering Help
• Adam: Let me carry your suitcase.
Billy: Thank you.
• Dera : Hi Liam, You look so pale. Are you okay?
Liam : Hi Dera, I’m not okay, I'm stomachache. I'm looking for some
medicine.
Dera : Let me help you to take some medicine.
Liam : Yes, please. Thank you Dera.
Dera : Your welcome Liam. Is there anything I can do for you? Maybe take
you to see the doctor?
Liam : Thanks for your kindness, but I can do it by myself.
Offering something
• Offering things in English is very important for every time we want to
be polite.
Offering something
Formal
Informal
• Can I get you some…?
• How about ….?
• Would you like something to eat
• What about ….. ?
• Would you mind joining us?
• What do you say about…..?
• Could I offer you a glass of wine?
• Are you up for some …. ?
• May I offer you some…
• Shall I go to the shops with you?
Examples of Offering Something
• Keith: Can I get you something to drink?
William: Yes, that would be nice. Thank you.
• Brian: Let me carry your suitcase.
Anna: Thank you.
• Keith: Are you up for some dinner?
Anna: Hey, thanks. What’s on the menu?
• William: What about something to drink?
Brian: Sure, do you have any coffee?
Accepting an Offer
• Accepting offers is as important as we offer something to show the
politeness. The following phrases are commonly used when
accepting an offer:
Thank you Thank you. I’d like it. I appreciate that.
Yes, please. Thank you, I would. You’re most kind.
Yes, I’d love to. That would be nice That’s extremely kind
Just what I need. of you.
Examples of Accepting an Offer

• Keith: May I get you some drink?

May: Yes, I’d love to get some tea.
• Keith: Would you like me to get you some food?
May: That would be nice. Thank you.
Declining an Offer
• Declining an offer is used to decline an offer or help from someone.
The following phrases are commonly used when declining an offer:
No, thanks. It’s ok, thank you.
No, it’s ok. Thanks. That’s very kind. I’d like to, but
No, I’m ok, thanks. unfortunately….

No, I really won’t. Thank you. It’s very good of you to offer, but…

No, don’t worry. That’s extremely kind of you, but…

Not for me, thanks. I’m very grateful for your offer, but….
Examples of Declining an Offer
• Person 1: Would you like some cookies?
Person 2: Thank you, but I'm on a diet.
• Person 1: How about a cup of tea?
Person 2: I'd like to have a cup of tea. Unfortunately, I'm late for a
meeting.
Express an invitation
• Making, accepting an declining an invitation.
Making invitation
A dialogue
John: I'm having a birthday celebration tomorrow night. Would you like to
come?
Jack: Really? I'd love to. What time?
John: About seven o'clock.
Jack: Should I bring some food?
John: No, that's fine. There'll be plenty of food.
Jack: Great! Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. John: See you, Bye.
Expression giving invitation
Here are the examples of giving invitation :
 Could you come to my party ?
 Would you mind coming over on Saturday night ?
 Would you like to come to my birthday party on .......... ?
 How about going out for lunch to gather this afternoon ?
 I'd like you to .........
 Can you ............ ?
 How would you like to ................... ?
 Would you like to come to my place for dinner tonight, please ?
 Why don't you join me for lunch/ dinner ?
 I'd like to invite you to see our school/factory/office/ while you're in Bali/etc.
 Would you come with me to the cinema tomorrow ?
Accepting the invitation
 Thank you for your invitation I'll happy to come/join/dinner/lunch/etc.
 That's very kind of you.

 That sound wonderful, I'll happy to come/ join/ etc.

 I'd love to go with you.

 Certainly, I'd love to go/ come/ join/ etc.

Refusing the invitation
If you refuse/decline an invitation, remember to thank the person for the invitation
and give a reason for refuse/decline. You don't need to give a detailed reason, it's just
a general reason. For example:
 Thank you but I'm sorry, I'm afraid I can't...

 Thank you for your invitation but I don't think I can make it.

 I'd love to but I can't. I have other plans.

 That's very kind of you, but I'm afraid my schedule is booked up all next week/next
Sunday/ tomorrow/ Saturday night/ etc.
 I'm sorry, but I have other plans. Thank you anyway.

 I'd like to, but tomorrow I would prefer to stay at home.

 No, I’m sorry. Thank you.

REACTING
Positive Negative
• Great! • That's a shame!
• Happy to hear it! •What a pity!
• Fine, looking forward to seeing •l'm sorry you can't make it.
you there. •Never mind.
• Glad you can make it. •Sorry, you can't.
• See you there, then.
Making requests – asking someone to do
something for you
• Could you open the door for me, please?”
• “Would you mind opening the door for me, please?”
• “Can you open the door for me, please?’

Note: could and can are followed by the verb without to. Would you
mind is followed by the verb and -ing.
Making requests – asking if you can do
something
• “Can I use your computer, please?”
• “Could I borrow some money from you, please?”
• “Do you mind if I turn up the heating?”
• “Would you mind if I turned up the heating?”

• Note:
Could is more polite that can.
Do you mind if…” is followed by the verb in the present tense, but would
you mind if… is followed by the verb in the past tense.
Making requests – asking if you can do
something
• “Can I use your computer, please?”
• “Could I borrow some money from you, please?”
• “Do you mind if I turn up the heating?”
• “Would you mind if I turned up the heating?”

• Note:
Could is more polite that can.
Do you mind if…” is followed by the verb in the present tense, but would
you mind if… is followed by the verb in the past tense.
Responding the request
• Sure
• Yeah, sure.
• Certainly
• Yes, of course.
• I’m sorry I can’t.
• Sorry, I afraid I can’t.
• Not at all (= I don’t mind and I will you what you request).
Examples
• A: Hey, Maggie could you please close the door?
B: Yes, of course.
A: Thanks.
B: No problem.
• A: Marky, where you at?
B: I'm in the playground, Mom.
A: Could you please buy me a coke?
B: I'm sorry I can’t.
A: Why? B: I'm playing here.
Exercises
1. Which of the following answer is NOT appropriate?
A: Would you come over for dinner tonight?
B: ____
a. Sure. What time?
b. Why not? When should I be there?
c. Why?

2. Which of the following answer is appropriate?

A: My husband and I were wondering if you'd like to come over for dinner this
Saturday.
B: _____
A. Well, I have a problem with you.
B. I'd love to, but I'm afraid I'm busy this Saturday.
C. I don't go out on Saturdays.
 3.Which of the following answer is NOT appropriate?
A: Would you like to join us for dinner tonight?
B: _____
A. Yes, I would.
B. Thank you. I'd love to.
C. I'm sorry but I already have plans tonight.
4. Choose the right answer for this dialogue:
• Shela : ................................
• Dea : Well, it sounds great. I will come.
A. Could you going with me to buy a book in Gramedia after school.
B. Could you come to my party last week?
C. Could you accompany me to find out hisctorical books on Saturday?
D. Would you coming to my wedding?
5.Kraham invites Nadia to go to the movie, but Nadia refuses his invitation.
Ilham : Are you free this Saturday?
Nadia : But why?
Ilham : Let’s go to the cinema, shall we?
Nadia : …………………
A. That sounds nice.
A. b. That’s a good idea.
B. c. I’d love to, but I’m busy.
C. d. Well, that’s great.
PRACTICE: SOCIAL FACTORS
• Request: "Let me leave."
• Situation 1: You are in a meeting with the CEO of your company and
you have to leave (emergency).
• Situation 2: You are on a first date, but suddenly remember an
appointment you have in 30 min.
• Situation 3: You are playing a game with friends but it is getting late
and you have a test in the morning.
PRACTICE: SOCIAL FACTORS
• • Request: "Come with me"
• Situation 1: You are taking care of a child and need to take them with
you on an errand.
Situation 2: You are talking with your mother/father and want them to
join you on a vacation.
• Situation 3: You are a department manager in your company and
need a coworker to accompany you to an important meeting.
Expressing agreement
or disagreement
 EXPRESSING AGREEMENT AND
DISAGREEMENT

• WHAT IS TO AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH SOMETHING?

• To express what you THINK.
• To say what you WANT TO SAY.
• To agree with someone about
certain topics or situations.
SOME EXPRESSIONS OF AGREEMENT
• I agree • That’s a good point
• I think • I think so too
• It’s true • Absolutely
• It’s true • I totally agree
• Do/ Don’t you agree that… • You’re right
• I agree
• I think

Do you know any other expressions to

EXPRESSING DISAGREEMENT
• I don’t agree that • I’m afraid I have to disagre
• I don’t think that • I don’t think so
• It’s not true • You’re wrong!
• In my opinion…. • No way!
• I don’t agree with you • Isn’t true that….?
• I don’t think so. • Don’t you think that…?
• I totally disagree
• I’m sorry to disagree but… Do you know any other expressions to
• I hate to disagree but…
express disagreement?
PARTLY AGREE

• I’m not so sure but…

• I see your point but…
• I partly agree…
• Maybe, but…
 SOME OTHER EXPRESSIONS

• You also can begin a sentence expressing agreement or disagreent with these
expressions;
• I feel…
• In my opinion…
• I think…
• I don’t think…
• Well, yes, but…
Necessity and obligation
• When you want to say that someone has an obligation to do
something, or that it is necessary for them to do it, you use ‘must’,
‘need (to) or ‘have to’.
You must come to the meeting tomorrow.
I enjoy parties, unless I have to make a speech.
Can you be quiet. I need to finish this.
I need a new mobile phone. This one is really old.
Must & Have to
• When you are stating your own opinion that something is an
obligation or a necessity, you normally use ‘must’.
I must be very careful not to upset him.
We must eat before we go.
• When you are giving information about what someone else considers
to be an obligation or a necessity, you normally use ‘have to’.
They have to pay the bill by Thursday.
She has to go now.
Mustn’t & Don’t have to
• You use ‘must not’ or ‘mustn’t’ to say that it is important that
something is not done or does not happen.
You must not talk about politics.
They mustn’ t find out that I came here.
• If you ‘do not have to’ do something, it is not necessary for you to do
it, but you can do it if you want.
She doesn’t have to bring any food to the party.
 TASK

• In no more than 3 students, create a dialogue using at least 4 expressions of

agreement, partly agreement or disagreement.
• Every student has to participate in the dialogue a minimum of 3 times.
• You have only 30 minutes.
• Use your imagination to create it and make your presentation unique.
• You will have to present it in front of the class.
• It will be graded.
Sample topics
• Video Games Make You Smarter
• Children shouldn’t have phone.
• Do you think English is boring.
• Personality is more important than beauty.
• Parents should never hit their children.
• The most important thing about a job is the salary.
• Violence is sometimes necessary.
• Money is more important than love.
 Suggesting,
advising and saying
that
you’re sure
Warm-up
Read the dialogue
1. Peter : Are you sure air pollution is more dangerous for the children?
Jim :Yes, I'm quite sure. It causes the illness for them.
2. Anne : Are you sure all the garbage is easy to destroy?
Marry : No, I doubt about it. The garbage like plastics is difficult to destroy
Answer these question based on the dialogue above
1. Is Jim sure that air pollution is more dangerous for the children?
2. What does he say?
3. Is marry sure that all the garbage is easy to destroy?
4. What does she say?
Expression to ask if S.O is sure about S.th
• Are you (absolutely) sure /certain that………………?
• Are you (absolutely) sure/certain about……………….?
• Really? / Are you serious? / Do you think so?
• Forgive me, but are you really sure /certain about ……………………..?
• Perhaps I misunderstood, but are you quite sure…………………………?
• Do you have any doubt about that?
• Is there any doubt about it/that?
Expressing certainty
• I'm quite sure.
• Yes, of course.
• I'm sure/certain (that)…..
• It must be…….
• Certainly/Definitely. Yes.
• Yes. It's confirmed.
• There is no doubt about that.
Example

• Billy: Hi, do you think you will pass the exam?

Zhang: Hello, Yes, I'm really sure.
Billy: I think it is hard to pass the exam. Why do you think that way?
Zhang : Why not? I have prepared everything well for the exam.
Will Diana come here on time?
Billy : Yes, I have no doubt about that.
Zhang : How can you be that sure?
Billy : She is always on time
Zhang: O.k. then. Let's just see..
Example
• Laura: You look so sad. Do you get a problem?
Alex: No, I don’t.
Laura : Really?
Alex : Yes, of course.
Laura : Are you sure you will go?
Alex : Definitely.
Laura : Where will you go, anyway?:
Alex : I will go to Luxemburg.
Laura : Can't you postpone it?
Alex : I’m sorry, I think I can’t.
Laura : Emmm… I'll be worrying you very much, then.
Alex : Don't worry. I'll be just fine, my friend.
Laura: Take care, will you? Don't forget to ring me as soon as you get there.
Alex : I will. You too, thanks. Bye"
Dialogue
Mrs. Sieger: Hello, Mrs. Seeger . Where are you going ?
Mrs. Henry: Hello, I am going to the market. I want to make fried chicken for
Sisi and Nier. They like it very much.
Mrs. Sieger: I see . By the way, How do you make your fried chicken ?
Mrs. Fiery: I use traditional recipe.
Mrs. Sieger: Are you sure ? Why don't you use an Instant recipe? I don't think
that a traditional recipe will much better. Instant recipe is much quicker.
Mrs. Henry: I definitely sure. I know that instant recipe is much quicker but I
don't think it is better.
Mrs. Sieger: Can you tell me the material to make it ?
Mrs. Henry: Well , I make it easy and quick. You Just need some slices of
chicken thighs for about half kg, 3 cm of ginger, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon full of
peppers, 3 pieces of garlic, 1 tablespoon of salt.
Expressing Doubts & Uncertainty
• Well... I doubt it.
• I'm not sure/certain (that)...
• I'm not so sure./ I’m not really sure about it.
• Well, I can’t tell you for sure./ it’s possible.
• I suppose, but I’m not sure.
• I’m not completely certain.
• I don’t believe this is true.
• It’s difficult for me to be sure that . . .
• I never say that . . . sure/certain about ...
Example

• Mini : I heard, our classroom will be renovated in the next few days.
Nura : Are you sure?
Mini : Well, I can’t tell you for sure. I think we should ask our teacher.
Example
• Billa: It seems that Fahmi is a good boy
Lulu: Hmmm I doubt it.
Uyun: Why don't you think so, Lulu?
Lulu: He hit a junior yesterday.
Alya: Hey, don’t you know that our school got flooded a couple of week ago?
Billa: I’m not sure. Are you kidding?
Alya: No, it is serious.
Uyun: I don’t believe that was true.
Alya: Well, I only tell what I heard.
Complete the dialogue by Using Expression of
Certainty/Uncertainty.
A : It seems, Ruly can operate the computer well.
B : ……………………………….
A : Why do you say so? His work was so good yesterday.
B : ………. You know I did his work.
A : Can you train me to operate it?
B : ……………….. If I have time.
A : Thank you anyway.
B : ……………………………
A : Sorry, I have to go now, see you.
B : …………………………..
C