Lesson

CORSO BASE DI LINGUA INGLESE

SOCIALIZING

Listening

Vocabulary

Comprehension

Structure

Step 1

In English there are not many rules to follow in order to sound formal or informal. The choice of first names rather than Mr or Mrs X is the first distinction. When you meet someone for the first time you say:
- How do you do?
- Nice/pleased to meet you.
To which you can reply:
- How do you do?
- Pleased to meet you too.
If the situation is very informal you can say:
- Hi. I’m Jane, nice to meet you. – I’m Sarah, hi! Nice to meet you too.

When you greet someone you have already met before, you may say:
- Good morning/afternoon/evening. These are the most formal greetings but you can use "Good morning" with people you know well without sounding detached.
- Good morning, John. Did you sleep well last night?
- Good morning, Mrs Hancher. I’m sorry I’m late!
You can use "Hello" in all situations while "Hi" is rather informal.

Listening

Vocabulary

Comprehension

Structure

Step 2

When you leave you may choose between the following farewells:
"Goodbye!" or "Bye!" or even "See you later".
You can add "Have a nice day" or "Have a nice week-end" if you are speaking to a friend or a colleague and answer "Thank you, same to you".
"Cheerio" is a very informal way of saying goodbye.
You say "Goodnight" only before you go to bed.

This is what you say on different happy occasions:
"Happy birthday", on someone’s birthday;
"Happy or Merry Christmas" and "Happy Easter" just before or on Christmas or Easter Day;
"Happy New Year" on New Year’s Eve and at the beginning of the year;
"Cheers!" when you have a drink with someone and want to express good wishes;
"Good luck!" to wish someone well before an important test;
"Congratulations!" and often "Well done!" to someone who has just succeeded in doing something.