Politeness and American Conversational English Page 7

EFL Japan
"a world of difference"

EFL Listening and Speaking
Politeness and American Conversational Usage

Function: Apologizing

Stimu-Con Usage Games: It's Not Only WHAT You Say But HOW You Say It!
Game

Conversational Focus
A student arrives half an hour after the class started ...

Communication Function
CharacterA / CharacterB
Apologizing for being late

Suggestion Key
Character A

1. I'm sorry, I'm late.
2. Sorry!
3. I'm really sorry!
4. I'm really sorry.
5. Sorry I'm late.
6. (I'm) sorry for being late (this morning).
7. Excuse me for being late (this morning).

What would you say?

Stimu-Con Usage Games: It's Not Only WHAT You Say But HOW You Say It!
Game

Conversational Focus
While playing catch in the park, Haruo accidentally bumps into a passer-by ...

Communication Function
CharacterA / CharacterB
Apologizing for (bumping into someone) / Accepting

Suggestion Key
Character A / Character B

1. I'm sorry / That's okay.
2. Oops, sorry! / No problem.
3. Excuse me! / Don't worry about it.
4. Oh, excuse me. / No harm done!
5. Sorry about that! / That's all right.
6. I'm really sorry. / No problem.
7. Please excuse me. / Oh, that's all right.
8. Gee, sorry about that! / That's okay, don't worry about it.
9. Sorry, I didn't see you. / That's okay.

What would you say?

Page 7

Top Page