Let's Speak English

Learning Points

New Words :

• pull up : pause, stop.
• book : reserve.
• deposit : partial payment.
• glitch : an unexpected malfunction, a hitch.
• upgrade : raise something to a higher level, improve.
• no extra charge : no more money to pay.
• wireless internet : a connection that allows access to the internet over airwaves.
• amenities : things that make you satisfied and comfortable.

travel agent

Jacuzzis

wireless internet

front desk

Grammar Review :

• Word building (Prefixes)

"the indoor pool"
Many long words are actually made of shorter words joined together.
Longer words are made of parts called : prefixes + base words + suffixes.


A prefix goes in front of a word to change its meaning.
The prefixes, often give a new word the opposite meaning.
Common prefixes include : il, im, in, ir, ex, dis, re, con, un, pre, auto, bi, tri, mal, mis, trans, centi, be, .... examples :
- illegal.
- impatient.
- invisible.
- irresponsible.
- disappointment.
- interaction.
- research.
- unhappy.
- misunderstanding.
- preview.
- ex-girlfriend.
- becalm.
- transnational.

• Subject-Verb agreement

In English, subjects and verbs must agree in number and in person.
With a single subject (one word), the rule is simple : match the verb to the subject, whatever it's singular or plural.
Compound subjects are more complicated : If the subjects (singular or plural) are joined by and, the verb is plural. Unless the parts refer to the same thing or work as a unit or the compound subject is preceded by each or every.
examples :
- The oil needs to be changed.
- The tires need to be rotated.
- The president and his cabinet members are on vacation.
- Macaroni and cheese is my speciality.
- Every boy and girl loves to read my books.

• Asking for help / Offering help / Responding to help request

"feel free to call the front desk"
Asking for help
- Could you ... (for me)?
- Would you please ...?
- Would you mind Verb+ing ...?
- Could you possibly ...?
- Do you have a minute?
- Can you spare a few minutes ...?
- Could you do me a favor?
- Could I ask you a favor?
- Can I ask you to ...?
- I need some help ...
- Could I use your help?
Offering help
- May I help you?
- What can I do for you?
- Let me know if you need help with ...
- If you need any help, just ...
- Feel free to ...
- Would you like some help?
Responding to help request
- Ok! No problem.
- Sure, I'd be glad to.
- Sorry, I'm (kind of) busy now.
- I'm sorry. I don't have time right now