Introduction: Let’s Get Things Moving!

In English, communication isn't just about sharing facts; it's often about making things happen. Whether you are asking a friend to join you for lunch, requesting help with homework, or asking a question to get information, you are "prompting the other person to act."

In these notes, we will look at the different ways you can use English to encourage others to do something. Don't worry if it seems like a lot at first—we use these kinds of phrases every day in our own language too!

1. Asking Questions (質問する)

The simplest way to prompt someone to act (specifically, to act by giving you information) is to ask a question. According to our syllabus, we focus on specific types of questions to get the details we need.

Using Question Words

To get a specific answer, we use words like Which or Whose:

  • Which: Used when choosing between things.
    Example: "Which bag do you want?" (Prompts them to choose).
  • Whose: Used to find out who owns something.
    Example: "Whose book is this?" (Prompts someone to claim it).

Using Auxiliary Verbs (May and Will)

You can start questions with May or Will to check if something is possible or if someone is willing to do something.

  • "May I speak to Hanako?"
  • "Will you be at the party tomorrow?"

Quick Review: Questions are the "start button" for a conversation. They prompt the other person to think and reply!

2. Making Requests (依頼する)

When you want someone to do a favor for you, you make a request. Being polite is key here to keep communication smooth.

Common Request Phrases

  • Can you...? / Will you...?: These are standard ways to ask for help.
    Example: "Can you open the window, please?"
  • Could you...? / Would you...?: These are slightly more polite versions of "Can" and "Will." Use these when talking to teachers or people you don't know very well.
  • May I...?: Used when you are asking for permission to do something yourself.
    Example: "May I use your pen?"

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't forget to add "please"! It’s a small word that makes a big difference in how your request sounds to the other person.

3. Inviting Others (招待する)

When you want someone to join you in an activity, you use invitations. This is a very friendly way to prompt action.

How to Invite

  • Let's...: The most common way to suggest doing something together.
    Example: "Let's play soccer after school!"
  • Shall we...?: A slightly more formal or suggestive way to invite someone.
    Example: "Shall we go to the library?"
  • Why don't we...?: A great way to make a suggestion.
    Example: "Why don't we watch a movie?"

Did you know? In English-speaking cultures, people often give a reason when they invite you, like: "I have two tickets. Shall we go to the concert?" This makes the invitation feel more natural!

4. Giving Instructions and Orders (命令する)

Sometimes you need to tell someone exactly what to do. This is called an imperative or a command.

Direct Commands

To make a command, start the sentence directly with a verb (action word). You don't need to say "You."

  • "Look at this picture."
  • "Listen carefully."
  • "Don't touch the cake!" (This is a "negative" command telling someone not to act).

Important Tip: Be careful with commands! Using them too much can sound a bit bossy. In daily life, we often use "Please" at the beginning or end to make it a polite instruction instead of a harsh order.

5. Advanced Structures: Telling or Wanting Others to Act

As you progress, you will use a special sentence structure to show that you want someone else to do an action. This uses the to-infinitive (to + verb).

The "Verb + Object + To-Infinitive" Pattern

This follows the pattern: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Person] + [to do something].

  • Want: "I want you to help me." (Meaning: I have a desire for you to act).
  • Tell: "My mother told me to clean my room." (Meaning: She gave an instruction for me to act).
  • Ask: "He asked her to open the door." (Meaning: He made a request for her to act).

Memory Aid: Think of the "to" as a finger pointing at the action the other person needs to take!

Summary & Key Takeaways

To prompt someone to act in English, you can:

  • Ask a Question (Which, Whose, May...?) to get info.
  • Make a Request (Can you...?, Could you...?) for a favor.
  • Give an Invitation (Let's..., Shall we...?) to do something together.
  • Use a Command (Verb + ...) for direct instructions.
  • Use want/tell/ask + person + to-infinitive for more complex needs.

Note: For more details on words and phrases, see the chapter on "Building the 1,600-1,800 word range." For help with your tone, see "Expressing feelings."