Introduction: Making Things Happen!
In English, communication isn't just about sharing information; it is often about getting things done. Whether you want a friend to come to the movies, need a classmate to help you with a heavy box, or are asking a teacher for permission to leave the room, you are prompting the other person to act. In this chapter, we will learn the best ways to ask, suggest, and persuade others in a way that is clear and polite.
This chapter is part of the Language Functions and Situations section. If you want to learn about sharing your feelings, check out the chapter on Expressing feelings!
1. Asking for Help: Requests (依頼する)
When we want someone to do something for us, we use Requests. The "secret ingredient" to a good request is choosing the right level of politeness.
The Politeness Ladder
Think of politeness like a ladder. The higher you go, the more formal and "soft" the request becomes.
Level 1 (Casual): "Can you help me?"
Level 2 (Polite): "Will you help me?"
Level 3 (Very Polite): "Could you help me?" or "Would you help me?"
Quick Tip: Using past tense forms like could or would makes the request sound more indirect and polite. It gives the other person "space" to say no if they need to, which is considered very polite in English culture.
Key Takeaway: Use "Could you...?" when you want to be extra polite to teachers or people you don't know well.
2. Inviting Others: Invitations (誘う)
When you want someone to join you in an activity, you are inviting them. Here are the most common ways to do it:
A. "Shall we...?"
This is a classic way to suggest doing something together.
Example: "Shall we go to the library after school?"
B. "Why don't we...?"
This sounds very natural and friendly. It is like saying, "I don't see any reason why we shouldn't do this!"
Example: "Why don't we watch a movie tonight?"
C. "How about...?" / "What about...?"
You can follow these with a noun or an -ing verb (gerund).
Example: "How about playing soccer?" or "How about a cup of tea?"
Did you know? In English, "Why don't we...?" is often more common in daily conversation than "Let's..." because it sounds like a suggestion rather than a command.
3. Giving Advice: Suggestions (助言する)
Sometimes you want to prompt someone to act for their own benefit. This is advice or suggestion.
1. Using "Should"
This is the most common way to give advice.
Example: "You should see a doctor about that cold."
2. Using "Why don't you...?"
This is a very soft and helpful way to give advice.
Example: "Why don't you take a break?"
Common Mistake to Avoid: Be careful with "had better." In English textbooks, it is often translated as "should," but in real life, it sounds like a warning or a threat!
\( \implies \) "You had better do your homework" sounds like "...or else you will be in big trouble!" Use should unless you really mean to warn them.
Key Takeaway: Use "Why don't you...?" for friendly advice and "should" for standard suggestions.
4. Asking for and Giving Permission (許可する)
Before you act, sometimes you need the other person to say "Yes."
Asking for permission:
- "Can I use your pen?" (Casual/Friends)
- "May I come in?" (Formal/Respectful)
- "Is it okay if I sit here?" (Very common and natural)
Giving permission:
- "Sure, go ahead."
- "Of course."
- "No problem."
Refusing permission (Politely):
If you have to say "No," it's best to give a reason.
Example: "I'm sorry, but I'm using it right now."
5. Getting Attention and Persuading (注意をひく・説得する)
To prompt someone to act, you first need them to listen to you!
Getting Attention
The most important phrase is "Excuse me." Use this when:
1. You want to talk to a stranger.
2. You want to pass someone in a crowded hallway.
3. You want to interrupt a conversation politely.
Persuading Others
If someone is unsure, you might need to persuade them. You can do this by giving a reason.
"Please come to the party! Everyone is looking forward to seeing you."
Memory Aid: To persuade someone, use the "Action + Because" formula.
\( \text{Action (Prompt)} + \text{Reason (Because)} \)
"Please help me with this box because it is too heavy for me alone."
Quick Review
To Request: "Could you...?" or "Would you...?"
To Invite: "Shall we...?" or "Why don't we...?"
To Advise: "You should..." or "Why don't you...?"
To Ask Permission: "May I...?" or "Is it okay if...?"
To Get Attention: "Excuse me."
Don't worry if you forget which one to use at first! The most important thing is to use a question mark in your voice and say "Please" and "Thank you." Good luck practicing these in your next English conversation!