B. Offers of Food, Drink, etc Would you like…? – the most common used form. Will you have…? – formal
Would you care for…? – very formal Have… -if one is actually holding something out
Do have… – more emphatic, persuasive
(Please) help yourself (to…) – used when the food is on the table but one is not going to had it around. Help yourself (without to) refers to everything on the table; help yourself to – to something specific.
The clearest and most usual replies to the interrogative forms are:
Yes, please. No, thank you – both with rising intonation and no pause between the words.
Other possible replies are:
(yes,) that would be very nice Please. – pronounced with a fall-rise.
Thank you. – as one takes something, especially in reply to (Do) have…or Help yourself (to…). In other situations Thank you alone is ambiguous and should be avoided.
Thank you, but… – refusal followed by an explanation.
THANKS Thank you. Thank you very/so much. Thank you ever so much – more emphatic; informal
Thank you very much indeed – emphatic and formal
Thanks. Thanks a lot/awfully. Many thanks. – rather formal
I don’t know how to thank you. I can never thank you enough. I’m very grateful (to you) That’s/It’s very/awfully kind of you. – formal, semi-formal
How kind of you. (I’m) much obliged (to you) – used mainly by shop assistants
Possible replies are:
Not at all. You’re welcome. (Oh,) that’s all right. (Oh,) that’s OK – casual, informal
Don’t mention it. – more emphatic, rather formal
It’s nothing. – informal, semi-formal
Think nothing of it. – informal, casual
It’s a pleasure. – only for things involving some time and trouble
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m glad you were able to come. Thank you for coming. I’m glad you like it.
