In our normal exchanges with people we find ourselves offering something to them or they offering something to us. In any language we have certain expressions that we can use to do just that and it’s always useful to learn these set phrases so that you can use them and you can understand what people are asking you.

In English we have a number of expressions which I would like to share with you here in my fifth post in my English Skills series. The examples I’ve shared here can also be found in Macmillan Dictionary’s Blog post by Liz Potter. I have used their post as a starting point and made my own comments.

1. Would you like…?
This expression is the most common way of offering something to someone, or inviting them to do something.

• ‘Would you like a magazine to read while you’re waiting?’

These three words are very often spoken fast and can be easily misunderstood. In everyday connected speech, this is what you’ll most probably hear:

• “/Wuʤju:/ like a magazine to read while you’re waiting?”

2. Do you want…?
You can also use this expression which is more informal to offer something to someone:

‘Do you want another coffee?’ 

3. Would you care for…?
This is a very formal way of asking someone if they would like something. You will often hear this expression in hotels and restaurants:

‘Would you care for dessert, madam?’ 
“Would you care for a glass of champagne, sir?”

4. (Do you) fancy…? (British English) 
This expression is very often used in the UK. It’s informal and is used to ask someone if they would like something.

“Do you fancy chicken or beef for dinner?”
“Fancy a sandwich?”

5. How about…?
This is another informal way of asking someone if they would like something:

‘How about going for a walk?’ 

6. Who wants…? (7) Who would like……? (8) Who fancies….?
This is used when offering something to a group of people.

Who wants an ice cream?
Who would like something to drink?
Who fancies going to the cinema tonight?

9. Can I get you…? 
This expression is used especially when offering someone food or drink, although it can be used in other situation as well:

‘Can I get you anything?’
‘Can I get you a cushion’?

10. What will you have? and (11) What can I get you? 
These two expressions are used when asking someone what they would like, especially in a restaurant, bar or café:

‘It’s my turn to get the drinks. What will you have?’
Good afternoon, madam. What can I get you?

Have I missed any expressions out? Do let me know.

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Ciao for now

Shanthi