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Author Topic: How to reply as a native  (Read 548 times)
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Learneng
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« on: May 24, 2008, 12:57:07 AM »

Hi Luke,

When some one writes like this:

you are correct in light of YY’s email.  See, you don’t need me : )

What should I write?

Will this sound OK?:

I do need you, you are my mentor...

Thanks,
Learneng
PS: BTW, that was from my boss... Smiley
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luke
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« Reply #1 on: May 24, 2008, 01:18:06 AM »

Hi Learneng,

If your boss uses the phrase 'you are correct in light of YY’s email,' it's worth noting that this is pretty formal. The added comment 'See, you don’t need me : )'  is quite informal and friendly though. So the total effect is to appear a little formal and maintain the barrier, but to do it in a friendly way.

If you say 'I do need you, you are my mentor...' this is too serious and formal, even a little too respectful. I would play with the idea of being friendly and start tweaking at the barrier.

To be polite and respectful write;
Your help is always invaluable, and I really appreciate it

or take a chance and write something like;
Are you kidding? You've been a great help to me

or even something very cheeky like;
But who would make the tea?  Grin
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Learneng
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« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2008, 06:18:15 AM »

Thanks Luke, I used the first one.

I have one more question in the same category:

If a native asks: How is it going?  Which is more appropriate reply:

It's going good.

OR

I am fine, thank you.
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luke
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« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2008, 04:32:00 PM »

Hi Learneng,

If someone asks how's it going? they are just saying hello, and it's not always necessary to answer much at all. I normally just say fine thanks, and you?

But, if they ask how is it going? this normally asks about a specific thing you have talked about before (like a business project), and the answer usually needs a little more thought.

Hope that helps,
Luke
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Learneng
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« Reply #4 on: June 01, 2008, 12:26:14 AM »

Which one is more appropriate?

1.   Are you going for the meeting?
2.   Are you coming for the meeting?

And what is the different between these two.

I wasn’t going to attend the meeting yesterday and I asked someone the 2nd question. Now I think that I should have asked him the 1st question. Am I correct?
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luke
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« Reply #5 on: June 01, 2008, 01:06:48 AM »

Hi Learneng,

Both of the sentences are fine, and the only difference refers to the person asking the question. If they are definitely going, then they would ask the 2nd question. If it's undecided if they are going or not, then ask the 1st question.

1.   Are you going for to the meeting?
2.   Are you coming for to the meeting?

If you asked the question before the meeting itself (as you most likely did), you should have asked the 1st question for the reasons suggested above. I hope that helps...   Shocked
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Learneng
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« Reply #6 on: June 01, 2008, 01:09:45 AM »

Thanks, I asked the second one...(I knew is wasn't the right one... Sad )

Got to go, I have to make pizza for lunch and it looks like my husband is hungry. See you soon
« Last Edit: June 01, 2008, 04:02:55 AM by Learneng » Logged
luke
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« Reply #7 on: June 03, 2008, 05:23:02 PM »

I'm hungry too!
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