Ellipsis in speech
Choose the phrases you would use in a formal situation:
1. [Multiple choice]
Which is the formal phrase?
Answers for Quiz [1].
- 1. You alright?
- 2. How are you, Sir / Madam? (correct)
2. [Multiple choice]
Which would you use at a formal event?
Answers for Quiz [2].
- 1. I am very well, thank you for asking. (correct)
- 2. Fine, thanks.
3. [Multiple choice]
Which is formal?
Answers for Quiz [3].
- 1. Water’ll do nicely, thanks mate.
- 2. I’ll have a bottle of sparkling water, please. (correct)
4. [Multiple choice]
Which phrase would come over as more courteous?
Answers for Quiz [4].
- 1. Can I offer you a drink of wine or beer? (correct)
- 2. Fancy a beer?
5. [Multiple choice]
Which would you use on a formal occasion?
Answers for Quiz [5].
- 1. Have you noticed if Derek has arrived yet? (correct)
- 2. Seen if Derek’s made it?
6. [Multiple choice]
Which phrase would you use on leaving a formal reception?
Answers for Quiz [6].
- 1. ‘Bye – I’m off.
- 2. Goodbye – I’m about to leave. (correct)
7. [Multiple choice]
Your new boss’s wife is walking towards her car.
Answers for Quiz [7].
- 1. Any chance of a lift into town?
- 2. Is there any chance you could give me a lift into town, please? (correct)
8. [Multiple choice]
You’re explaining your dilemma.
Answers for Quiz [8].
- 1. My train has been delayed, apparently. (correct)
- 2. Train’s delayed, apparently.
9. [Multiple choice]
Which would you use at a formal event?
Answers for Quiz [9].
- 1. Not sure if I’ll make it in tomorrow.
- 2. At the moment I am not sure if I will manage to get to work tomorrow. (correct)
10. [Multiple choice]
Your line-manager is in the same lift as you.
Answers for Quiz [10].
- 1. Have you managed to find someone driving in your direction? (correct)
- 2. You got a lift?
11. [Multiple choice]
Which would you use on a formal occasion?
Answers for Quiz [11].
- 1. That was an interesting evening in many respects, wasn’t it? (correct)
- 2. Terrible party.
12. [Multiple choice]
Your lecturer asks your opinion of this exercise.
Answers for Quiz [12].
- 1. Total waste of time. Far too simple.
- 2. It wasn’t challenging enough, I don’t think. (correct)