Special Content - Maybe & Perhaps

July 29th - Verbs

July 29th - Talking to a foreigner

July 23rd - Will x Going to

Questions about the difference between "will" and "be + going to" are common among my students. It's funny how courses, books and teachers can complicate something that seems so simple to me! The secret, as I always say, is this: Students should stop looking for grammar rules in everything and start observing the use of words and structures in real life. So let's learn the use of "will" and "going to" in a different way. Shall we Laura?

"Will" is the assistant of the future in English. But when we learn that we can indicate the future with "going to" the doubt arises. So as not to complicate it, let's understand the use of the two words to express ideas in the future in English. Well, check it out! "Will" when used to speak of something in the future usually comes with expressions that indicate uncertainty. Let's look at some of these expressions:

• I think… (Eu acho que…)
• I think Ingrid will travel to Ireland next year.
• Probably, … (Provavelmente, …)
• Yes. Probably She will travel in January.
• I guess… (Eu acho…)
• I guess She will travel in February.
• I’m not sure, but I think… (Não tenho certeza, mas acho que…)
• I'm not sure, but I think Laura will travel to Miami.
• I don’t know, but I think… (Num sei não, mas acho que…)
• I don't know but I think she will travel in May.
• Maybe… (Talvez…)
• Maybe she will travel in May.

They are all expressions that indicate uncertainty in English. Of course there are others, but with these you will already be able to say many things. Well! Now look at the sentences below:

Laura will probably go to Miami in January.
I don't know, but I don't think she's going to the party next Saturday.
Maybe we won't be here tomorrow.
As the expressions of uncertainty are present in the sentences the word that is usually used to express the future in these cases is "will". So we will:

• Laura will probably go to Miami  in January.
• I don’t know! But I think She won't go to the party next Saturday.
• Maybe we will not be here tomorrow.
• Will not = won't 

Now if you are sure of what you are going to do - if there is no doubt about what you will do in the future, it is already decided and practically right - then prefer to use the "going to".

• I’m going to JB's house next Monday.
• I’m not going to the party next Saturday.
• We’re not going to be here tomorrow.

See that in these last examples expressions of uncertainty did not appear. The reason is simple: you have no doubts about what you will do; you know you will do it and that's it! You are organized to do it! You are already planning and solving everything to make it happen.

So remember: when you are not sure what you will do in the future use "will" accompanied by expressions of uncertainty. On the other hand, if you are sure and you are already planning, then make use of the "going to". 

# Did you like the explanations? Easy, right?

July 24th - Regular x Irregular Verbs

July 8th - Business Conversation

1- Apologizing

JB : I'm sorry Laura, but I made a mistake when I told you that you could join us to the event. Unfortunately, this event is only for members. Please accept my apologies.

I really didn't meant to make you fool. I"m sorry I didn't realize how important it was to you.

Laura : That's ok teacher. I understand. Don't worry about that. No problem.

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Prefacing bad news

1- I'm sorry (I have) to tell you this, but you are not allowed to be here.

2- I hate to tell you this, but Mr. Ikutake has just taken the flight.

3- I don't know how to tell you this, but we won't need your services anymore.

4- I have some bad news. The police is looking for you everywhere.

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* Apologizing by letter or written document. 

1- We regret to inform you that we can't send you the product tomorrow.

2- Regretfully, we are running out of time this week.

3- Unfortunately, we don't have options.

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2 - Expressing Appreciation

* Thanks.

* Thank you.

* I appreciate it.

* Thanks for the tour.

* Thank you for the nice gift.

* I appreciate your hospitality.

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3 - Asking for Help

1- Could you . . . . (for me) ?

2- Would you please . . . ?

3- Would you mind V+ing . . . .?

4- Could you possibly . . . ?

5- Do you have a minute?

6- Can you spare a few minutes?

7- Could you do me a favor?

8- Could I ask you a favor?

9- Can I ask you to . . . ?

10- I need some help (if you have time).

11- (If you're not busy) I could use your help.

Probably answers

1- Okay, no problem.

2- Sure, I'd be glad to.

3- Sorry, I'm (kind of) busy now.

4- I'm sorry. I don't have time right now.

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4- Forward-Looking Statements

1- What are your plans for the future?

2- What are your projections for the next quarter?

3- What do you expect to achieve (in the near future)?

4- What are your (sales) projections for next six months?

5- What are your goals for the coming year?

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* Structures for answers

* We expect

* We plan to

* We project

* We hope to

* We should

* We will be (V+ing)

* If all goes as planned

* Our projections are

* According to our projections

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5 - Informal introductions

* This is my boss, Mr. Garcia.

* Mr Garcia , this is my secretary, Beyoncee.

* I'd like you to meet my co-worker ....

* Laura, this is Rodrigo Santoro.

* Have you met Angela?

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Probably Answers

* Good to meet you.

* Nice to meet you too.

* My pleasure

* Hi, I'm João Batista.( Laura\Joner )

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Formal Introductions

* I'd like to introduce you to my dear friend, Mrs. Garcia.

* Allow me to introduce myself/my colleague...

* Let me introduce you to my colleague...

* Mr. Ikutake , this is William Bonner from Globo broadcasting.

Probably Answers

* How do you do?

* it's a pleasure meeting you.

Important body language to remember: Smile, eye contact, firm handshake.

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Warm Up - Laura Joner

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