1. Conversation
In this blog post, I want you to listen to the Titkok video. This is a conversation at the airport. Make sure you unmute the video. After completed listening, just see some explanations about English grammar below the video.
@skillfulenglish Practical English Conversation at the Airport – Improve Your Speaking Skills! #LearnEnglish #EnglishConversation #SpeakingSkills #AtTheAirport #TravelEnglish #RealLifeEnglish #EnglishPractice #ImproveEnglish #LanguageLearning #ESL #FluentEnglish #DailyLifeEnglish #TravelTips #ConversationSkills #PracticalEnglish ♬ original sound - Skillful English
Before explaining, I have to write the conversation. I use an abbreviation for paragraph as P and followed by number, for example, P1 for paragraph 1.
Note that sometimes I do not specify word classes (parts of speech) for some words and sometimes will show only their functions in sentences, for example: "Good morning", which has a function as a greeting word.
(P2)Gentleman: Good morning, ma'am. Of course, I'd be happy to assist you. What do you need help with?
(P3)Lady: I need to check in for my flight. Where should I go?
(P4)Gentleman: You'll need to head to the check-in counters. May I ask which airline you're flying with?
(P5)Lady: It's SkyFly Airways.
(P6)Gentleman: SkyFly counters are just down this hallway to your left. You'll see their logo above the counters.
(P7)Lady: Thank you. Do I need to show any documents?
(P8)Gentleman: Yes, you'll need your passport and your flight ticket or booking confirmation.
(P9)Lady: Got it. After checking in, where do I go next?
(P10)Gentleman: After you check in, you'll receive your boarding pass. Then, proceed to the security check, which is straight ahead.
(P11)Lady: Is there anything I should know about the security check?
(P12)Gentleman: Yes, make sure to remove any liquids over 100 milliliters from your bag and place your electronics in a separate tray.
(P13)Lady: Thank you. And where do I go after security?
(P14)Gentleman: After security, follow the signs to your boarding gate. Your gate number will be on your boarding pass.
(P15)Lady: That's very helpful. How early should I be at the gate?
(P16)Gentleman: Try to be at your gate at least 30 minutes before the boarding time to avoid any rush.
(P17)Lady: Thank you so much for your help, Mr. Wilson.
(P18)Gentleman: You're welcome, ma'am. Have a safe flight and enjoy your trip!
2. Explanation
Good morning. [Greeting word] generally used from 5:00 a.m. to 11:59 a.m.
Could you help me? [Yes-no question] we can either use can or may instead of could, but could is more polite.
I'm travelling for the first time and I'm a bit confused. [Statement] this sentence has two main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction "and", where: "I'm travelling for the first time" is the first sentence and "I'm a bit confused" is the second one.
Sentence 1: I'm travelling for the first time. In this sentence, do you know why the lady used the present progressive instead of the present simple or other tenses? In order to answer this question, we have to understand the usages of all tenses. The reason the lady used the present progressive instead of other tenses is because the present progressive is used for talking about future plans or arrangements (but these plans are not so fixed as with the Present Simple). Do not misunderstand with this definition of the present progressive. There are other usages of the present progressive as well.
Sentence 2: I'm a bit confused. In this sentence, do you know why the lady used this pattern: "I'm a bit confused" instead of this: "I confuse"? Let's see why below.
- The sentence "I'm a bit confused" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express that you are experiencing confusion or uncertainty.
- The sentence "I confuse" is grammatically incorrect. The word "confuse" is a verb, and it needs an object to be grammatically correct. For example, you could say "I confuse him" or "I confuse the issue."
(P2)Gentleman: Good morning, ma'am. Of course, I'd be happy to assist you. What do you need help with?
Good morning [Greeting word] see P1 above.
ma'am [Vocative] is a contraction of "madam." The apostrophe in "ma'am" represents the omitted "d" sound. While both terms are used to address women respectfully, "ma'am" is generally considered more casual and informal than "madam." "Madam" is often used in more formal or professional settings. See this article for more details about: Vocative.
Of course [Answer to the yes-no question] is not typically used in response to a yes-no question. "Yes" is the standard affirmative response in English. "Of course" is used to emphasize that something is obvious or expected. It can also be used to show enthusiasm or eagerness. For example, you might say "Of course I'll help!" if someone asks you for assistance. However, "of course" can be used in a sarcastic way to imply that the answer should have been obvious. For example, if someone asks you if you're hungry and you say "Of course," you might be implying that it's ridiculous to even ask the question. It's important to consider the context and tone of the question before using "of course" in response.
I'd be happy to assist you [Adjective pattern: adjective + to + verb] this is a common pattern in English that expresses a range of meanings and nuances. This pattern expresses a feeling or emotion.
(P3)Lady: I need to check in for my flight. Where should I go?
I
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