Commentary

(1) What about. How about and What do you say to can be fol­lowed by a noun or a gerund.

E. g. What about a cup of tea? Как насчет чашки чаю? Не хотите ли чаю?

What about having some tea? He выпить ли нам чаю?

How about going there together? He пойти ли нам туда вместе?

What do you say to a nice quiet evening at home? Как ты смотришь на то, чтобы спокойно провести вечер дома?

What do you say to staying at home for a change? He посидеть ли нам для разнообразия дома?

(2) These formulas require some adverb or an adverbial phrase after them.

E. g. What are you doing tonight? Что вы делаете сегодня вечером?

Have you got anything special to do tomorrow after­noon? Вы заняты чем-нибудь особенным завтра днем?

Some of the Positive Replies to Invitations and Offers

All right. With pleasure. 'Yes, I 'don't mind. (Most) willingly. 'That's fine. 'That's a 'good idea. Not a 'bad idea. 'Yes, 'I'd ''love to ('like to) ... I'll be most de lighted. 'Nothing would 'please me m ore. 'That's 'all right with me. 'That 'suits me 'very well. 'That's settled. А greed! J I 'don't care (what, when, etc.). Perfectly. Oh, 'nothing much. 0h, 'nothing special. 'Nothing in particular.

Хорошо. С удовольствием. He возражаю. (Весьма) охотно. С (боль­шим) удовольствием. Прекрасно, замечательно. (Это) хорошая мысль. Неплохая мысль. Неплохо. Мне бы очень хотелось ... Я буду страшно рад. Я бы не желала ничего лучшего. Меня это устраивает. Меня это вполне устраи­вает. Решено. Мне все равно (что, когда и т. п.). Абсолютно. Совершенно. Ничего особенного.

Note: For other positive replies see Formulas of Agreement.

Some of the Negative Replies to Invitations and Offers

I'm afraid I can't (make Боюсь, что не смогу.

it).

I'm afraid I'm busy. Боюсь, что занят.

(I’m) sorry, but I 'can't Очень сожалею, но не

(Imanage it). могу.

I'm 'otherwise engaged, Боюсь, что я занят.

I'm afraid.

I'm 'booked 'up every 'day (На этой неделе) у меня

(this week). все дни заняты.

I 'wish I could, but ... Мне хотелось бы, но ...

Note: In addition to the formulas given above, see Formu­las of Disagreement, Protest a refusal.

Illustrative dialogues

I

"Hi!" Seddons said.

"Hullo!" Vivian pointed to her mouth and mumbled, "Excuse me."

"That's perfectly all right. Take your time. I'm here to proposition you."

"I thought it was supposed to come later."

"Haven't you heard? —this is the jet age. No time for formal frills. Here's my proposition: theatre the day after tomorrow, preceded by dinner at the Cuban Grill."

"Can you afford it?"

"Take a look at this —compliments of a grateful patient. Well, will you come?

"I'd love to."

"Great! I'll pick you up at the nurses' residence at seven o'clock. Okay?"

"Okay. I might be a little late but not much" (Arth. H.)

II

"Joe, there's something I want to talk to you about. When would be a convenient time to come and see you?"

"Can't make it today, Charlie. Got a full schedule. How about tomorrow?"

"I'm crowded tomorrow myself. Let's make it the day after. How about around ten in the morning? I'll come to your office.

"That'll be all right. Unless you want to tell me now — on the phone."

"No, Joe. I'd rather come and see you."

"All right, Charlie. See you then. So long." (Arth. H.)

Ill