Richard is driving Vic to his place.

— I'd love to stay with your people tonight. Are we going to your apartment?

— Oh, no. My real home is a country house on Long Island.

— Is it very far from New York?

— No, it isn't. Most days I drive there. But a few nights a month I have to stay in my apartment.

— You have to?

— Yes, when I work late in my office. But that doesn't happen very often.

— I've heard a lot about traffic jams. Do they happen often?

— Yes, they do. And sometimes I have to take a train with thousands of other commuters.

— How long does it take to get there?

— It usually takes an hour.

— Is your house big?

— We've moved just recently. We can afford a bigger house now.

— I've heard houses are pretty expensive, aren't they?

— Yes, they are.

— Did you buy it?

— Yes, I did. But it isn't quite my own.

— What do you mean?

— I made a down payment of 30% and took out a loan from the bank.

— What's your payment plan?

— I have to pay it back over thirty years.

— But it's worth it, of course.

***

— I wish we had an office like this in Petersburg. — I wish I hadn't said it. — I'm sorry I didn't know about your arrival.   — It's a pity you are so short of lime. We could see some more of the city. — I'm sorry I can't stay any longer. I've got to go. — Too bad I can't accompany you to Washing-ton. I'm going to be busy the whole week.

— Isn't yours as good? — It's right, I understand. — It's all right, Richard's 14 met me. — I wish I could.   — That's a shame. I wish you could stay to meet the family. — Yes, I wish we could spend more time together.

What Shall We Do This Evening?

English people frequently take bottles of drink with them to parties and give them to the host on arrival. They are then put with the other bottles for everybody to drink. A bottle of spirits or wine, or several bottles of beer are suitable. It is sometimes difficult to know what a real invitation is and what is not! If someone says «You really must come and see us one of these days», the best tactic is to reply «Thank you very much. I love meeting English people» and then wait to see whether a specific date is mentioned.

A. How about coming out for a drink with me this evening?

В. I'd like that very much. Thank you.

A. Shall we say round about eight?

В. Fine. Seе you then.

***

— Why don't we go for a drive in the country?

— That would be very nice. Thank you.

— I'll pick you up about 7.30.

— Right. See you later.

***

— Do you feel like going to the cinema?

— That sounds like a good idea. Thank you.

— Let's make it 6.30 at your place.

— That'll be OK by me.

***

— Would you like to come to a party with me tonight?

— I'd love to. Thank you very much.

— I'll call round for you after supper.

— OK. I'll be ready.

Introductions and Opening Conversation Gambits.

In formal situations, a man is introduced to a woman, unless he is much older and more senior. Young men are introduced to older men and young women to older women.

A. Wendy, I'd like you to meet my brother, Sam.

В. How do you do?

С. How do you do?

В. What do you think of life in England?

С. I'm still feeling pretty homesick.

В. It's bound to¹ be strange at first.

¹ bound to: sure to

***

— Mrs. Hughes, this is Peter Brown.

— How do you do?

— How do you do?

— How do you find things over here?

— If it wasn't for the climate, I'd like it very much.

— It won't take you long to settle down.

***

— Mother, this is Joe's brother, David.

— How do you do?

— How do you do?

— How do you like London?

— It's quite different from what I expected.

— Don’t worry; you’ll soon get used to it.

***

— Mrs. Stacey, I'd like to introduce my Greek friend, Milos.

— How do you do?

— How do you do?

— What are your first impres­sions of England?

— Of course, it's much colder here than it is at home.

— Never mind; you'll be all right in a week or two.¹

The Weather.

Foreigners are often amused that the English spend so much time discussing the weather. The reason for this is not simply that our weather is interesting and variable, but that the English are reluctant to converse about personal matters with people who are not friends. Mentioning the weather can be a useful and inoffensive way of starting a conversation with a stranger at a bus-stop or in a train.

A. Fairly mild for the time of year.

В. Yes. Quite different from the forecast.

A. They¹ say we're in for snow.²

В. Let's hope it keeps fine for the weekend.

¹They: the forecasters

²we're in for snow: snow expected.

***

— It seems to be clearing up.

— It makes a change, doesn't it?

— Apparently it's going to turn colder.

— Still, another month should see us through the worst of it.¹

¹see us through the worst of it: find us through the worst of the winter and into spring.

***

— Nice and bright this morning.

— Yes. Much better than yesterday.

— The wind`ll probably get up later.

— As long as it doesn't rain.¹

¹as long as it doesn't rain: I don't mind what happens pro­vided it doesn't rain.

***

— It's good to see the sun again.

— A big improvement on what we've been having.

— It's supposed to cloud over this afternoon.

— I didn't think it would last.

Asking about Health.

When an Englishman asks you about your health, he is probably only doing so out of politeness. Unless he knows you have been ill, he is certainly not expecting a detailed medical report, and will be most surprised if you give him one.

A. How's your father keeping?

В. He's been off work for a day or two.

A. What's wrong with him?

B. He's gone down with a cold.

A. Tell him I hope he soon feels better.

В. That's very kind of you. I'll pass it on.

***

— Where's Tony this evening?

— He's not feeling very well.

— Really? What's the trouble?

— I think he must have eaten something.

— Give him my regards and tell him to take things easy.

— Thank you very much. I'll tell him what you said.

***

— How's your brother these days?

— He hasn't been too well just recently.

— I'm sorry to hear that.

— What's the matter?

— I think he's been overworking.

— I hope he soon gets over it.

— Thank you. He'll be pleased to hear you asked after him.

***

— I haven't seen Bob lately. How is he?

— As a matter of fact, he's laid up.¹

— Oh dear! What's up with him?

— We don't know, but we're having the doctor in tomorrow.

— Let me know if there's any­thing I can do.

— Thanks very much. I'll tell him you inquired about him.

¹laid up: ill

Thanks for Hospitality.

Flowers, given to the hostess on arrival, are always appre­ciated by English families offering hospitality. The wrap­ping paper should not be removed.

A. It's time we were off.

В. So soon? Can't you stay a little longer?

A. I wish I could, but I'm late already.

В. What a shame!

A. Thank you for a wonderful meal.

В. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

***

— I really must be going now.

— But you've only just come. Wouldn't you like to stay for a snack?¹

— That's very kind of you, but I mustn't be too late.

— What a pity!

— Thanks very much for the party.

— It was a pleasure to have you.

¹ a snack: a light meal

***

— I think it's about time we made a move.¹

— What already? Won't you have another coffee?

— I'd love to, but I have to be up early tomorrow.

— Oh dear! What a shame!

— Thank you for a most enjoyable evening.

— Not at all. Hope you can come again.

¹made a move: started to go

***

— If you'll excuse me, I really should be off now.

— Not yet surely. Have another drink at least.

— No, thank you all the same.

— Oh dear! What a pity!

— Thank you very much in deed for the delicious meal.

— Thank you for coming.

Комментарии

Перевод

One-bedroom apartment соответствует нашему двухкомнатная квартира. Как вы переведете a two-car garage?

A few nights a month — несколько дней (букв, ночей) в месяц.

Обратите внимание, что в английском варианте нет никакого пред­лога, соответствующего русскому в, а употреблен только неопреде­ленный артикль.

To work late (букв, работать поздно) — задерживаться на работе.

Country house — загородный дом. Слово country означает не только страна, но и загородная местность.

Commuters это те, кто живет за городом и регулярно приезжает в город на работу.

Both by car and by train — и на машине и на поезде. Двойной союз both... and переводится и...и или как...так и.

On my veryfirst weekend...—В мой самыйпервый уикенд... Very, кроме всем известного значения очень, значит и самый, тот самый, именно тот.

As well (as) — так же (как и).

Pretty big — довольно-таки большой. Взятое отдельно, pretty означает хорошенький, симпатичный, но перед другими прилагатель­ными и наречиями это слово употребляется в значении довольно-таки.

To afford значит позволить себе.

To be a great success — иметь большой успех. Вы заметили, что в английском языке в этом выражении употребляется глагол быть, а не иметь, как в русском?

Речевые формулы

REGRET	СОЖАЛЕНИЕ
I wish I had/hadn't... I'm sorry I didn't/did It's a pity I didn't/did Too bad ... I’m sorry I can't.	Жаль, что я ... (сделал или не сделал что-то)   Очень жаль ... Очень жаль, но не могу (смогу)

***

DISAPPOINTMENT	РАЗОЧАРОВАНИЕ
I am/was (rather, very) disappointed. I/he/she/they etc. disappointed (me) I'd expected it (her/him/them) to be nicer/better/more ... Oh, how disappointing! That's (rather) disappointing Oh, what a pity! What a shame!	Я /был (очень) разочарован. Я/он/она/они и т. д. разочаро­вал (меня). Я ожидал, что это ... будет лучше ...   Ах, как неудачно! Это (очень) неудачно. Ах, как жаль! (Какой) ужас!

***

— Didyou like the report?

— I was rather disappointed. (It disappointed me).

— We are not going to sign the agreement tomorrow.

— That's disappointing.

— What do you think of the show?

— I'd expected it to be more enjoyable/exciting.

— Richard is not coming to meet you.

— Oh, how disappointing!

— Marion isn't coming to the party.

— How disappointing!

— I haven't gotten the tickets.

— Oh, what a pity!

— I'm afraid I've lost the letter.

— What a shame!