Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (243 page)

(Would you) care to join us?
Do you want to join us?
Tom and Mary saw Fred and Sally sitting at another table in the restaurant. Tom went over to them and asked, “Would you care to join us?
”
M
ARY
: Isn't that Bill and Sue over there? J
OHN
: Yes, it is. Shall I ask them to join us? M
ARY
: Why not? J
OHN
(after reaching the other table): Hi, you guys! Care to join us? B
ILL
: Love to, but Sue's mom is going to be along any minute. Thanks anyway.

Would you excuse me? 1
.
a polite question that essentially announces one's departure. (Compare to Could I be excused?; Excuse me.)
J
ANE
: Would you excuse me? I have to get home now. A
NDREW
: Oh, sure. I'll see you to the door
.
Rising to leave, Jane said, “Would you excuse me?” and left by the rear door
.
2
.
a polite way of requesting passage through or by a group of people; a way of requesting space to exit an elevator.
There were two people talking in the corridor, blocking it. Tom said, “Would you excuse me?” They smiled and stepped aside
.
F
RED
: Would you excuse me? This is my floor. S
ALLY
: Sure. It's mine too.

Would you excuse us, please?
Go to Could you excuse us, please?

Would you please?
a phrase that agrees that what was offered to be done should be done.
B
ILL
: Do you want me to take this over to the bank? M
ARY
: Would you please?
T
OM
: Can I take your coat? S
ALLY
: Would you please?

Wouldn't bet on it
.
Go to (I) wouldn't bet on it.

Wouldn't count on it
.
Go to (I) wouldn't bet on it.

Wouldn't if I were you
.
Go to (I) wouldn't if I were you.

Wouldn't know
.
Go to (I) wouldn't know.

Wow
!
an exclamation of surprise and amazement.
“Wow! A real shark!” said Billy
.
S
ALLY
: Wow! I won the contest! What do I get? R
ACHEL
: A stuffed doll. S
ALLY
: Oh, goodie
.
J
ANE
: Wow! I just made it. I thought I would miss this flight for sure. S
UE
: Well, you almost did.

Ye gods (and little fishes)
!
Good grief! Wow! (A mild oath.)
Q: Can I have the car tonight. A: Ye gods, no! You never fill the gas tank!
Ye gods and little fishes! You broke my cell phone!