Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (8 page)

Anytime you are ready
.
an indication that the speaker is waiting for the person spoken to to make the appropriate move.
M
ARY
: I think it's about time to go. B
ILL
: Anytime you're ready. D
OCTOR
: Shall we begin the operation? T
OM
: Anytime you're ready.

anyway
AND
anyhow
in spite of all this; regardless. (Words such as this often use intonation to convey the connotation of the sentence that is to follow. The brief intonation pattern accompanying the word may indicate sarcasm, disagreement, caution, consolation, sternness, etc.)
J
OHN
: I just don't know what's going to happen. M
ARY
: Things look very bleak. J
OHN
: Anyway, we'll all end up dead in the long run.
B
OB
: Let's stop this silly argument. F
RED
: I agree. Anyhow, it's time to go home, so none of this argument really matters, does it? B
OB
: Not a bit.

(Are) things getting you down?
Are things bothering you?
J
ANE
: Gee, Mary, you look sad. Are things getting you down? M
ARY
: Yeah. J
ANE
: Cheer up! M
ARY
: Sure.
T
OM
: What's the matter, Bob? Things getting you down? B
OB
: No, I'm just a little tired.

Are you (all) set? 1
.
Do you have everything you need?
D
ON
: Are you all set? Do you have enough staples, glue, and paint to do the project? I
DA
: Yeah. We're set.
Are you set? Do you have what you need?
2
.
Have you finished eating, and are you ready for the bill?
W
AITER
: Hope you enjoyed your meal. Are you all set? D
ON
: Yes, we're ready for the check.
You guys don't look hungry anymore. Are you set?

(Are you) doing okay?
AND
You doing okay? 1
.
How are you?
M
ARY
: Doing okay? B
ILL
: You bet! How are you?
B
ILL
: Hey, man!
Are you doing okay? T
OM
: Sure thing! And you?
2
.
How are you surviving this situation or ordeal?
M
ARY
: You doing okay? B
ILL
: Sure. What about you? M
ARY
: I'm cool.
T
OM
: Wow, that was some gust of wind! Are you doing okay? M
ARY
: I'm still a little frightened, but alive.