Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (9 page)

(Are you) feeling okay?
Do you feel well? (More than a greeting inquiry.)
T
OM
: Are you feeling okay? B
ILL
: Oh, fair to middling.
M
ARY
: Are you feeling okay? M
ARY
: I'm still a little dizzy, but it will pass.

(Are you) going my way?
If you are traveling in the direction of my destination, could I please go with you or can I have a ride in your car?
M
ARY
: Are you going my way? S
ALLY
: Sure. Get in.
“Going my way?” asked Tom as he saw Mary get into her car.

Are you in?
Do you intend to participate?; Are you on the team?
H
ANNA
: Okay, that's the deal. Are you in? A
NDREW
: I'm in.
D
ON
: Are you part of this deal? You have to decide. Are you in?

(Are you) leaving so soon?
AND
You leaving so soon?
a polite inquiry made to a guest who has announced a departure. (Appropriate only for the first few guests to leave. It would seem sarcastic to say this to the last guest to leave or one who is leaving very late at night.)
S
UE
: We really must go. S
ALLY
: Leaving so soon? S
UE
: Fred has to catch a plane at five in the morning.
J
OHN
(seeing Tom at the door): You leaving so soon? T
OM
: Yes, thanks for inviting me. I really have to go. J
OHN
: Well, good night, then.

Are you leveling with me?
Are you telling me the truth?
M
AX:
Come on, Sammy. You know I wouldn't kid around. S
AMMY
: Are you leveling with me? M
AX
: You know I am.
Are you leveling with me? If you're not, you are dead meat.

Are you on board?
Are you in agreement?; Are you part of the team?
Q: We've talked to you about this project before, John. You haven't given us a straight answer yet. We need to know now. Are you on board? A: Well, I guess so.
Are you on board? It will require a substantial commitment of time, but the potential rewards are great.

(Are you) ready for this?
a way of presenting a piece of news or information that is expected to excite or surprise the person spoken to.
T
OM
: Boy, do I have something to tell you! Are you ready
for this? M
ARY
: Sure. Let me have it!
T
OM
: Now, here's a great joke! Are you ready for this? It is so funny! A
LICE
: I can hardly wait.