Speak English Around Town Lesson 2 Idioms, Proverbs, Expressions MCQ Test

LESSON 2 – Returning an Item to the Store

RETURNING AN ITEM TO THE STORE 

Paul bought a camera yesterday that doesn’t work. He returns it to the store. Tim, the salesman, helps him make an exchange.

Paul: Hi, I bought this camera here yesterday, and it’s not working.

Tim: Did you charge the battery and put it in correctly?

Paul: Yes. I followed the directions to the letter.

Tim: Do you mind if I take a crack at it?

Paul: Be my guest.

Tim: I usually have the magic touch … Hmmm, you’re right. It doesn’t work. Would you like a replacement?

Paul: No, this is the second one I’ve had to return. I think I’ll steer clear of this model.

Tim: I hear what you’re saying. It’s frustrating when you get one bad unit, let alone two!

Paul: Yeah, it’s a bummer! I’d like my money back.

Tim: If you give me your receipt, I’ll issue a credit to your credit card. But you might also try a different model or brand.

Paul: Maybe I will try a different camera.

Tim: We’ve got an excellent Canon camera that’s the same price as this one. It would be an even exchange.

Paul: Okay, I’ll take it. I hope this one works out.

Tim: If you ‘re not happy with it, don’t hesitate to bring it back.

Language Lens: If Clauses to Talk About the Future

After the word “if,” you usually use a present tense verb to talk about the future. The part of the sentence that contains the word “if’ is the dependent clause and the other part of the sentence is the independent clause:

If you see something nice for Joan, please buy it.
If you see something nice for Joan (dependent clause)
please buy it (independent clause)

Examples:
◼ If the weather is nice tomorrow, let’s play tennis. (NOT: If the weather will be nice tomorrow)
◼ If you are ever in Boston, give me a call. (NOT: If you’ll ever be in Boston)
◼ If we have time tomorrow, we’ll go to the Metropolitan Museum. (NOT: If we’ll have time tomorrow)
◼ If I win the lottery, I’m going to quit my job. (NOT: If l will win)

Exceptions:
=> Use if + will (or the contraction ‘ll) for polite requests:
◼ If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to the restroom.
◼ If you’ll be seated, we’ll start the program.
◼ If you’ll turn off your cell phones, the performance can begin.

=> Use if + will (or ‘II) to emphasize that you’ll do something IF it will achieve a certain goal:
◼ If it’ll make you happy, I’ll organize the party.
◼ If it will make Chloe stop crying, I will give her a piece of candy.

=> Use if + will (or ‘II) for indirect statements. Indirect statements start with clauses like “I don’t know if” and “I’m not sure if”:
◼ I don’t know if I’ll be there.
◼ I’m not sure if I’ll go tomorrow.
◼ Do you know if he’ll be at the party?
◼ Who knows if I’ll get an interview.

IDIOMS

• be my guest

→ please go ahead; try it yourself

Example: “May I try fixing the copier?” -“Be my guest!”

• (a) bummer

→ a disappointment

Example: I lost my receipt, and the store won’t take the dress back without it. What a bummer!

• don’t hesitate to

→ please go ahead and do something; don’t be shy about doing something

Example: If you need advice on buying a car, don’t hesitate to ask.

• even exchange

→ a trade of equal value; when you return something and take something else that costs the same price

Example: If you return those pants and get this sweater instead, it will be an even exchange. They’re both $39.99.

• (to) have the magic touch

→ to have talent at doing something; to be able to do something difficult

Example: You can’t open that bottle? Give it to Ivan. He usually has the magic touch.

• I hear what you ‘re saying

→ I understand you; I sympathize with you

Example: “I worked 60 hours this week. I’m exhausted!” – “I hear what you’re saying.”

• (to) issue a credit

→ to give money back to

Example: Rachel returned the sweater to the Gap, and they issued her a credit.

NOTE: When a clerk issues a “store credit,” the dollar amount is put on a store card that can later be used to buy something at that store.

• let alone

→ much less; not to mention

Example: I can’t remember the name of the movie, let alone the plot.

• (to) steer clear of

→ to avoid, usually due to a bad experience

Example: Mark got food poisoning at O’Reilly’s? We’d better steer clear of that place from now on!

• (to) take a crack at

→ to try something

Example: I don’t know if l can fix your laptop, but I’ll take a crack at it.

• to the letter

→ exactly

Example: I followed the recipe on the box to the letter, but this chocolate cake tastes terrible!

• (to) work out

→ to be successful; to meet one’s needs

Example: I just bought my first Mac. I hope it works out.