I'm here to see

Hi,

If a receptionist at a front desk, and a person came into the door. You asked him:

Receptionist: Can I help you?

The man: Yes. This response is rather terse and even a bit rude. The man would usually say more at this point, eg I'm here to see Mr.Smith'.

1. In this situation can the receptionist say:

Do

Hi Clive,

Thank you for your help.

1. Do you mean: Do you have an appointment please?

2. Can you say: Are you here to see Mr. Smith please?

Best wishes,

Tinanam

Hi,

1. Do you mean: Do you have an appointment please?

2. Can you say: Are you here to see Mr. Smith please?

Yes, that's the idea. I don't mean you have to say 'please' absolutely every time you speak, but you need to establish a polite tone for the conversation.

Hi Clive,

I understand now. Thank you very much.

Tinanam

I can't speak for all Americans, but please and thank you are staples in my family's conversations. At the drive-through, on the phone, at the order counter, at the restaurant, in the bank... definitely please and thank you.

Maybe we are anomolies. Maybe that's why other children's mothers tell me how polite my kids are. But I don't really think so.

Hi Grammar Geek,

Thanks for your sharing.

I think I have "Please" and "thank you" confused.

At the resturant where I'm ordering.

I'll a curry chicken and a mango juice, thank you / please.

In this case, do you say "please or "thank you" after mango juice?

Best wishes,

Tinanam

You say "please" when you request the food and "thank you" when they bring it to you.

Hi, Tinanam-

Generally, when you want something you say "please." When you get what you want, you say, "thank you."

In the situation you described in an office the man might say, "I' m here to see Mr. Smith, please.

The secretary might say: "Do you have an appointment?" (without the word "here.") The word "please" might be omitted also in this particular part of the di

Hi Knoff, hi Anonymous,

Thank you for your help and examples.

Have a good day.

Tinanam