English question
I had an exam this morning,there was a question on the paper:
A: Pass the dictionary,will you?
B: ( )
a. By all means b. Pleasure c. None d.Thanks
The answer is a,I wonder why b is a wrong answer,if someone ask me for a little favor,can i say 'pleasure' or 'with pleasure'?
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 8
4
It is more common to say "With pleasure" or "My pleasure." If you simply say "Pleasure," it does not refer to whose pleasure it is. While that is not technically incorrect, it is a bit awkward.
1
In addition to what's already been said: in everyday speech, people usually use "Pleasure" as a shortened "It's a pleasure to meet you", for example when shaking hands. It's a casual greeting.
0
I actually disagree with the answer (by all means). All of the options sound awkward, but "pleasure" sounds the best. To me, "by all means" is closer in meaning to "go ahead" or granting permission. For example, "Can I ask you a question?" "By all means." In the example on your exam, "by all means" doesn't make any sense because the person asked you to do something for them; they did not ask you for permission.
0
You would normally say 'pleasure' to being thanked. In this case it doesn't make sense to use pleasure unless you say 'it would be my pleasure' which sounds extremely formal. So the correct answer would be 'by all means'.
0
Jeremy van Dijk
Yeah,the question seems quite odd and rude,but it's the original quote from the paper......tipical chinenglish.
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!
Start Learning Today
