3.1 FORMAL AND INFORMAL GREETINGS

Objective:
To recognize and appropriately use formal and informal greetings in different contexts, both spoken and written.

👋 WHAT IS A GREETING?

A greeting is a polite expression used when you meet someone. The form of the greeting depends on:
The relationship (friend, colleague, stranger)
The setting (professional, casual, social)
The time of day

🔹 1. FORMAL GREETINGS

Used in professional settings, with strangers, or when showing respect (e.g., to elders, clients, or superiors).

🔸 COMMON FORMAL GREETINGS:

Greeting  Use Case
Good morning  Before 12 p.m.
Good afternoon  From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Good evening  After 6 p.m. (not “good night”)
How do you do?  Very formal, often first-time meetings
It’s a pleasure to meet you  Business or ceremonial contexts

✅ Example:
Good morning, Mr. Thompson. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

🔸 FORMAL RESPONSES:

Greeting  Typical Response
Good morning  Good morning
How do you do?  How do you do
Nice to meet you  Nice to meet you, too

⚠ Good night is not a greeting. It’s a farewell used before going to sleep.

🔹 2. INFORMAL GREETINGS

Used with friends, family, colleagues, or in casual settings.

🔸 COMMON INFORMAL GREETINGS:

Greeting  Use Case
Hi  Neutral and informal
Hey  Very casual
Hello  Neutral, slightly formal
What’s up?  Slang/informal (U.S. English)
How’s it going?  Casual, friendly

✅ Example:
Hey, how’s it going?
Hi Anna! Good to see you again.

🔸 INFORMAL RESPONSES:

Question  Response
What’s up?  Not much / All good / Same old
How’s it going?  Pretty good / Not bad / Great!
Hi / Hey  Hi! / Hey! / Hello!

🧠 GREETING ETIQUETTE BY CONTEXT

Context  Suggested Greeting
Job interview  Good morning, nice to meet you
New neighbor  Hello, I’m [Name]. Nice to meet you.
Close friend  Hey! What’s up?
Business email  Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name], Good morning

🗣️ PRONUNCIATION TIP

In spoken English, greetings often include linking and reduction:
How are you? → /ˈhaʊə ju/ or /haʊərjə/
What’s up? → /wʌtsʌp/
Good morning → /ɡʊd ˈmɔːnɪŋ/ (not /gu:d/)

❗ COMMON MISTAKES

Mistake  Correction
Using “Good night” as a greeting  Use “Good evening” instead
Mixing formal/informal phrases  Match tone with context
Translating directly (Buenos días = Good days)  Say “Good morning” instead

3.2 INTRODUCING YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Objective:
To confidently introduce yourself and other people in English, using appropriate expressions for both formal and informal contexts.

👤 INTRODUCING YOURSELF

When meeting someone for the first time, use a greeting followed by your name and sometimes extra personal information like where you’re from or your profession.

🔹 COMMON PHRASES:

Level  Example Phrases
Formal  Hello, my name is...
  Nice to meet you.
  I’m pleased to meet you.
Informal  Hi, I’m [Name].
  Hey, I’m [Name], nice to meet you.
Very casual  I’m [Name], what’s your name?

✅ Example:
Hello, my name is Ana García. I’m from Madrid.
Hi, I’m Alex. I work in tech.

🧑🤝🧑 INTRODUCING OTHERS

When introducing people to each other, it's important to say both names and offer some brief context.

🔸 FORMAL SITUATIONS

Example
Mr. Smith, this is Dr. Johnson.
Let me introduce you to our manager, Ms. Taylor.
I'd like you to meet our new colleague.

🔸 INFORMAL SITUATIONS

Example
This is my friend Laura.
Hey, meet my cousin Tom.
Guys, this is Maria—she’s new here.

✅ Response from the person being introduced:
Nice to meet you.
It’s a pleasure.
Hi, I’ve heard a lot about you!

🧠 USEFUL STRUCTURES

Structure  Example
I’m [name]  I’m Carlos.
I’m from [city/country]  I’m from Buenos Aires.
I work as a [job] / I’m a [job]  I work as a lawyer. / I’m a teacher.
This is [name]  This is my sister, Marta.
Let me introduce you to [name]  Let me introduce you to our director.

📘 CULTURAL TIP

In English-speaking cultures, introductions often include:
A firm handshake (in formal situations)
A smile and eye contact
Sometimes small talk (weather, travel, job)

❗ COMMON MISTAKES

Mistake  Correction  Why?
I am called Juan.  My name is Juan. / I’m Juan.  “I’m called…” sounds awkward
He is my friend the Pedro.  This is my friend Pedro.  No article “the” before names
Let me to introduce you…  Let me introduce you…  “Let me” is followed by base verb

🗣️ PRONUNCIATION TIPS

My name is → /maɪ ˈneɪm ɪz/
Nice to meet you → /naɪs tə ˈmiːt ju/
Let me introduce you → /ˈlet mi ˌɪntrəˈdjuːs ju/

Use linking and reduced forms to sound natural.

3.3 SAYING GOODBYE AND TAKING LEAVE

Objective:
To learn appropriate expressions for saying goodbye in English in both formal and informal contexts, including common phrases for ending conversations politely.

👋 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “TAKE LEAVE”?

In English, “taking leave” refers to ending a conversation or interaction in a polite way. It’s not just about saying "bye" — it can include:
Expressing gratitude
Making future arrangements
Wishing someone well

🔹 1. INFORMAL GOODBYE EXPRESSIONS

Used among friends, family, and peers.

Expression  Use Case
Bye  Very common and neutral
See you (later/soon)  Short-term or casual plans
Take care  Polite and warm
Catch you later  Slang, casual
I’ve got to go  Used to exit the conversation
Talk to you soon  For ongoing contact

✅ Example:
Bye, talk to you tomorrow!
I’ll catch you later—gotta run!

🔸 2. FORMAL AND POLITE LEAVE-TAKING

Used in professional settings, with strangers, or in business communication.

Expression  Use Case
Goodbye  Neutral formal farewell
It was a pleasure meeting you  Polite for first meetings
I look forward to seeing you  Polite, positive, forward-looking
Have a nice day/weekend/evening  Common polite phrase
I’m afraid I have to go now  Very formal and soft
I’ll be in touch / We’ll talk soon  For future follow-up

🧠 CULTURAL TIPS

In English, brief goodbyes are typical; you don’t need long farewells.
Politeness is key, especially in formal contexts.
Adding a smile, a handshake, or a friendly tone improves the impression.

❗ COMMON ERRORS BY SPANISH SPEAKERS

Mistake  Correction  Why?
Good night at the start of a meeting  Use Good evening  "Good night" = final farewell only
I see you later  See you later  Drop the subject “I” in this case
I’m going to go (as a goodbye)  I’ve got to go / I’d better go  More natural, idiomatic English

🗣 PRONUNCIATION NOTES

See you later → /ˈsiː jə ˈleɪtə/
Take care → /teɪk ˈkeə/
Gotta go → /ˈɡɒtə ˈɡəʊ/ (informal, contracted speech)

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG

Emily: Well, I should probably get going—it’s getting late.
Daniel: Yeah, same here. It was really great catching up with you.
Emily: Likewise! Let’s grab coffee next week if you’re free.
Daniel: Absolutely. I’ll message you tomorrow to set a day.
Emily: Perfect. Take care and have a great evening!
Daniel: You too! Bye!

3.4 COMMON POLITE EXPRESSIONS

Objective:
To learn and use everyday polite expressions that help maintain courteous and respectful communication in English, both in social and professional settings.

🎩 WHY USE POLITE EXPRESSIONS?

Politeness is a fundamental part of English-speaking cultures. It helps:
Show respect and consideration
Soften requests and refusals
Maintain positive social and professional relationships

Using polite expressions correctly improves your tone, avoids sounding rude, and makes you more effective in conversation.

🔹 BASIC POLITE EXPRESSIONS

Situation  Expression
Requesting something  Could you please…? / Would you mind…?
Thanking someone  Thank you. / Thanks a lot. / Much appreciated.
Responding to thanks  You’re welcome. / No problem. / My pleasure.
Apologizing  I’m sorry. / I apologize. / Excuse me.
Interrupting  Sorry to interrupt, but… / May I ask…?
Asking again  Could you repeat that, please? / Pardon?
Offering help  Can I help you? / Would you like some help?
Ending politely  It was nice talking to you. / Have a great day.

🔸 SOFTENING LANGUAGE

Instead of giving direct commands or refusals, English speakers often use modal verbs, indirect forms, and softening phrases.

Direct  Polite/Softened Version
Close the door.  Could you close the door, please?
I don’t understand.  I’m not quite sure I understand.
That’s wrong.  I think there might be a mistake.
No.  I’m afraid I can’t. / I’d rather not.

🧠 CULTURAL INSIGHT

Politeness in English often uses indirectness: saying things less directly to avoid offense.
“Please”, “thank you”, and “sorry” are used more frequently than in Spanish.
Overuse is rarely a problem; underuse can seem rude or cold.

❗ COMMON ERRORS BY SPANISH SPEAKERS

Mistake  Correction  Why?
Give me the pen.  Could you give me the pen, please?  Too direct
Repeat again!  Could you repeat that, please?  Polite form + correct structure
Sorry, what? (too abrupt)  Sorry, could you say that again?  Softer, more natural

🗣 PRONUNCIATION NOTES

Could you… → /kʊdʒə/ (often contracted in speech)
Would you mind… → /wʊdʒə ˈmaɪnd/
Excuse me → /ɪkˈskjuːz mi/ or /ɪkˈskjuːz mə/

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG

Receptionist: Good morning! How can I help you today?
Client: Good morning. I’m here for a meeting with Mr. Richards. Would you mind letting him know I’ve arrived?
Receptionist: Of course. Could you please take a seat while I notify him?
Client: Certainly. Thank you very much.
Receptionist: You’re welcome. He’ll be with you shortly.

3.5 USING TITLES AND FORMS OF ADDRESS

Objective:
To understand how to use names, titles, and forms of address appropriately in English depending on the level of formality, cultural context, and relationship between speakers.

🎓 WHAT ARE FORMS OF ADDRESS?

Forms of address refer to how you speak to or refer to someone in direct communication. This includes:
• Titles (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.)
• First names
• Last names
• Honorifics or professional roles

Choosing the right form is important for showing respect, formality, and social awareness.

🔹 COMMON ENGLISH TITLES

Title  Use Case
Mr.  Adult men (neutral or formal) → Mr. Smith
Ms.  Adult women (neutral; marital status unknown)
Mrs.  Married women (traditional) → Mrs. Johnson
Miss  Unmarried young women (less common today)
Dr.  Doctors (medical or academic)
Prof.  University professors
Sir / Ma’am  Very formal / respectful → Yes, sir

✅ Use a title + last name in formal situations unless told otherwise.

🔸 FIRST NAME VS. LAST NAME

Situation  Preferred Address
Formal (first contact, workplace)  Mr./Ms. + Last Name
Informal (friends, colleagues)  First Name
Very casual or social  Nickname (if appropriate)

✔ Hello, Mr. Peterson. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
✔ Hi John, how are you?

⚠ Do not use someone's first name in a professional setting unless they invite you to do so.

🧠 SPECIAL NOTES

In emails:
Dear Mr. Brown → formal
Hi Sarah → informal

Use Ms. if you don’t know a woman’s marital status — it’s the safest and most respectful default.

In some cultures (e.g., the US), switching to first names happens quickly. In others (e.g., UK, India), more formality is maintained.

❗ COMMON MISTAKES

Mistake  Correction  Why?
Hello Miss Laura  Hello Ms. Martínez or Hello Laura  Avoid using “Miss” with first name
Good morning teacher!  Good morning, Mr./Ms. [Last Name]  Use proper title in formal setting
Doctor John (unless invited)  Dr. Smith  Use last name with professional title

🗣 PRONUNCIATION NOTES

Mr. → /ˈmɪstər/
Ms. → /mɪz/
Mrs. → /ˈmɪsɪz/
Dr. → /ˈdɒktər/ (BrE) /ˈdɑːktər/ (AmE)

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG

Receptionist: Good afternoon. Welcome to Lincoln Consulting.
Visitor: Good afternoon. I’m here to meet Dr. Grant.
Receptionist: Of course. May I ask your name, please?
Visitor: Certainly. I’m Mr. Ortega, from Zenith International.
Receptionist: Thank you, Mr. Ortega. Please have a seat while I let Dr. Grant know you’ve arrived.
Visitor: I appreciate it.

3.6 ASKING AND ANSWERING BASIC QUESTIONS (NAME, AGE, NATIONALITY)

Objective:
To be able to ask and answer simple personal questions related to identity, age, and origin, using correct grammar and polite forms.

❓ ASKING FOR BASIC INFORMATION

These are among the first questions exchanged when meeting someone new. The goal is to gather personal but non-intrusive information in a polite and friendly way.

🔹 1. ASKING AND SAYING NAMES

Question  Answer Example
What’s your name?  My name is Laura. / I’m Laura.
How do you spell your name?  It’s L-A-U-R-A.

In formal contexts:
→ May I have your name, please?
→ Could you tell me your full name?

🔹 2. ASKING AND SAYING AGE

Question  Answer Example
How old are you?  I’m 25 years old. / I’m 25.

• Formal alternatives are uncommon; this question can feel too direct in some cultures. Use only when appropriate.
✅ Optional phrase: If you don’t mind me asking…

🔹 3. ASKING AND SAYING NATIONALITY

Question  Answer Example
Where are you from?  I’m from Mexico.
What’s your nationality?  I’m Spanish.
What country are you from?  I’m from Colombia.

“Where are you from?” is more common and conversational.
“What’s your nationality?” is more formal or used in official documents.

🧠 SENTENCE STRUCTURE RECAP

Function  Structure
Asking  Wh-word + auxiliary + subject + verb
Answering  Subject + verb + complement

What’s your name? → My name is John.
Where are you from? → I’m from Brazil.
How old are you? → I’m 28.

❗ COMMON ERRORS BY SPANISH SPEAKERS

Mistake  Correction  Why?
Which is your name?  What’s your name?  “Which” = limited options
I have 30 years  I’m 30 years old  Use verb “to be”, not “have”
I am of Spain  I’m from Spain / I’m Spanish  Literal translation error

🗣 PRONUNCIATION NOTES

What’s your name? → /wɒts jɔː ˈneɪm/
Where are you from? → /ˈweə rə ju frɒm/
How old are you? → /haʊ ˈəʊld ə ju/

Note: “are you” often contracts to /ə ju/ in natural speech.

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG

Isabella: Hi there! I’m Isabella. What’s your name?
Alex: I’m Alex. Nice to meet you!
Isabella: Nice to meet you too. Where are you from, Alex?
Alex: I’m from Canada, but I’ve been living in Spain for three years. And you?
Isabella: I’m Spanish, from Valencia. By the way, how old are you?
Alex: I’m 27. And you?
Isabella: I’m 29. So we’re pretty close in age!

3.7 USING “NICE TO MEET YOU”, “HOW ARE YOU?” AND VARIANTS

Objective:
To understand and use common social phrases such as “Nice to meet you” and “How are you?” appropriately in greetings and introductions, including variations for different levels of formality.

🗨️ 1. “NICE TO MEET YOU” – WHEN AND HOW TO USE IT

This phrase is used when meeting someone for the first time. It expresses a positive attitude and helps make a polite first impression.

Situation  Typical Use
First-time meeting  Nice to meet you. / It’s a pleasure to meet you.
In reply  Nice to meet you too. / Likewise.

✅ Examples:
Hi, I’m Olivia.
Nice to meet you, Olivia. I’m Marcus.
Nice to meet you too.

⚠ Don’t use this phrase if you’ve already met the person before. Use “Nice to see you again” instead.

🤝 VARIANTS AND FORMAL ALTERNATIVES

Neutral/Formal  Very Informal
It’s a pleasure to meet you.  Good to meet you.
Pleased to meet you.  Great to meet you.
Nice meeting you. (at the end)  Nice seeing you. (informal close)

💬 2. “HOW ARE YOU?” – POLITE SMALL TALK

A very common follow-up greeting in both formal and informal English.

Question  Common Responses
How are you?  I’m fine, thanks. / I’m good. / Not bad.
How’s it going?  Pretty good. / Great. / Same as always.
How are you doing?  Doing well, thanks. / I’m okay.

✅ It's often a social routine, not always a literal inquiry.
It’s polite to ask back:
→ How are you? → I’m good, thanks. And you?

🔁 FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

After exchanging greetings, you can ask:
How was your weekend?
How’s your day going?
What have you been up to?

These encourage conversation beyond hello, especially in friendly or workplace settings.

❗ COMMON MISTAKES

Mistake  Correction  Why?
Nice to meet you again!  Nice to see you again!  “Meet” = first time only
How are you? Good. (no subject)  I’m good.  Complete structure preferred
How do you do? (as a reply)  How do you do. (Not a question in this case)  Formal greeting exchange

🧠 CULTURAL NOTE

In English, greetings like How are you? are often ritualized.
Even if you're not “great”, it’s normal to answer with something positive or neutral in public settings.
Save personal honesty for close friends.

🗣 PRONUNCIATION TIPS

Nice to meet you → /naɪs tə ˈmiːtʃu/
How are you? → /ˈhaʊ ər ju/ → /ˈhaʊə ju/
I’m good, thanks. And you? → /aɪm ɡʊd θæŋks ən ju/

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG

Claire: Good afternoon! I’m Claire Bennett.
Daniel: Hello Claire, I’m Daniel Morgan. Nice to meet you.
Claire: Nice to meet you too, Daniel. How are you?
Daniel: I’m doing well, thanks. And you?
Claire: I’m fine, thank you. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Daniel: Likewise. I hope we’ll have time to talk more during the break.

3.8 CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN POLITENESS

Objective:
To recognize and understand how politeness norms in English may differ from those in Spanish-speaking cultures, and how to adapt your communication style to avoid misunderstandings.

🌍 WHY CULTURAL POLITENESS MATTERS

What is considered polite or impolite varies between cultures. In English-speaking societies, indirectness, softened language, and ritual expressions often signal respect and social competence.

Understanding these differences helps:
Avoid sounding too blunt or too formal
Build better cross-cultural relationships
Interpret the real meaning behind phrases

🧭 KEY DIFFERENCES IN POLITENESS NORMS

🔹 1. DIRECTNESS VS. INDIRECTNESS

Spanish Norm  English Equivalent
¿Qué quieres? (direct)  Would you like something to drink? (indirect)
Dame eso.  Could you pass me that, please?
No puedo.  I’m afraid I can’t. / I’d rather not.

In English, directness may come across as rude, especially in formal situations.

🔹 2. USE OF "PLEASE", "THANK YOU", AND "SORRY"

English uses these markers of politeness more frequently:

Please is expected in almost any request, even with close friends.
Thank you is often used after routine exchanges:
→ Thanks after receiving change at a store.
Sorry is used not only for guilt, but also to express empathy, interrupt, or ask to repeat something.

🔹 3. TONE AND FACIAL EXPRESSION

English relies heavily on tone of voice to express warmth or distance.
A smile is often used to soften direct speech.
Neutral tone + direct words = may sound cold or aggressive in English.

🔹 4. SMALL TALK AND PERSONAL SPACE

English speakers often use small talk to create comfort before getting to the point.
Questions about age, salary, family situation may be perceived as too personal early in the relationship.

🧠 COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

Behavior  Misinterpretation in English
Being too direct  Seen as rude or demanding
Not using "please" or "thank you"  Seen as disrespectful or unfriendly
Refusing invitations too bluntly  Could offend unintentionally
Using "Do you want…?" with strangers  Sounds too abrupt or pushy

✔ Better: Would you like…?, Do you feel like…?, Shall we…?

🔧 ADAPTING TO ENGLISH POLITENESS

Use softeners: a bit, perhaps, I think, would you mind…
Include social niceties: How are you?, Have a nice day
Mirror the tone and formality of the other speaker
Observe context and adjust level of indirectness

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG

Lucía: Hello. I need to speak to your manager.
Receptionist: Of course. May I ask what it’s regarding?
Lucía: It’s about a billing issue. I’m really upset, and I want this fixed now.
Receptionist: I understand your frustration, and I’ll do my best to help. Would you mind waiting a few minutes while I contact him?
Lucía: Sure, sorry—I didn’t mean to be rude. I just wasn’t expecting this problem.
Receptionist: No problem at all. Thank you for your patience.

3.9 UNIT 3 REVIEW

Objective:
To consolidate everything learned in Unit 3 through a comprehensive review and a practical example of natural conversation using greetings, introductions, and polite expressions.

📚 UNIT 3 SUMMARY

🗨️ GREETINGS

• Formal: Good morning, Good evening, How do you do?
• Informal: Hi, Hey, What’s up?

🧍 INTRODUCTIONS

My name is… / I’m…
Let me introduce you to…
This is my friend/colleague…

👋 SAYING GOODBYE

• Formal: It was a pleasure, Goodbye, Have a great day
• Informal: Bye, See you later, Take care

🎩 POLITE EXPRESSIONS

Could you…, Would you mind…, I’m afraid…, Thank you, Sorry

📛 TITLES AND FORMS OF ADDRESS

Mr., Ms., Dr., Prof. + Last Name in formal situations
First name use only after permission or in informal settings

❓ BASIC QUESTIONS

What’s your name? / Where are you from? / How old are you?

👍 SOCIAL PHRASES

Nice to meet you / How are you? / I’m good, thanks. And you?

🌍 CULTURAL AWARENESS

English prefers indirectness, ritual politeness, and softening language
Overuse of “please”, “thank you”, and “sorry” is preferred to underuse

🎧 LISTENING AND SPEAKING

Use role-play and audio input to internalize tone, structure, and fluency

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG

Marta: Good afternoon, I’m Marta López. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
James: Good afternoon, Ms. López. I’m James Carter. Likewise.
Marta: Please, call me Marta. Where are you from, James?
James: I’m originally from Toronto, but I’ve been based in London for a few years. And you?
Marta: I’m from Seville, Spain. I just arrived yesterday for the conference.
James: Welcome! If you need anything or want to grab a coffee later, let me know.