I. Do you happen to make machine tools?
--Yes. As a matter of fact, we specialize in this line of goods and have an experience of over twenty years.
Did you go home yesterday?
--No. As a matter of fact, I didn’t go all week.
Mr. White hasn’t a son, has he?
--Yes, he has; as a matter of fact, he has two.
I thought you wouldn’t mind.
--Well, as a matter of fact, I don’t; but you should have asked me first.
How has he been recently?
--He appears to be strong and healthy, but as a matter of fact, he suffers from a very weak heart.
II. Can you show me your catalogue?
--Here’s a catalogue for some popular ones.
Will you let me have a look at your contract?
--Here’s a draft contract we’ve just made out. Go over it, please.
Did you go and see Mr. Johnson in Beijing?
--Yes, I did. And here’s his reply to your message.
Has today’s post come?
--Yes. And here are two letters for you.
III. We also take special orders. That is to say, we can make machine tools according to samples and specifications.
--That’s nice.
We’ll sign the contract with you if you are going to make your terms easier for us. That’s to say , if you are going to cut down your price by 3 to 5 percent.
--We’ll have to think it over before we can give you an answer.
How long has the doctor been here?
--Let me see. It is now exactly twenty-eight minutes past four. That is to say, the doctor has been here for two hours and thirteen minutes.
Did he mention anything about his return from English in his letter?
--He said he would arrive here on January 13th. That is to say, a week next Monday.
IV. Which do you prefer? FOB or CIF?
--I’d rather you quoted us your CIF prices.
Which do you prefer? Monday or Wednesday?
--Oh, Wednesday would be better for me.
Which do you prefer? The dark one or the light one?
----Well, I’d prefer a dark suit for evening wear.
Which do you prefer? Stay at home or go with us?
--I’d rather you to stay at home than go with you.
V. I’d rather you quoted us your CIF prices.
--That can be easily arranged.
Don’t come tomorrow. I’d rather you come next weekend.
--All right.
“Shall I go downstairs, sir?” asked Oliver.
--“No, “ replied Mr. Brown, “I’d rather you stay here.’
My parents would rather I hadn’t gone into business.
--But you went into business all the same.
