(一) 知识概要
由于英语国家的语言习惯与中国的语言习惯有许多不同之处，所以造成了许多同学在做选择或书写，或与人交谈中造成误用中国方式来对英语的问句作解答。例如一个小女孩十分好看，可爱，外国人见到时会讲： You are so beautiful 这时的答语应该是 Thank you 如果外国人发现你的英语不错，他们会讲： Your English is very good 这时中国人常常会说：不，我说的不好。这纯是一种礼貌的答语，但是不符合英语习惯。它正确的答语应是 Thank you 虽然交际英语有一些规律可讲，但更重要的是学习外国的生活习惯，了解他们的文化背景，历史渊源，这样才能真正的学好一门外语。
(二) 正误辨析
[误] - What can I do for you?
- Yes， please help me
[正] - What can I do for you?
- I'd like to buy a sweater
[析] What can I do for you? 这一问语实际上用于的情景很多，要根据具体情况而定。如在商店中售货员讲这句话应译为：您想要点什么?在其他场合也可以被译为：我能为您做些什么?它的答语应是直接讲出想让对方提供的帮助。
[误] - Which colour do you like?
- Sorry， I don't like
[正] - Which colour do you like?
- I prefer blue
[析] 由 which 来提问的问句是要回答具体的选择，而不能泛指，泛泛的回答。如 Yes， I like it
[误] Do you like to come with us tonight?
[正] Would you like to come with us tonight?
[析] Do you like … 问的是对方的习惯，如： Do you like swimming? Do you like collecting stamps? 而 would you like … 则是一次性的邀请、提议。邀请的英语表达法还有如下几种：
Shall we go? 我们走吧!
Let's go? 让我们走吧!
How about having a cup of tea? 喝杯茶如何?
What about a cup of coffee 喝杯咖啡如何?
Why not buy it? 为什么不买呢?
其肯定答语一般为Certainly， Yes， O.K. All right， With pleasure
[误] Sorry， I've kept you waiting
Not at all
[正] Sorry， I've kept you waiting
Never mind
[析] "介意不介意"这一问法与答语在中英文中有所不同。如：
- Do you mind my smoking here?- _________
A. Yes， do it please
B. No， of course not
C. Yes， take it please
D. No， you can't take it
