A Conversation for Ask h2g2

Formal English

Post 1

Hati

Would You mind to show me the most formal and polite way to ask somebody to leave the room?
Hatifnat


Formal English

Post 2

Mostly Harmless

HEY!! isn't that your car being stolen?!! smiley - winkeye

Mostly


Formal English

Post 3

Is mise Duncan

It really depends why you want them to leave the room.
If you need to have a private word with a third party in the room say something like "I wonder if you could give me a moment with [name] alone?"
If they shouldn't be there (i.e. it's a religious area or restricted)
"I'm sorry, this room is off limits, could you wait outside?"

Hmm - tricky...


Formal English

Post 4

Hati

I mean if I want to say somebody: Get lost! or p**s off! or smth like this but in a super polite and formal way.


Formal English

Post 5

noname

This is your umbrella - sorry to see you go...


Formal English

Post 6

26199

I would think your best bet is 'I would like you to leave, please'... or, if it's your house or something, you can be a bit more forceful and say 'I think you should leave now, please'.

*shrug*

26199


Formal English

Post 7

Cheerful Dragon

It depends on the circumstances, I suppose. From the sound of things it's not family or a friend, so, 'I'd like some time alone' might be inappropriate. At work you could try something like, 'I have a lot of work to do. Could we continue this discussion / conversation / whatever later?' If it's a stranger (salesman, Jehovah's Witness, ...) in your own home, well, it is your home. You have the right to insist that they leave. If you want to be polite, just say, 'Please leave'. If you want to give a reason, be honest but diplomatic and polite. 'Your product sucks' is best avoided, as is 'I'd like some time to think about it', as they'll only try to make an appointment to call back. If they still won't leave, you have the right to call the police as the person is now in your house without your permission to be there. Warn them that if they don't leave you'll call the police. If they represent a reputable company, you could also warn them that you will contact their head office with a complaint about their conduct.

I hope this helps, but some more information on the exact circumstances would help to give a better answer.


Formal English

Post 8

Wand'rin star

Oh goody. another language question!.
Many years ago in a foreign country I was with a friend who was being hassled by a very persistent tout:
"Do you understand English?" "Yes,sir.Yes,sir" "Then P*** off"
[All right, I'm going. I agree we need more info, before we can help.]


Formal English

Post 9

Jezery (Keeper of cute, cuddly little rottweilers)

I'm not sure why, but answering the door with my rottweiler beside me tends to discourage unwanted visitors.

If they are already in the house and I want them to leave, calling Killa inside and announcing that it's her dinner time usually gets them moving pretty quickly.


Formal English

Post 10

Cheerful Dragon

Side-tracking briefly on the subject of dogs, a man with two large dogs had a dog-door fitted. As the door was large enough for a person to get through, one of his friends asked if he was worried about the security risk. 'Not at all', was the reply. 'Would you go through that door without knowing what was waiting on the other side?' I guess he had a point.


Formal English

Post 11

Hati

Nice to have all this information about getting people out. Is there a possibility to form a phrase containing all the "would you-could you" stuff? smiley - smiley Something like 19th century high society language.


Formal English

Post 12

You can call me TC

It's less what you say, but how you say it. If you are an open and inviting person or if you say "I have some work to do", or" I have a headache" "would you please mind leaving" you might just be asking for a continuance of conversation on the subjects of what work you are doing or how to cure/what might have caused your headache.

Don't smile when you say it. Try and be very forceful by means of facial expression, gesture, etc. Only this convinces in the end.

Is this person still there (after all this time?)


Formal English

Post 13

Hati

He has not arrived yet. I'm just trying to get ready.
I need a sentence what could make his head aching. The common ones does not work. BTW he is sure I don't speak English or at least I don't understand it quite well.smiley - smiley


Formal English

Post 14

You can call me TC


So you need something visual and expressive. How about borrowing a baby to put somewhere in the background and scream. That will put anyone off the minute they open the door.


Formal English

Post 15

Pheroneous

I regret to have to inform you Mr X, that the pleasure of your company now palls, pray take your leave.


Formal English

Post 16

Hati

This one sounds like something I'm looking for. It is quite easy to point the door but I want to say something that he has to think about for 7 minutes and then next 7 minutes to find an adequate answer.


Key: Complain about this post