第9课　MORE PLUSSES THAN GOODS

In yesterday's lesson, Gary used the word "shiok". This is derived from a Malay word and is best translated as "great!" The right way to say this sentence would be: "My weekend was really great!"

Jane is checking some office tasks with Nora.

Jane: Nora, there you are. I need to check a few things with you.

Nora: Sure.

Jane: OK. The new hand dryer for the toilet. How much will that cost?

Nora: $250 plus installation.

Jane: So how much altogether?

Nora: $250.

Jane: And the installation?

Nora: Already in the price.

Jane: Oh. So when you say $250 plus installation, you mean that the installation is included.

Nora: Yes.

Jane: OK. Good. Next. The meal for the representative from the Hotel Boat Quay. How much is that likely to cost?

Nora: $20 plus (pause) plus plus.

Jane: So how much is that?

Nora: I don't know exactly. Last time I was not an accountant, what!

Jane: Do you think $30 will cover it?

Nora: Of course.

Jane: Fine. Now, we need to have a meeting tomorrow. We've had some odd questions from head office. What time do you think would be good?

Nora: Three plus.

Narrator:　In Singapore the word "plus" is used in many ways, but usually differently from good English. The first time Jane sorted out the misunder-standing.

Replay...

Jane: Oh. So when you say $250 plus installation you mean that the installation is included.

Narrator:　We should say..

Nora: "$250 which includes installation."

Narrator:　Now listen to this.

Replay...

Jane: The meal for the representative from the Hotel Boat Quay. How much is that likely to cost?

Nora: $20 plus (pause) plus plus.

Narrator:　Here the first "plus" means "more than". The other two refer to added tax. Nora should have said..

Nora: "More than $20, plus service and government tax."

Narrator:　The final "plus" was when Nora said..

Replay...

Nora: Three plus.

Narrator:　Here she means some time after three o'clock. It's always better to be accurate when talking about time.

Nora: How about three fifteen?

Jane: Great! I'll put that in my diary.

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Speak Well, Be Understood.　好英语，利沟通。
Written by Laraine Bamrah, Paul Tolton, Delphia Choo, Alaisdair Raynham and Steve Adams for the British Council in association with the Speak Good English Movement.
©Ministry of Information and The Arts and British Council Singapore 2001

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