Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (103 page)

If you don't see what you want, please ask (for it)
.
AND
If you don't see what you want, just ask (for it)
.
a polite phrase intended to help people get what they want.
C
LERK
: May I help you? S
UE
: I'm just looking. C
LERK
: If you don't see what you want, please ask
.
C
LERK
: I hope you enjoy your stay at our resort. If you don't see what you want, just ask for it. S
ALLY
: Great! Thanks.

if you know what's good for you
if you know what will work to your benefit; if you know what will keep you out of trouble.
M
ARY
: I see that Jane has put a big dent in her car. S
UE
: You'll keep quiet about that if you know what's good for you
.
S
ALLY
: My boss told me I had better improve my spelling. B
ILL
: If you know what's good for you, you'd better do it too.

If you must
.
All right, if you have to.
S
ALLY
: It's late. I have to move along. M
ARY
: If you must. Good-bye. See you tomorrow
.
A
LICE
: I'm taking these things with me. J
ANE
: If you must. All right. They can stay here, though.

if you please
AND
if you would(, please) 1
.
a polite phrase indicating assent to a suggestion.
B
ILL
: Shall I unload the car? J
ANE
: If you please
.
S
UE
: Do you want me to take you to the station? B
OB
: If you would, please
.
2
.
a polite phrase introducing or following a request.
J
OHN
: If you please, the driveway needs sweeping. J
ANE
: Here's the broom. Have at it
.
J
ANE
: Take these down to the basement, if you would, please. J
OHN
: Can't think of anything I'd rather do, sweetie.

if you would(, please)
Go to if you please.

I'll be a monkey's uncle
!
I am surprised!
I'll be a monkey's uncle! Here's my old pocketknife from when I was a kid.
A: Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle. If it isn't Bob Jones! B: Hey, Ted! What's cooking?