Offering Thing (the expression)

Offering things is used for every time you want to be polite, host people at your home or work, etc.! It's common to use both 'would you like' and modal forms such as 'Can I ...', 'May I ...' to offer something. Here are some of the most important phrases used to offer something:

Would you like some ...?

Can I get you some ...?
Would you like me to get you some ....?

May I offer you some ...?

Example Dialogues

Person 1: Can I get you something to drink?
Person 2: Yes, that would be nice. Thank you.

Person 1: May I offer you some tea?
Person 2: Thank you.

NOTE: Always use 'some' words when offering someone something.

Informal

How about some ...?
What about some ...?
What do you say about some ...?
Are you up for some ...?

Example Informal Dialogues

Person 1: What about something to drink?
Person 2: Sure, do you have any scotch?

Person 1: Are you up for some dinner?
Person 2: Hey, thanks. What's on the menu?!

Accepting Offers

Accepting offers is just as important, or even more important than offering things. Make sure to thank your host. If you don't want to accept an offer, be sure to politely refuse. Offering an excuse is also a good idea in order not to offend your kind host.

The following phrases are commonly used when accepting offers:

Thank you.
I'd love to.
I'd love some.
That would be nice.
Thank you. I'd like ...

Example Dialogues

Person 1: May I get you something to drink?
Person 2: Thank you. I'd like a cup of coffee.

Person 1: Would you like me to get you some food?
Person 2: That would be nice. Thank you.

Politely Refusing Offers

Thank you, but I'm on a diet.
That's very kind. Unfortunately, I ...
I'd like to, but ...

Example Dialogues

Person 1: Would you like some cookies?
Person 2: Thank you, but I'm on a diet.

Person 1: How about a cup of tea?
Person 2: I'd like to have a cup of tea. Unfortunately, I'm late for a meeting. Can we make a rain check?