17. Excuse

1) Well, the thing is you didn’t ask for leave.

2) I mean I came but you are not in.

3) Let me explain. You see many people are illiterate.

4) But the point is that most insurance companies make profits.

5) It’s because I don’t want to be late for class.

6) The reason that he doesn’t come is that he is ill.

7) I can’t accept your excuse.

8) Well,ah... ,it’s hard to tell you.

9) Hi, Lily, I’ve come to say "sorry" to you.

10) No one will be convinced by your excuse.

Dialogue 1

W: Gordon, you’re ever so late.

M: Yes, I am sorry. I missed the bus.

W: But there’s a bus every ten minutes, and you are over 1 hour late.

M: Well, I missed several buses.

W: How on earth can you miss several buses?

M: I,ah...,I got have late.

W: Oh, come on, Gordon, it’s the afternoon now. Why were you

late really?

M: Well,I...I lost my wallet, and I...

W: Have you got it now?

M: Yes, I found it again.

W: When?

M: This morning. I mean...

W: I am not convinced by your explanation.

Dialogue 2

M: I am not convinced by your explanation. Could you explain it?

W: Sorry, I really can’t do that. There’s little time left for us.

M: I can’t accept your excuse. It’s five o’clock.

W: But I have an appointment with Ann.

M: Ok, sounds good. But I think it’s your trick.

Dialogue 3

W: What’s the matter with you then? You look miserable.

M: It’s us.

W: What do you mean by "us"?

M: Well, you always say you’re busy.

W: That’s right.

M: And you often go back to live with your parents and leave our

son in the room by himself.

W: I...I...I miss my parents, also they miss me.

M: Oh I remember, I cut terrible calls, and you didn’t say

anything about it.

W: You mean I am groaned a few words?

M: Totally not. Perhaps it’s about our marriage.

I have an appointment with Joans. But I’m terriblly sorry I’m late. She simply says,"that’s all right, and it doesn’t really matter". But in fact she is serious. She asks me to explain. So I just answer," please don’t be like that. Just let me explain. I tried to get here in time, but just after I left home, the car broke down." Unfortunately, she doesn’t believe it. I only say that,"yes, and...well... luckily, there was a garage near me, and it took them a while to repair. To tell you the truth, I met an old friend on the street, so we had a chat for a while.

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