911 – Correcting and Explaining in Conversation
Danny: You look like you need to relax.
Sybil: Excuse me?
Danny: What I mean is, you look like you could use some R and R.
Sybil: I didn’t know I looked tired and worn out.
Danny: No, what I’m trying to say is, people need leisure time once in a while.
Sybil: Yes, that’s certainly true.
Danny: The human body needs downtime to recuperate and to regenerate.
Sybil: Okay, I guess that’s true.
Danny: Let me rephrase that. People need time away from work to get ready for more work.
Sybil: Are you saying you’re planning on giving me more work?
Danny: No, no, no. Let me put it another way. It’s imperative that you don’t work this weekend.
Sybil: Why? What’s going on this weekend? Are you saying that something big is happening in the department this weekend and I’m being left out?
Danny: No, not at all. What I’m trying to say is...[sigh]...would you like to go out with me Saturday night?
Sybil: Oh, I guess I didn’t catch your drift earlier. You’re asking me out for Saturday.
Danny: Yes, I am.
Sybil: Then, I accept.
Danny: Really?
Sybil: Yes, as long as you promise never to ask me out on a first date ever again!