Google
English-Test.net
Find penpals and make new friends today!
 
at fixed intervals; at evenly-spaced intervals; usually; customarily
regularly
systematically
opposite
easy
TOEIC test: Word games: Free Online Adverb Verb Game Answer
 
Username
Password
 Remember me? 
Search   FAQ   Memberlist   Profile   Private messages   Register   Log in 

English phrase "Can I help WHO's next?"



 
ESL/EFL Worksheets and Handouts for Students Printable, photocopiable, clearly structured
Designed for teachers and individual learners
For use in a classroom, at home, on your PC
ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
"by ourself" vs "on our own" | Expression: steal a day's march on him
Listening exercises
Message
Author
English phrase "Can I help WHO's next?" #1 (permalink) Thu Aug 23, 2007 5:46 am   English phrase "Can I help WHO's next?"
 

In what part of English speaking world can you hear "Can I help who's next?" in, for example, fast food shops? Shocked
Guinevere
I'm new here and I like it ;-)


Joined: 02 Aug 2007
Posts: 29

English phrase "Can I help WHO's next?" #2 (permalink) Thu Aug 23, 2007 6:37 am   English phrase "Can I help WHO's next?"
 

.
There is extended discussion on this, as you know, HERE.
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's
Mister Micawber
Language Coach
Mr. Micawber

Joined: 17 Jul 2005
Posts: 7423
Location: Yokohama, Japan

Are you a native speaker of English? Then you should read this!English grammar exercises — improve your English knowledge and vocabulary skillsIn this story you'll learn everything about the passive voiceRead these English anecdotes and maybe smile today? Subscribe to free email English course
English phrase "Can I help WHO's next?" #3 (permalink) Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:12 am   English phrase "Can I help WHO's next?"
 

.
I can vouch for the fact that this is a very common sentence in Connecticut (USA), but not just in fast food places. You hear it wherever there is a line of people waiting for a cashier -- cashiers seem to be particularly fond of this sentence.

After reading the other threads, it seems this sentence is common in many other places in North America too.
.
Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)


Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 8265
Location: USA

English phrase "Can I help WHO's next?" #4 (permalink) Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:58 am   English phrase "Can I help WHO's next?"
 

There seem to be quite a few explanations as to the origin of this phrase and to me it sounds like two separate questions that are being asked in quick succession: Can I help? Who is next?
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary
Torsten
Learning Coach
Torsten Daerr

Joined: 25 Sep 2003
Posts: 10051
Location: EU

Display posts from previous:   
"by ourself" vs "on our own" | Expression: steal a day's march on him
ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms English phrase "Can I help WHO's next?" All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Page 1 of 1
Latest topics on ESL EFL Forums
meaning of "one artist short"Come and add up sentences using the preposition "upon"phrasal verbs mix - came up with; set up; join inPhrasal verbs - turn out - turn off - switch offHow do the two sentences mean the same?Usage of prepositions In/At (They decided to get married in/at Rome)the meaning of "go stepping"meaning of "rolling one's eyes"Expression: "Can you fix me a cup of tea?"Pharse 'recall in' (We recall in special times when we have stood briefly...)"waste much time" vs "waste lot of time"Phrase 'which pupil' (Which pupil speaks English the best?)today v.s. that dayRelative clauses - wrong use of whatmeaning of make-upConditional (If we had more money we might OR we'd better travel a lot.)Should / Would into relative clauseDifference between 'hike' and 'take long walks'English phrase "Can I help WHO's next?"

Discover English-test.net
Why slammed and not smashedMeaning of dark-tressed, copper butter, silver sentinelYour ESL website is the greatest...Pronounciation of "clerk"GMAT practice test: ESL English Vocabulary: English Verb Adjective NounGMAT practice test: Online word games: Free Verb Adjective Noun GameDefine expedite, amortize, relevant, peruseLearn how to speak Croatian: Pimsleur CroatianFree ESL Quiz Online: Simple Present (1)Exercise with prune, pudding, eye, up, preys: English Slang Idioms (316)

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Subscribe to FREE email English course
First name E-mail