English grammar
Formal openings: it's a pleasure to… / I have the honour of -ing / I hereby declare X open
Open an event formally: welcome people, introduce a guest, declare something open.
From the scene It is officially open
In short
Ceremonies use set phrases: it's a pleasure to…, I have the honour of + -ing, I hereby declare this café open.
Your turn
Which one goes with a formal introduction?
Options: it's a pleasure to have you all here · I hereby declare this café open · I have the honour of introducing…
Show answer
a formal introduction → I have the honour of introducing…
How it works
Formal ceremonies use fixed set phrases: it's a pleasure to + infinitive, I have the honour of + -ing.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Well, it's a pleasure (blank) save money. I don't deny it.
Options: for · to · of
Show answer
Well, it's a pleasure to save money. I don't deny it.
Es que es un placer ahorrar dinero. No lo niego.
Good to know
Declare (and consider, pronounce) can take an object followed straight by an adjective, with no 'to be' needed: I hereby declare this café open.
a formal welcome it's a pleasure to have you all here
Tomás
It's a pleasure to have you all here.
Es un placer tenerlos a todos aquí.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: I have the honour of introducing · I hereby declare this café open · It's a pleasure to have you all here
Show answer
Tomás
It's a pleasure to have you all here.
Es un placer tenerlos a todos aquí.
a formal introduction I have the honour of introducing…
Tomás
And I have the honour of introducing our guest of honour: Doña Elena!
Y tengo el honor de presentarles a nuestra invitada de honor: ¡Doña Elena!
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And (blank) our guest of honour: Doña Elena!
Options: I hereby declare this café open · I have the honour of introducing · It's a pleasure to have you all here
Show answer
Tomás
And I have the honour of introducing our guest of honour: Doña Elena!
Y tengo el honor de presentarles a nuestra invitada de honor: ¡Doña Elena!
declare + object + adjective, no 'to be' I hereby declare this café open
Elena
Right. With these scissors, I hereby declare this café open.
Bueno. Con estas tijeras, declaro abierto este café.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Right. With these scissors, (blank).
Options: I have the honour of introducing · I hereby declare this café open · It's a pleasure to have you all here
Show answer
Elena
Right. With these scissors, I hereby declare this café open.
Bueno. Con estas tijeras, declaro abierto este café.
replying to a formal introduction the honour is mine
Your turn
What goes with the honour is mine?
Options: a formal welcome · a formal introduction · replying to a formal introduction
Show answer
the honour is mine → replying to a formal introduction
what you say when it's finally open the café is now open!
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| a formal welcome | it's a pleasure to have you all here |
|---|---|
| a formal introduction | I have the honour of introducing… |
| declare + object + adjective, no 'to be' | I hereby declare this café open |
| replying to a formal introduction | the honour is mine |
| what you say when it's finally open | the café is now open! |
More lines from the story
- RamónWell, it's a pleasure to save money. I don't deny it.Es que es un placer ahorrar dinero. No lo niego.
- ElenaRamón, you've already cut plenty... of the budget.Ramón, usted ya ha cortado bastante... el presupuesto.
- RamónI'm taking it. I paid for it, and it'll do for next time.Me la llevo. La pagué yo, y sirve para la próxima.