English grammar
Interview questions: Could you tell us…? How would you describe…? — I'd describe it as…
Ask and answer formal interview questions: Could you tell us…?, How would you describe…?, I'd describe it as….
From the scene Could you tell us…?
In short
In an interview, ask Could you tell us…? with statement order. Answer I'd describe it as…
Your turn
Which one goes with asking for a description?
Options: I would describe it as a neighbourhood full of life · how would you describe the neighbourhood? · could you tell us what it is like to live here?
Show answer
asking for a description → how would you describe the neighbourhood?
How it works
In a formal interview, ask Could you tell us…? (then statement order: what it is like, not what is it like) and How would you describe…?
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Could you also (blank) us a secret about the neighbourhood?
Options: say · telling · tell
Show answer
Could you also tell us a secret about the neighbourhood?
¿Podría contarnos también un secreto del barrio?
Good to know
Answer with I would / I'd describe it as + noun.
polite question + statement order could you tell us what it is like to live here?
Nuria
Could you tell us what it is like to live here?
¿Podría contarnos cómo es vivir aquí?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank)?
Options: I would describe it as a neighbourhood full of life · Could you tell us what it is like to live here · How would you describe the neighbourhood
Show answer
Nuria
Could you tell us what it is like to live here?
¿Podría contarnos cómo es vivir aquí?
asking for a description how would you describe the neighbourhood?
Nuria
And how would you describe the neighbourhood?
¿Y cómo describiría usted el barrio?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And (blank)?
Options: how would you describe the neighbourhood · could you tell us what it is like to live here · I would describe it as a neighbourhood full of life
Show answer
Nuria
And how would you describe the neighbourhood?
¿Y cómo describiría usted el barrio?
answer: describe it as + noun I would describe it as a neighbourhood full of life
Elena
I would describe it as a neighbourhood full of life.
Lo describiría como un barrio con mucha vida.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: How would you describe the neighbourhood · I would describe it as a neighbourhood full of life · Could you tell us what it is like to live here
Show answer
Elena
I would describe it as a neighbourhood full of life.
Lo describiría como un barrio con mucha vida.
(recap) for + a length of time I've lived here for forty years
Elena
Of course. I've lived here for forty years.
Por supuesto. Vivo aquí desde hace cuarenta años.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Of course. (blank).
Options: I've lived here for forty years · Could you tell us what it is like to live here · How would you describe the neighbourhood
Show answer
Elena
Of course. I've lived here for forty years.
Por supuesto. Vivo aquí desde hace cuarenta años.
Common mistake
Not is it or does here. Statement order after could you tell us.
Could you tell us what it is like to live here?
¿Podría contarnos cómo es vivir aquí?
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
| polite question + statement order | could you tell us what it is like to live here? |
|---|---|
| asking for a description | how would you describe the neighbourhood? |
| answer: describe it as + noun | I would describe it as a neighbourhood full of life |
| (recap) for + a length of time | I've lived here for forty years |
More lines from the story
- NuriaCould you also tell us a secret about the neighbourhood?¿Podría contarnos también un secreto del barrio?
- ElenaA secret about the neighbourhood? Well, listen... Don Ramón dyes his hair!¿Un secreto del barrio? Pues mire... ¡Don Ramón se tiñe el pelo!