ENGLISH
REFERENCE

good afternoon

fixed phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

fixed phr.. A polite greeting you use when you meet someone in the afternoon, usually after 12 p.m.

fixed phr.. A conventional greeting used upon meeting someone between midday and early evening.


SIMPLE

"Good afternoon," said the shopkeeper.

CONTEXTUAL

She walked into the meeting and said, "Good afternoon, everyone," before taking her seat.

COMPLEX

The headmaster began his address to the assembled parents with a formal, resonant "Good afternoon."

Usage

This is used as a greeting when you arrive, not as a farewell when you leave.

Teaching tip

Teach this as a set with 'Good morning' and 'Good evening', clarifying the approximate time boundaries for each.

Pitfall

I'm going home now. Good afternoon!I'm going home now. Have a good afternoon!'Good afternoon' is a greeting; for leaving, use 'Have a good afternoon' or 'Goodbye'.

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