Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Junkomama]

Hello, teachers.

an interviewer:"We are going start the job interview. Please take it easy and feel free to speak openly."

In this situation, is it OK to say "Please take the interview easy/easily."?

Thank you in advance.
Junkomama

[lotus]

Hi Junkomama,

If I were the employer, I would say:

We will begin the interview shortly. Please relax and feel free to speak openly and ask questions.

There are many other ways to open an interview.


--lotus

[Junkomama]

Thank you for your quick response, lotus-san!!

Then "take the interview easy/easily" doesn't make sense? Or is it just unnatural?

Regards,
Junkomama

[lotus]

Hi Junkomama,

It's unnatural and sounds a little overbearing and condescending.

The goal is to make the interviewee feel at ease as much as possible. This way, they will give you more useful and truthful information about themselves and their experiences.


--lotus

[CP]

"Take it easy" is an expression that means, "Don't be nervous / upset / anxious / worried." It can also mean, "Relax; be comfortable." No one says, "Take it easily."

If someone gets upset about something that really is not a big deal, you can say, "Take it easy. It's nothing to get upset about."

You can also say, "Take it easy" when your friend comes over and you want him / her to sit down, be comfortable, and relax. "Hi, Joe. Come in. Have a seat; take it easy. Want something to drink?"

If you are just relaxing and someone calls you up and asks what you are doing, you might say, "Oh, nothing. Just taking it easy."

And when you are saying goodbye to friends, you might say, "OK, see you later. Take it easy!"
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[Junkomama]

Thank you for your further explanation, lotus-san!!
Thank you for your particular explanations as to "take it easy" , CP-san!!

Your comments were very helpful!

Regards,
Junkomama