Some guidance from Emily Post as to choice of words:

NEVER SAY:    CORRECT FORM: In our residence we retire early (or arise)    At our house we go to bed early (or get up) I desire to purchase    I should like to buy * * *    Pardon me!    I beg your pardon. Or, Excuse me! Or, sorry! Lovely food    Good food Elegant home    Beautiful house—or place A stylish dresser    She dresses well, or she wears lovely clothes Charmed! or Pleased to meet you!    How do you do! Attended    Went to I trust I am not trespassing    I hope I am not in the way (unless trespassing on private property is actually meant) Request (meaning ask)    Used only in the third person in formal written invitations. Will you accord me permission?    Will you let me? or May I? Permit me to assist you    Let me help you Brainy    Brilliant or clever I presume    I suppose Tendered him a banquet    Gave him a dinner Converse    Talk Partook of liquid refreshment    Had something to drink Perform ablutions    Wash A song entitled    Called (proper if used in legal sense) I will ascertain    I will find out Residence or mansion    House, or big house In the home    In some one’s house or At home Phone, photo, auto    Telephone, photograph, automobile

--Emily Post (1873–1960). Etiquette. 1922.