Phone

I'm afraid you have dialled the wrong number. Who would you like to speak to? What does it concern, please? Would you mind telling me what you're calling about? Hold the line, I'll put you through. I'll pass you over to (department). is speaking on another line. isn't in (yet). is away on business. is on holiday (this week). is out for lunch. I'm afraid, is not available at the moment. will be back any minute. I'm sorry, but the line is engaged. There's no reply. If you hold the line, I'll try again. Would you like to hold? Could you try again later / tomorrow? Can I take a message? Would you like to leave a message for ? If you give me your phone number, will call you back. Could I have your name, please? Could I help you? / Maybe I can help you? here. / speaking. / This is This is (company), (name) speaking. Sorry, I must have dialled the wrong number. Could I speak to , please? Am I speaking to ? Could you put me through to , please? It's about I'm calling about Could you please tell I phoned? Could you give a message, please? Could you ask to call me back? Do you know when will be back? Will be in the office tomorrow? I'll try again later / tomorrow. Maybe you could help me? My English isn't very good. The line is bad. I can hardly hear you. I didn't get that. Could you speak more slowly, please? Could you speak louder, please? Could you repeat that, please? Could you spell that, please?
Sorry? / Pardon?

Word List on Opinion and Statements

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Stating your Opinion It seems to me that In my opinion, I am of the opinion that / I take the view that .. My personal view is that In my experience As far as I understand / can see, As I see it, / From my point of view As far as I know / From what I know I might be wrong but If I am not mistaken I believe one can (safely) say It is claimed that I must admit that I cannot deny that I can imagine that I think/believe/suppose Personally, I think That is why I think I am sure/certain/convinced that I am not sure/certain, but I am not sure, because I don't know the situation exactly. I am not convinced that I have read that I am of mixed opinions (about / on) I am of mixed opinions about / on this. I have no opinion in this matter. Outlining Facts The fact is that The (main) point is that This proves that What it comes down to is that It is obvious that It is certain that One can say that It is clear that
There is no doubt that

Word List on Agreeing and Disagreeing

Agreement
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There are many reasons for There is no doubt about it that I simply must agree with that. I am of the same opinion. I am of the same opinion as I completely/absolutely agree with Qualified Disagreement It is only partly true that... I can agree with that only with reservations. That seems obvious, but That is not necessarily so. It is not as simple as it seems. Under certain circumstances Disagreement There is more to it than that. The problem is that I (very much) doubt whether This is in complete contradiction to What is even worse, I am of a different opinion because I cannot share this / that / the view. I cannot agree with this idea. What I object to is
Unlike I think

Word List on Linking Arguments

Linking Arguments First of all, I think Not only that, but I also think that Not only are they , they are also They are not , nor are they There are various/several/many reasons for this. First, / Firstly, Second, / Secondly, Moreover, / Furthermore, / In addition, Another significant point is that Finally,
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On the one hand, On the other hand, In contrast to this is Because of That is why After all, The reason is that In that respect The result of this is that Another aspect/point is that It is because Although it is true that it would be wrong to claim that That may sometimes be true, but One could argue that , but Providing Examples Take for example (the case of) Look at For instance / For example Let me give you an example. Additions and Conclusion Most probably It appears to be It is important to mention that... As I already indicated In other words, I am most concerned about I should like to repeat once again that I should like to emphasise that I would (just) like to add So all in all I believe that... (In) summing up it can be said that Weighing the pros and cons, I come to the conclusion that Making a complaint Useful expressions: Im afraid I have to make a serious complaint. Look, Im sorry to trouble you, but. Excuse me, Im afraid Excuse me, there seems to be something wrong with Excuse me, there appears to be something wrong I wonder if you could help me.. Ive got a bit of a problem here, you see Do you think you could? Im sorry to have to say this, but. Would you mind (doing).? I wish you wouldnt mind.
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I do wish you could. Wouldnt it be a good idea to/ not to. Accepting a complaint Oh, Im sorry about that. I cant tell you how sorry I am I wish it never happened Oh dear, Im really sorry Im so sorry, I didnt realize I just dont know how to say. I just dont know what to say Delaying a complaint I suggest you leave it with us and well see what can be done. I suggest you leave it with us and well see what we can do. Im afraid the manager/boss isnt in at the moment. Could you call later? Im afraid we cant help you at the moment. Could you leave your contact phone number and address? We will contact you soon. Rejecting a complaint Well, Im afraid there is nothing we can do about it actually. Well, Im afraid there isnt much we can do about it.

Agreeing/Disagreeing

Track 1- Simple agreement 1. I agree. 2. I really agree with you. 3. I think you are right. 4. I couldnt agree with you more. 5. You said it. 6. Cant say I dont agree. 7. Im with you on this. 8. I partly agree 9. I agree on this but not that. 10. Its partly true. Track 2 - Accepting/Declining/Expressing acceptance I accept your point. Please accept this on our behalf. Sorry, I cant accept this. Im 100% with you on this! Great idea.
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Ill take it. Sorry, I cant take it. Accept my apology. Track 3 - Simple disagreement or refusal I disagree with you. Everyone has their own opinion, right? I think youre wrong on this. Im sorry but I have to refuse your request. Youre wrong. No way! Youve got to be kidding! How can you even say that? Where is your logic? Track 4 - Strong disagreement I completely disagree with you. You are very wrong to say that. I totally disagree with you. I cant find myself to agree with you. Youre dead wrong. Youre way wrong.

Apologizing and Explaining oneself

Part 1- Apologies

Im sorry Im very sorry Im terribly sorry Excuse me Pardon me I apologize Im afraid

Part 2 - Explaining Oneself , Accepting Responsibility

I wasnt very well yesterday I didnt see you It wont happen again Ill be more careful next time Ill finish it before I go home Its my fault Its all my fault

Excuse me! - Bothering people

Asking people to be quiet
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Less polite

Shut up! [impolite] Quiet! / kwaWt / Be quiet! Shh!

More polite
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Could you be quiet, please? Conversation openers

Excuse me, is anyone sitting here? Sorry, have you got the time, please? I think weve met before, havent we? Its really hot, isnt it? Are you going all the way to San Francisco?

Permission and requests

Could I use your pen? Do you mind if I borrow your dictionary? (Do you mind if I? means Is it a problem for you if I?)

Getting somebodys attention

Excuse me, have you got a moment? Sorry to bother you, but could I just ask you something? Excuse me, can you spare a minute or two? Excuse me, are you in a hurry? Sure.Go ahead. It depends what it is. Sorry, Im late already.

Getting to know you! Polite topics when meeting for the first time
Talking about your background

Originally Im from. I was (born and) brought up in I come from a (sporty/musical) family. My proudest moment was-ing Ive always dreamt of ing/ wanted to +verb
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Describing your language ability

Im fluent in Polish. I speak Spanish reasonably well. I can get by in Portuguese. I speak French but it is a bit rusty. I know a few words of Japanese. I wish I could speak Italian.

like, such as, and that sort of thing

I like music such as opera, choral music, and classical music. I really love modern music like house, rap, reggae, and hip hop.

After one or two examples, we can use an expression meaning et cetera.

Im fond of opera, and that sort of thing. I like jazz, rock, and that sort of thing.

Showing a lot of interest

o o o o

Wow! Really? (Thats) interesting! (Thats) fantastic

Expressing Goodbyes and Farewells in English

Simple good-byes (Formal)

Good-bye Stay in touch. It was nice meeting you. I hope to see you soon.

Simple good-byes (Informal)

Bye. See you. Talk to you later. Catch up with you later. Nice seeing you.

Leaving a place (Formal)

I have to leave here by noon.

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Is it okay if we leave your home at 9pm? What do you say we leave work a little earlier today? Would you mind if I leave the dinner before it ends? I need to depart for the airport in one hour.

Leaving a place (Informal)

I got to go now. Ill be leaving from the office in 20 minutes. How about we jet off to the shops now? Im afraid I have to head off now. Lets get off work early.

English Greeting Expressions

General greetings (Formal) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Hello! How are you? How are you doing? How is everything? Hows everything going? How have you been keeping? I trust that everything is well.

General greetings (Informal) 1. Hi. 2. Whats up? 3. Good to see you. 4. How are things (with you)? 5. Hows it going? 6. Hows life been treating you? Greeting a person you havent seen for a long time (Formal) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. It has been a long time. Its been too long. What have you been up to all these years? Its always a pleasure to see you. How long has it been? Im so happy to see you again.

Greeting a person you havent seen for a long time (Informal)

How come I never see you?

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Its been such a long time. Long time no see. Where have you been hiding? Its been ages since we last met.

English Interrupting Expressions- How to interrupt someone

How to interrupt

Actually Excuse me Im sorry, but I just want to say May I interrupt here? Do you mind if I say something?

Paraphrasing Expressions
Introducing paraphrasing
o o o o o o

So you mean. What you mean is What youre saying is So what you mean to say is Let me get this clear Let me get this straight,

Requesting Permission Expressions

Could I use your phone? Might I possibly use your phone? Sorry to trouble you, but do you mind if I use your phone? Would you mind if I used your phone? May I use your phone? Can I use your phone? I wonder if I could use your phone.

Telephone Expressions
Phone greetings more informal Is that Bruno? Are you Bruno? Is that you, Bruno?
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identifying the listener

Is that Bruno Zola? Could I speak to Bruno Zola, please?

saying who you are (Yes,) speaking. introducing yourself My names Elena Luma.

Yes (it is). Its Elena. Im Elena. This is Elena. Here is Elena.

Asking people to speak slowly/speak up Sorry, could you speak slowly, please? Could you speak up, please? Yes, sure. Yes, of course.

Ending a phone conversation When you phone for information, you can often end with phrases like this:
o o o o o

OK, I think thats everything I need. OK, I think Ive got all the details Thanks. Youve been very helpful. Thanks very much for your help. Bye bye. Goodbye.

Thanks and Expressions of Gratitude

Thanking someone

Thanks. Thank you. Thanks a lot. Thank you very much. Thank you very much indeed. It was very kind of you. I appreciate your help. Youve been very helpful.

Thanking someone who tires to help

o o o o o

Thanks anyway. Thank you for (looking). Thanks for (trying). It doesnt matter. Thanks. Never mind. Thanks. Responding to thanks

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o o o o o o o o

Youre welcome. (US) Not at all. (formal, UK) Dont mention it. (Its) my pleasure. It was nothing. Thats alright/OK. No problem. Any time.

Taking Turns in Conversations

Whats your opinion, Sam? May I continue? Let me finish. Shall we continue? Lets go back to the point. You havent said anything yet, Sam. Do you want to add anything here? I havent finished my point. Please allow me to finish. Does anyone want to say anything before we move on?

Control strategies Conversation is a turn-taking process and it is more difficult when there are several people in a conversation. In different cultures there are different standards for interrupting and turn-taking, however there are also a few universal points that apply to most situations. . 1. The speaker can choose the next speaker. You can stop someone dominating the conversation, and you can include quieter people. 2. You can stop someone interrupting by avoiding eye contact with them, and continuing eye contact with your partner in the conversation. Dont drop the volume of your speech (i.e. dont begin to speak more quietly). 3. If someone interrupts you, and you havent finished making your point, tell them clearly. You can use phrases like: Let me finish / May I finish? Excuse me, I havent finished. Just a moment / Hang on a second.
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When someone wont stop talking, and you are not interested in what they are saying, you can avoid eye contact, turn away or look at something else. Do not use conversation fillers.

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Hesitation Strategies - Conversation Time Fillers

Techniques Examples Pretend you Pardon? havent heard Sorry? Eh? Repeat the You mean question what is fortyfive divided by nine? Use delaying Well noises Um Er Advantages Simple only one word to remember. Lots of thinking time. Disadvantages Everyone does it. Can you remember the question?

You can use If you use them them several too often you times in the sound stupid. same sentence. Use it depends It depends. You will sound You can only It depends on intelligent. use it when (the situation). (Stroke your there is more chin at the than one same time). possible Sorry? You answer. want to know what I think about this? Wellumit depends, really.

Weekends - Asking about what people did?

How was...? How was your weekend? It was lovely. How was yours? It was terrible. It was nice. A bit boring. Link words: then / after that

(great) (really bad) (fine) (not very interesting)

We had a drink. Then we went to the cinema. OR We had a drink, and then we went to the cinema. I went shopping. After that I met my sister. OR I went shopping, and after that, I met my sister.

Anyway, so anyway

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In spoken English, you use anyway or so anyway when you want to begin the next part of the story, or go back to then main story.

Janet didnt know about it. So anyway, we got in the helicopter, and We drank the champagne. Anyway, we landed and
Conversation Starters on the School Bus: I think I have to take my jacket off. It's so hot on this bus today. If there's a new bus driver, you can say: Wow, a new bus driver, I wonder what happened to our old one. Did you have a lot of homework last night? What are you doing this weekend? Does your teacher give homework on the weekends? I'm so tired. I should have gotten more sleep. What time do you go to sleep? I take piano lessons after school. Do you take music? (If the answer is no, then ask what the person does like to do after school.) Conversation Starters on the Lunch Line: Wow, pizza again. I love pizza, do you? Oh no, not macaroni and cheese. It's awful, don't you think? (of course you can substitute your most and least favorites.) What do you like to play at recess? I like to........(fill in what you like to do).

Conversation Starters & Greetings How are you getting on? just another way of saying how are you? You doing OK? asked when the person has had some tough experience recently and you want to ask politely if theyre OK. Hi, ! Whats new? this is a very informal way of greeting a close friend or anyone who you see on a regular basis and you want to ask has anything happened since you last met. Hi, ! Whats up? the same as above with a difference that youre probably not that interested in what news the other person might have.
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Hi, ! Long time no see! used when you havent seen the person for a long period of time and you want to state that fact in the greeting. Hi, ! Have you been keeping busy? just a standard enquiry with little or no direct meaning. Do you mind me asking? a typical way of asking something that might be a slightly personal question. OK, heres the thing a very handy way to start making your point if youre not sure how to begin the sentence. Typical Responses Thanks, Ive been keeping busy just a standard response to a standard greeting with little or no direct meaning. Thanks for asking, Im fine, how are you? a typical response and counter-question to a greeting phrase how are you? Hi, how youre doing! Its good to see you! a typical response to a greeting from someone you havent seen for a while. Cant complain a response to a standard greeting like How are you? Its not as exciting phrase as Thanks, Im great! but it doesnt mean youre having some problems in your life. Can you say it again, please? a request to repeat the question if you didnt understand what was said. This can also be used when the native speaking person speaks a bit too fast they should get the hint and slow down a bit. But if they dont, you can ask a more direct question: Can you slow it down a bit, please? And how about you? a typical response when youre not sure what to ask next so youre asking the other person the same think they asked you. You can respond with this countergreeting on nearly all standard greetings. To the best of my knowledge when youre 99% sure about the statement youre making. Also a good start of a response you want to take a bit more time to consider what youre going to say. As far as I know the same as above. Good for you! a response to someone telling you about their success in something or some good news that theyre happy about. Cant argue with that used when you agree with the statement of the other person.

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How do you know? a counter-question you can ask when someone surprises you with a question about something theyre not really expected to know. Thats a good one! a surprise response to funny or surprising news from your chat partner. Really? Tell me more about it! used when you want your chat partner to tell me about what he/she just said. Frankly speaking, just a way to start your response. It indicates that youre about to open up and be very honest with your chat partner. A great way of establishing an immediate trust. Well, to be honest with you, the same as above. No problem a typical response to a small request youre happy to do. This one is especially used when responding to superiors requests and it sounds more enthusiastic than if you simply say sure or OK. Never mind, its fine! - this phrase is used when the person offers to do a favour for you but its not really necessary. Never mind, forget what I just said this phrase is to be used when you said something that wasnt important at all but your chat partner wants you to repeat it. You can also use this phrase if you feel that he/she might be slightly annoyed or offended by your question or comment so you want to end it there. You got me there this can be said instead of I dont know it will sound more casual and not as defensive as the old I dont know! Youve got to be kidding me! said when someone tells you something that borders on the unbelievable and you want to express your surprise. Thats a good question. a phrase used when you want to take your time to think over the question. This is an ideal phrase to use when youre stuck but instead of remaining silent you can start your response with this phrase. Well, how to put it in the right words. the same as above. That would be great! a response to an offer that youre really happy about. you know what I mean? this is quite an overused phrase but you can definitely use it at the end of a sentence if you want to emphasize what you just said. You see, the thing is that this is how you begin a sentence when youre asked to explain something. Departure Phrases
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Id better be going followed by a simple phrase like its too late, or have lots to do and indicator youd like to walk off and finish the conversation. OK, Im sorry but I have to leave now! used when your chat partner has clear intentions of continuing the conversation but you just need to go so youre making it clear that you need to go. See you later! used when you know that youll be seeing each other again sometime. See you around! the same as above Keep in touch! a good-bye phrase meaning you want the other person to get in touch with you every now and then and that youve the same intentions. It was nice seeing you, take care! a good-buy phrase used when you know that you wont see the person for a while. Its been good talking to you! the same as above phrase. Hope to see you again! you can use this phrase when finishing a conversation with someone youve just met.
Say hello to ! a short and handy way of saying to remind someone from you.

Asking for and Giving Directions

Asking for and Giving Directions How do I get to ? What's the best way to ? Where is ? Go straight on (until you come to ). Turn back./Go back. Turn left/right (into -street). Go along . Cross Take the first/second road on the left/right It's on the left/right. 17

straight opposite near next to between

on

at the end (of) on/at the corner behind in front of (just) around the corner traffic lights crossroads, junction signpost

Phone
(company). Good morning. (company). Good afternoon. (company). How can I help you? I'm afraid you have dialled the wrong number. Who would you like to speak to? What does it concern, please? Would you mind telling me what you're calling about? Hold the line, I'll put you through. I'll pass you over to (department). is speaking on another line. isn't in (yet). is away on business. is on holiday (this week). is out for lunch. I'm afraid, is not available at the moment. will be back any minute. I'm sorry, but the line is engaged. There's no reply.
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If you hold the line, I'll try again. Would you like to hold? Could you try again later / tomorrow? Can I take a message? Would you like to leave a message for ? If you give me your phone number, will call you back. Could I have your name, please? Could I help you? / Maybe I can help you? here. / speaking. / This is This is (company), (name) speaking. Sorry, I must have dialled the wrong number. Could I speak to , please? Am I speaking to ? Could you put me through to , please? It's about I'm calling about Could you please tell I phoned? Could you give a message, please? Could you ask to call me back? Do you know when will be back? Will be in the office tomorrow? I'll try again later / tomorrow. Maybe you could help me? My English isn't very good. The line is bad. I can hardly hear you. I didn't get that. Could you speak more slowly, please? Could you speak louder, please? Could you repeat that, please? Could you spell that, please? Sorry? / Pardon?

Word List on Opinion and Statements

Stating your Opinion It seems to me that In my opinion, I am of the opinion that / I take the view that .. My personal view is that In my experience As far as I understand / can see, As I see it, / From my point of view As far as I know / From what I know
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I might be wrong but If I am not mistaken I believe one can (safely) say It is claimed that I must admit that I cannot deny that I can imagine that I think/believe/suppose Personally, I think That is why I think I am sure/certain/convinced that I am not sure/certain, but I am not sure, because I don't know the situation exactly. I am not convinced that I have read that I am of mixed opinions (about / on) I am of mixed opinions about / on this. I have no opinion in this matter. Outlining Facts The fact is that The (main) point is that This proves that What it comes down to is that It is obvious that It is certain that One can say that It is clear that There is no doubt that

Word List on Agreeing and Disagreeing

Agreement There are many reasons for There is no doubt about it that I simply must agree with that. I am of the same opinion. I am of the same opinion as I completely/absolutely agree with Qualified Disagreement It is only partly true that... I can agree with that only with reservations. That seems obvious, but That is not necessarily so. It is not as simple as it seems. Under certain circumstances Disagreement
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There is more to it than that. The problem is that I (very much) doubt whether This is in complete contradiction to What is even worse, I am of a different opinion because I cannot share this / that / the view. I cannot agree with this idea. What I object to is Unlike I think

Word List on Linking Arguments

Linking Arguments First of all, I think Not only that, but I also think that Not only are they , they are also They are not , nor are they There are various/several/many reasons for this. First, / Firstly, Second, / Secondly, Moreover, / Furthermore, / In addition, Another significant point is that Finally, On the one hand, On the other hand, In contrast to this is Because of That is why After all, The reason is that In that respect The result of this is that Another aspect/point is that It is because Although it is true that it would be wrong to claim that That may sometimes be true, but One could argue that , but Providing Examples Take for example (the case of) Look at For instance / For example Let me give you an example. Additions and Conclusion Most probably It appears to be It is important to mention that...
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As I already indicated In other words, I am most concerned about I should like to repeat once again that I should like to emphasise that I would (just) like to add So all in all I believe that... (In) summing up it can be said that Weighing the pros and cons, I come to the conclusion that

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