HELLO & GOODBYE

GREETINGS INFORMAL
Saying hello (informal)
Hey Jane! Hi Jane! Alright, Jane! Alright, mate!

Asking someone how they are

How are you? How you doing? How you going? How's it going? You alright?

Saying you are well

Good, thanks! Fine, thanks! Not bad, not bad! Alright, thanks! I'm OK!

Returning the question when someone has asked if you are well
And you? How about you? What about you?

Greetings (formal)
Morning Good Afternoon Evening sir madam Mr Jones Mrs Smith

Language in the programme

How are you? It's lovely to see you again! It's been a long time, hasn't it? How are things with you?

Examples of situations where you might use formal Greetings

Working in the service industry, e.g. a restaurant, hotel, travel agent Greeting someone older than you At work, when speaking to your superiors Meeting a VIP e.g. a politician Being polite to someone you don't know very well

INTRODUCTIONS
Introducing yourself
I just wanted to introduce myself, I don't believe we've met before, I don't think we've actually met formally yet, my name is... I'm...

Introducing someone else

I'd like to introduce you to There's someone I'd like you to meet, this is Have you met?

Expressing pleasure to have met someone

Pleased to meet you. Nice to meet you. Very nice to meet you. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Returning the compliment

Likewise. And you.

SMALL TALK Some follow-up questions and phrases

I haven't seen you for ages! What've you been up to? What are you up to? What are you doing around here? Answers: Oh, this and that Just the usual!
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Four handy topic areas

appearance (usually only with people you know well) your surroundings transport the weather

Examples You look great! Isn't it nice here! Did you get here OK? Isn't it a lovely day!

SAYING GOODBYE
I'm off!
OK, All right, Well then, Right then, Anyway, (guys,) (folks,) (everyone,) it's time to let's we should I'm going to we're going to make a move. head off. go. leave you.

See you...
later! soon! tomorrow! tonight! at 8! at work! at the party!

See you

Nice to see you...

Nice to It's been lovely to It was great to Good to see you. catch up.

Have a lovely...
lovely great nice wonderful weekend! holiday! evening! afternoon! time!

Have a

Thanking your host...

Thanks very much for dinner/lunch - it was lovely! a lovely evening. having me. (if you have stayed overnight)

In a hurry...
rush off! hurry! dash! run!
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I'm so sorry, I'm really sorry, I'm afraid

I've got to I'm going to have to I'm gonna have to (informal)

CONVERSATIONS
SHOWING INTEREST
Vocabulary around conversations
flows to extend linking words continues easily without stopping and starting to make longer words that are used to get from one part of a conversation to another, e.g. 'and then', 'so' talk and information about other people's lives or behaviour which might be untrue or even unkind something that's been told to you in confidence, so you shouldn't repeat it or tell anyone else have been made to promise not to reveal something try to find the answer to a question without knowing whether you'll be right or wrong an informal way of asking for more information to help you guess the answer to a question, and here, 'us' can refer to one person movements of the body, limbs or head to show what you're thinking, what you mean or how you feel looks on someone's face which show what they are thinking, what they mean or how they feel

gossip

a secret

sworn to secrecy guess

'Give us a clue'

gestures

facial expressions

CLOSING TOPICS
so... anyway... but... right... okay... well...

Use these words with sentences that

give your final opinion about the topic summarise what has already been said lead to you saying 'goodbye'

Examples But, we shall see if it makes a difference... Anyway, I must be off! So, it's something, anyway, to look forward to... Well anyway, it's lovely talking to you, but I must get on... Right... well... I guess I'd better get back
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Vocabulary
anecdote a short story about something that happened to you e.g. The other night Alan told us a very amusing anecdote about when he played cricket for his school subtle an adjective describing something which is not obvious or easily noticeable e.g. He made a number of subtle changes to the document It was painted a subtle shade of blue

LIKES
Language for expressing likes
Subject I Adverb (really) Verb like love Noun it them ice cream Chinese food playing football watching TV Extra a lot

Pronunciation - Consonant to vowel linking

When speaking fluently words link together in different ways. One way is when one word ends in a consonant sound and the following word begins with a vowel sound. For example, look at the following phrase: I like it a lot. The word 'like' ends with the consonant sound /k/. The word 'it' begins with the consonant sound /I/. These two words can link together. Also the word 'it' ends in the consonant sound /t/ and the following word 'a' is a vowel sound by itself. These two words can also link together.

To find out more about this and other kinds of linking visit the Connected Speech section of our Pronunciation area.

DISLIKES Language for expressing dislikes

Subject I Adverb (really) Verb don't like can't stand Noun it them ice cream Chinese food playing football watching TV

About the adverb 'really'. This adverb as we have seen is very useful in making what you say stronger. When talking about things you don't like though it can have a different meaning depending on where you put it in the sentence. For example: "I really don't like it!" This means you have a strong dislike of something. BUT "I don't really like it." This is not very strong. It means that you do not like something, but it is not a very strong dislike.

Pronunciation - disappearing sounds

When speaking fluently sometimes we don't pronounce some sounds. This is different from words which have silent letters. For example, look at this word can't If you say this word by itself you would normally pronounce the /t/ sound at the end. /ka:nt/ However, when speaking if the next word begins with a consonant sound we usually don't pronounce the /t/ sound. So the phrase "I can't stand it" is pronounced without the /t/ sound at the end of 'can't'

To find out more about this and other features of fluent speaking visit the Connected Speech section of our Pronunciation area.

NO STRONG FEELINGS Expressions from the programme

It's OK I can take it or leave it I don't mind it so-so

Pronunciation - Consonant to vowel linking

Most of the phrases from this programme have consonant to vowel linking.

Pronunciation - Weak forms

In the phrase: I can take it or leave it the word 'can' is not stressed. When it is stressed it's pronunciation is:

When it isn't stressed it's pronunciation is:

This is called a 'weak' form. Weak forms are very important to the natural rhythm of English To find out more about weak forms visit the Schwa section of our Pronunciation area.

COMPLIMENTS
Standard responses
Thank you, that's very kind! Thank you, that's very kind nice sweet of you (to say so).

Showing surprise
You can show surprise at a compliment by explaining why it is unexpected. So, if someone compliments you on an item of clothing, you might say: Oh, I've had this for ages. Really? It was only cheap!

Sharing responsibility
If you receive a compliment for a piece of work which was a joint effort, it's important to make this clear. Thanks! Ramesh worked on it too. It wasn't all my work. Ramesh gave me a lot help. That's very kind. I'll tell Ramesh - he helped me loads.

Returning the compliment

You can often respond to a compliment by returning the compliment - by giving a compliment back. Oh, thanks very much! You look very nice too - I like your coat.

Humorous responses
In the UK, it is very common to respond to unexpected compliments by suggesting that the person paying you the compliment wants to ask a favour. This is a joke and probably won't cause offence to native English speakers. What are you after? What do you want? Flattery will get you nowhere.* * Flattery is the giving of praise and compliments that you don't really mean. This phrase means that it doesn't matter how many compliments you receive - you won't give any favours in return!

FUNNY INCIDENTS
Example situation

Start the story

A really funny thing happened to me the other day... You'll never guess what's just happened to me... Something very, very strange and unexpected happened yesterday... I saw Michael Jackson in a restaurant. A complete stranger asked me for my autograph. I went to the park and it was full of clowns on bicycles.

How to tell the story

Well, I was... What happened was... Add a comment at the end of the story

Example in a restaurant with my friend. I looked over my friend's shoulder and saw Michael Jackson sitting there.

It was really unexpected, just a really odd experience. Can you believe it?

GOSSIPING
Start the conversation
Have you heard about Mike? Have you heard the latest gossip? I've got the juiciest bit of gossip ever. Do you want to hear some gossip? You'll never guess what I've just heard!

Keep it secret!
Listen, don't tell anyone else, ok... Obviously you didn't hear this from me... Don't tell anyone...

Example situation ...but Mike and Sue are having an affair. ...but Mike and Sue are getting divorced. ...but Mike and Sue's marriage is over.

GETTING BACK ON TOPIC

How to get back on topic
.... So .... .... Anyway .... .... As I was saying .... .... Where was I? Oh yes .... .... Getting back to my story ... .... Getting back to what I was saying ... You can also combine these expressions, for example: So anyway, where was I, oh yes, as I was saying .....

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SERIOUS INCIDENTS
Example situation

Start the story

Neil, youll never guess whats happened this morning... something awful happened to me yesterday actually... I was in a train accident. I was mugged.

Guys, something really bads just happened... I've just seen a car crash.

How to tell the story

I was... and then ...

Example ...on the train ...someone crossed the road.

Add a comment at the end of the story

it was so scary. Ive never been so scared in all my life. I was really upset at the time I was really, really upset. It was just really horrible I feel really shaken actually.

CHATTING SOMEONE UP Offering to buy someone a drink

What are you drinking? Can I get you a drink?

Vocabulary
to break the ice to start a conversation with someone you dont know e.g. I find talking about the weather is a good way to break the ice

BEING SARCASTIC
Some common examples of sarcasm
Remember to judge when and with whom to be sarcastic - you can offend people with inappropriate use of this language. After something bad or annoying happens:
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Oh terrific / great / brilliant! That's just what I need. After something unsurprising happens: Well what a surprise! After somebody makes a mistake: Oh nice one! Oh well done! After someone says something obvious: No?! Really? You're quick / clever!

The language of sarcasm

There are no fixed rules about what language to use when being sarcastic, but the following features are quite common (but this language is used when people aren't being sarcastic too!): Tag questions: Of course, you're the real expert at driving, aren't you?'Yes' ... 'because': You can use this to disagree or argue with someone by seeming to agree: A: Slow down! You're driving too fast! B: Yeah right, 'cause you never drive too fast, do you? 'I forgot': A: Slow down! You're driving too fast! B: Sorry, I forgot you were the expert driver! How many times have you crashed in the last year? 'If' ... 'must': Well if you read it on the Internet it must be true!

Make it clear that you are being sarcastic

It's really important that your conversation partner realises that you are being sarcastic. Here are a couple of ways of doing this: Exaggerate your feelings using strong words and a lively intonation. So if something bad happens, instead of saying Good, I'm glad that's happened try Great! That's just what we need! People will also sometimes use old-fashioned English to exaggerate: Gosh, you're quick! I say, that's a surprise! Sometimes, the situation will make it obvious that you are being sarcastic and you don't need to worry about people misunderstanding you. But if you are worried that people

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might misunderstand you, then after your sarcastic comment, say Just kidding! or I'm only joking! or I'm sorry! ... I'm just being sarcastic. If you want to be sarcastic in writing (for example in an email), try putting an exclamation mark in brackets after your sarcastic comment, like this: So then we visited an enormous steam train museum and you can just imagine what fun that was(!)

AGREEING INFORMAL SITUATIONS

Agreeing

Sentence

It seems like a lot more women are deciding to have babies much later these days.

I think its's better to be an older Mum as you have lots of freedom and choice about how to live your life when you're younger. I was reading an article in a magazine the other day which said that most families never eat meals all together anymore. I think that's a real shame. If I didn't have a meal with my children I wouldn't know what they'd been doing all day at school...

That's true. Absolutely. Definitely. I couldn't agree more. I know what you mean.

SHOWING INTEREST IN CONVERSATION

Sentence
I'm going see the new James Bond film next week. Showing interest

Are you?

I try to go to the gym at least twice a week to keep fit.

Do you?

Last week I was in Thailand for a work conference.

Were you?
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I went to see my grandmother in the country last weekend. My boss told me today she was giving me a big pay rise. Did you know that she's getting married next week? I'm going to start working on that new project in India next month.

Did you? Wow! Really?

That's interesting.

HOW TO TELL A STORY

Telling a story Read these two versions of the same event. Compare the differences. Both versions are correct. The alternative version is a natural way in spoken English of telling a story/joke or relating an anecdote. Original version I was in the cinema and I was watching a film and half way through the person next to me, their mobile phone rang and this person answered it and began to have a conversation. And lots of people were looking round and tutting and then the manager came in and he told me to leave. He thought itd been me on the phone. So I had to go out and explain to him th at it hadnt been me, itd been the man next to me. He apologised and because of the inconvenience he gave me some free tickets. And so actually it was OK because I hadnt really been enjoying the film anyway. Alternative version Well, last night Im in the cinema, watching this film and half way through the person next to me, their mobile phone starts ringing. He answers it and he begins to have this conversation. And lots of people are turning round and theyre looking and tutting and then in comes the manager and tells me to leave. He thinks it was me on the phone. So I have to go out and explain to him that it wasnt me, it was the man next to me. And he apologises and because of the inconvenience he gives me some free tickets. And actually that was OK because I wasnt really enjoying the film anyway.

Telling a story - some features

Verb forms Compare the verb forms between the original and the alternative version:

past simple becomes present simple past continuous becomes present continuous past perfect becomes past simple

Word order Compare the word order of phrasal verbs between the original and the alternative version:

"... the manager came in ..." becomes " ... in comes the manager ..."

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BEING VAGUE
Vague nouns
The word thing refers to objects which aren't described - we don't know what the objects are, only that they exist! So in the sentence There are a few things I'm not happy about we don't know what the speaker is unhappy about. Bit often refers to a part or section of something. Both bit and thing can be used if we don't know the English word for something or if we've forgotten it I've broken my stapler... I dropped it and the bit which holds the paper in place snapped The word stuff refers to more than one object. It is a non-count noun. There's loads of stuff in the attic - can you have a look and see if any of it's yours? It can also be used to talk about ideas or words: All this stuff in his speech about workers' rights... do you think he actually meant any of that?

Quantifiers
Most quantifiers are quite vague. In this programme we looked at how the words one or two can refer to three, four or five things. I expect the meeting will be quite short. We only have one or two things to discuss. Other quantifiers include: a few, a couple of, a lot of, plenty of, loads of.

Vagueness and numbers

Some words allow you to give more detail than a quantifier but are still vague. You can use around and about to give a vague idea of a number. They can be used to give an idea of time or age too. There's about two hundred people outside. It must be around three o'clock now. He's about fifty, fifty-five maybe. You can use the word odd to give an idea of a number (but not to indicate age or time). This is informal English. Did you know there are loads of people outside? Must be 200-odd out there. Slightly more formal, you can use or so in the same way. There are thirty or so leaflets there. Do you think you could fold them for me? Note that the phrase more or less is not usually used with numbers. It means 'almost',

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and we often use it to indicate if something is finished. I'm more or less done here... I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off.

-ish
You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: I usually get home about sixish, maybe half-six, depending on traffic. You can also add -ish to some adjectives. Used like this, it means 'a little' or 'slightly'. She has reddish hair. He's a tallish guy... maybe 6 foot? -ish is informal English and you can use it creatively. It can even be used on its own to mean 'a little bit'. A: Are you hungry yet? B: Ish. I could eat, if you're hungry.

sort of, kind of

These are useful phrases for giving a description of someone. They qualify a statement slightly, so if someone says She has sort of reddish hair it is understood that this person's hair is not completely red - it might be a little bit brown. It is not the description that is vague here, but the colour itself! In some contexts, the phrase means 'in some ways': It's kind of crazy how they advertise jobs you can't actually apply for.

and stuff, and everything, and so on

These phrases can save you from giving a long list of things. If someone says She's a typical little girl really - into dolls and pretty dresses and stuff the speaker is saying that the girl is interested in dolls, pretty dresses and things similar to dolls and pretty dresses. The speaker has used two examples of her interests with and stuff to give us a vague idea of her personality. They sell loads of really cool stuff - all vintage dresses and everything. In this example, the shop sells vintage dresses and other related things - possibly, antique jewellery, shoes and hats.

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REQUESTS, OFFERS & INVITATIONS

ASKING FOR PERSMISSION
Language for asking permission
Question head Can Could subject I he she they verb phrase with base infinitive borrow your pen? use your phone charger? take the day off tomorrow? ask you something? have one of your sandwiches?

Language for asking permission 2

Question head Would it be OK if Would it be alright if subject I he she they verb phrase with present simple borrow/s your pen? use/s your phone charger? take/s the day off tomorrow? ask/s you to help me? have/has one of your sandwiches?

Language for asking permission 3

Question head Would it be OK if Would it be alright if subject I he she they verb phrase with past subjunctive borrowed your pen? used your phone charger? took the day off tomorrow? asked you to help me? had one of your sandwiches?

A word about politeness

When asking for permission to do something we usually use the word 'please' to make the request sound more polite. It's not grammatically necessary to use 'please' but you may sound rude if you don't use it. 'Please' can be put in different places in the sentence; at the start, end or before the verb: Please can I borrow your pen? Can I please borrow your pen? Can I borrow your pen, please? A more important way of showing politeness is the tone of voice and intonation. Even if you use the word 'please' you can sound rude if your pronunciation is not correct. Generally the longer an expression is the more formal and polite it sounds. However remember that pronunciation is always very important in a spoken request for permission.

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INVITE SOMEONE IN A INFORMAL CONTEXT

Simple informal invitations
Do you fancy ...a pint?

Are you up for ...a chocolate bar? Do you feel like ...a night in?

Informal invitations with gerunds

Do you fancy Are you up for Do you feel like ...going to a museum with me? ...having a party? ...leaving work early?

Ways to accept informal invitations

I'd love one / I'd love to That'd be fun That sounds lovely OK, cool

POLITE INVITATIONS Checking someone is not busy

Are you free on Friday? Are you busy on Friday? What are you doing on Friday?

Would you like...?

Would you like ...a chocolate bar? ...to come to my house for dinner?

I wondered / was wondering

I wondered ...if you'd like to come to my house for dinner I was wondering

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DECLINING INVITATIONS
Declining invitations
I'd like to but I'd love to but Ah, no.. sorry ...I'm meeting a friend ...I'm really busy this weekend ...I've got to meet a friend

Other expressions from the programme

Maybe another time? Maybe next time? I really appreciate the invitation (or 'invite') I can't make it

MAKING APPOINTMENTS Useful vocabulary for making appointments

Job Titles

a plumber

someone who repairs and installs equipment to do with water, e.g. pipes, baths, toilets someone who's an expert in law and advises people on legal matters, also known as a solicitor or an attorney in American English someone who repairs and installs equipment to do with electricity, e.g. lighting

a lawyer

an electrician

Services a car service an examination and repair of a car to keep it working properly, e.g. an oil change having your hair trimmed or cut, perhaps to make a new hair style an examination to make sure you or your teeth are healthy a check-up a beauty treatment to keep the skin on your face healthy a beauty treatment for your nails, e.g. applying nail polish a beauty treatment for your feet and toenails, e.g. removing hardened skin from the heels

a haircut

a facial

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Language for making appointments

the doctor a dentist I'd like to to see I need to I want to book an appointment with Mrs Saha the plumber the electrician Steve please. my lawyer

Polite ways to soften a request

Is it possible to Can I May I book an appointment please?

Language for booking different types of appointments

a car service a haircut a check-up ...for a facial ...to have a manicure a pedicure

my eyes tested ...to have my teeth cleaned my eyebrows waxed

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Prepositions for making appointments

Monday ...on Tuesday ...for Wednesday

today ...for later today next week

10 am ...at 3 o'clock ...for 1.30

CHANGE SOMEONES BEHAVIOUR

Starting a sensitive conversation
I hope you don't mind me mentioning this but... I wondered if we could have a quick chat about... Example situation

I really don't like it when you leave the toilet seat up.

...the washing up.

Asking someone to change their behaviour

Would you mind...

Suggesting different behaviour

keeping the toilet seat down? cleaning the bathroom?

Would you mind not...

smoking? shouting?

It would be good if you could...

do the washing up.

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ASKING SOMEONE OUT

Seeing if someone is free at a particular time
What are you up to doing this weekend?

Making an invitation
Don't embarrass yourself by using the word date! Do you want to come on a date with me? Try this invitation instead: Do you want to meet up Do you fancy meeting up sometime for a drink? outside work?

Inviting someone to join you

I was thinking I might go to the films tomorrow... If you'd like to join me, feel free. I was thinking I might go to the films tomorrow if you fancy it.

Offering someone your phone number

Why don't I give you my mobile phone number? Let me give you my mobile number.

ASKING A FAVOUR
Asking a favor
Note that we tend to be very polite when we are asking favours, using longer sentence structures: Can I ask Could you do me Could you possibly do me Could I ask you to do me I was wondering if I could ask you to do me a favour?

Exaggerate the favour

We do this to make our friend feel important:
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a really big Could you do me a massive a huge favour?

Thanking your friend

Don't forget to thank your friend for offering to do you a favour! Thank you so much Add emphasis to your words by showing how important the favour is: You're an absolute life-saver! or You've saved my life After you've thanked your friend, you can say that you owe him / her a favour... I really owe you (one) ... or you can promise a reward... I'll buy you a drink sometime (to say thanks)... ...or you can promise to do the same favour for your friend: I'll return the favour sometime or I'll do the same for you one day... I promise!

HAGGLING
Phrases for customers
it. I'll give you 10 for both books. the lot. [= everything on sale here] ...and you've got a deal! This is a very confident way of making an offer. You might use this if you have already been haggling for a while and have almost fixed a price, e.g.: Salesperson: How about 42? Customer: 40 and you've got a deal! For more expensive items: Could you give me some sort of discount? I was wondering if you could do me a better deal on that?

Phrases for customers and salespeople

Shall we say 50?
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Let's say fifty, shall we? Let's make it a round fifty, shall we? [a round number is one that ends in one or more zeros, e.g. 50, 100, 1000]

Phrases for salespeople

(I'll) tell you what (I can do for you)... Use this before you make an offer, e.g.: Tell you what - how about I give you the computer and a printer for 450? ...how does that sound? Use this after you make an offer, e.g.: Free delivery and an extended warranty - how does that sound? I'll give you You can have two for 5 ... how does that sound? a 10% discount

...and you could take it home today. Use phrases like this to encourage the buyer to accept your deal, e.g.: Let's say 500, and you can walk out the shop with a beautiful watch right now. Say that you cannot offer a lower discount: That's the best I can do for you, I'm afraid. A 10% discount - that's all I can do, I'm afraid. And that's pretty much the maximum discount I could offer.

Other phrases
to throw something in to get something extra for the same price, e.g.: Is there any chance you could throw in a bigger monitor for that price? to knock some money off to reduce the price by a certain amount, e.g.: I can knock fifty pounds off that - that makes it 230. price match To equal the price that a customer has seen in another shop on the same item, e.g.: We can do a price match, if you've seen it cheaper elsewhere. or We should be able to match the price for you, if you tell me where you've seen it for less.

BORROWING SOMETHING
To borrow & to lend
These verbs are closely connected and are sometimes confused. In simple terms to borrow is
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to take and to lend is to give. The person who wants something, borrows and the person who gives something, lends. If you are taking:

You borrow something from someone. Someone lends something to you. Someone lends you something.

If you are giving:

You lend something to someone You lend someone something Someone borrows something from you

Using 'to borrow' The subject of the sentence is the person who wants something. In these examples the subject is 'I'. Can I borrow your pen please? Could I borrow some money please? Can I borrow your bike? Using 'to lend' You can also use the verb 'to lend' to ask for something. In this case the subject of the sentence is the person who has something. In these examples the subject is 'you'. Could you lend me your pen please? Could you lend me some money, please? Could you lend me your bike? Other information When asking to borrow something you can also give some information as to why you want to borrow something and / or how long you want to borrow it for. Could I borrow your pen for a moment? I need to sign this contract. Can I borrow your ruler for a second. Can I borrow 10 until tomorrow? I've left my purse at home. Could you lend me your bike tools over the weekend. I've got to fix a puncture. To get something back to someone A useful phrasal verb to use for saying when you will return something you want to borrow is to get something back (to someone). to get + it / them + back (to you) + (the approximate time you will return what you have borrowed) Can I borrow your shopping bags? I'll get them back to you this evening.

ASKING FOR THE TIME Vocabulary connected with time

To be on time: to arrive at the correct time and not be late
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Examples: The trains here are never on time. They're always late. We're leaving at 10.00 sharp. So be sure you're on time. To be in time (for something): to arrive early enough (for something) Examples: I don't use an alarm clock but I always wake up in time for the 7 o'clock news on the radio. Sorry, I won't be home in time for dinner, I have to work late at the office. To kill time to do something to make time appear to pass more quickly Examples: The film doesn't start for another 2 hours, so we'll have to kill time for a bit. On my way back from Australia I had a lot of time to kill at Singapore Airport - the shopping was great! in (next to) no time very soon, very quickly Example: On my bike I can get to the Sports Centre in next to no time.

Asking for the time

What time is it? Excuse me, Sorry, have you got the time do you have the time please?

Other vocabulary
mate friend Examples: I first met Pete at school. We've been mates ever since then. On Friday nights I usually go out to a club with a few mates. mate informal way to address a stranger Examples: Excuse me mate, have you got the time? Excuse me mate, have you got a light?

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COMPLAINTS AND APOLOGIES

MAKING A COMPLAINT
Expressing shocked disagreement But that's ridiculous! unfair! unreasonable! It's unreasonable / unfair / ridiculous to charge me 10 for checking-in early! An important request Can I speak to the manager please? A negative structure It's just simply Making what you say more forceful Use absolutely with strong adjectives and really with weaker adjectives and verbs That's absolutely ridiculous! That's really unfair I really think that's unfair Signalling that you disagree Well... In a disagreement, well signals that you understand what someone is saying or asking you, but you have a different opinion or something unexpected to say. (If you say right or okay to show you understand, it can seem like you are agreeing with someone). Well I don't think it's fair to make us pay extra for the airport shuttle Well I have to say that the service was pretty slow, so I don't really feel like leaving a tip Well, there was a cockroach in my room and the bathroom door doesn't lock! actually... In a disagreement, 'actually' shows that you have a different point of view from the person you are speaking to or something unexpected to say Well, actually I don't think you should charge us for the starters I think you should give us the starters for free, actually Saying what you want someone to do I'd like you to ... I think you should ... ...let me into my room not fair to charge us for the starters!

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SAYING SORRY
Language for saying sorry To emphasise how you feel I'm really sorry... I'm so sorry... To say why you're sorry Sorry about... Sorry for... Examples I'm really sorry, Pete, I didn't mean to lose your book. I'm so sorry I forgot your birthday, Oliver! Examples Sorry about the mess. I'll clear up later. Sorry for taking your DVD.

To say sorry without using the words 'I'm sorry'! I'd like to apologise for... I'd like to apologise for the way I spoke to you earlier.

Vocabulary around saying sorry to apologise to say sorry, to ask for forgiveness, to express regret an exclamation a word, phrase or sentence that is shouted out suddenly, often through surprise or anger to hurt someone's feelings to make someone feel upset or unhappy a misunderstanding this can mean 'a small disagreement' trouble unhappiness, distress, worry or danger a hard time a difficult time to be out of order (informal) to be impolite or rude

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ACCEPTING APOLOGIES
Language for accepting apologies That's OK. No problem. Don't worry about it. No worries. Examples I'm really sorry, Pete, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. That's OK. I'm so sorry I forgot your birthday, Oliver! No problem. I'm sorry about the trouble I've caused. Don't worry about it. I'm sorry for drinking all the milk. No worries.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT? Use the expressions above to respond to these apologies. I'm so sorry about the mess. I'll clear it up when I get back tonight. Sorry I ate the last biscuit! I'm really sorry I forgot to send you a card to say well done. I'm sorry I took your dictionary without asking.

POINTING OUT THE POSITIVE

Language for pointing out the positive side of a situation Examples My flatmate, Sue, is always borrowing my CDs and she only gives them back when I go and ask her for them! Well, at least she returns them to you. My mum always calls me in the evenings when I'm trying to study. Yeah, but she does call you! My family never call me. I have to call them! We had a great time but I'm not sure he's right for me. Yeah, but when you think about it, you haven't had much time to get to know each other yet - it was just your first date! I'm really pleased! I've got a job in a bar near my college. The only problem is I'm the only person working there who can't speak English very well. That's tough - on the other hand, it's a good way to practise your English. I always hate going to the boss to ask for a pay rise! Well, don't forget, she's the only person who can help you get a pay rise!

At least...

But...

But when you think about it...

On the other hand...

Don't forget...

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MAKING COMPLAINT (informal)

Expressing your anger about something fed up with sick of tired of sick and tired of hate the way you can't stand the way you having to do all your work for you! the way you make so much noise at night! your annoying friends! you! it! always blame me! leave a mess everywhere! the way you lie about it. your unhelpful attitude.

I'm (just) I

What really gets under my skin is What really drives me crazy is

Complaining about something that someone often does/doesn't do always... You never... boss me around! leave a mess in the kichen! helped me with anything! let me speak!

Telling someone to stop doing something that makes you angry It's got to stop! It can't carry on! SHOW ANNOYANCE Expressions for showing annoyance Oh, dear! Oh, no! Bother! Damn! (some people may find this offensive) I can't believe it! Why does this always happen! goodness heaven's pete's pity's God's (some people may find this offensive)

For

sake!

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GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS

RESPONDING TO GOOD NEWS Informal congratulations Congratulations! That's What fantastic brilliant great wonderful splendid

news!

That's fantastic! (etc) How splendid! (etc) old-fashioned Fantastic! (etc.) More formal congratulations (useful for cards and letters) Congratulations I'm really on getting married on your good news pleased happy delighted for you! to hear about...

Exclamations of surprise Wow! Really? Did you?! Are you?! Follow-up questions Are you excited? So when did you... ? And are you going to...? RESPONDING TO BAD NEWS Expressing shock Oh my God! That's ... awful! terrible!

Imagining how your friend feels You must be feeling ... That must have been ... absolutely... terrible! awful!

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Broaching the subject I heard about ... I'm so sorry to hear about ... Martin told me about ... Lending an ear Any time you want to talk ... Any time you need to talk ... If you ever need to talk to someone ... just come round just call me just say the word * you know where I am ** your news your terrible news what happened

* This expression indicates that you are ready for something - not that you are waiting to hear a particular word! ** This is an invitation to come and talk whenever someone needs to Offering help If there's anything I can do, just let me know

GIVING GOOD NEWS

Start with a compliment Example situation your interview We were very impressed by... your performance Phrases to introduce good news Example of good news offer you a job We'd like to... give you a promotion

some We've got a bit of

good news for you

you've passed your exams you've won the lottery

you've won the jackpot I'm really pleased to tell you... you've been chosen to play football for your country

Preparing someone for surprising or shocking news Have you got company?

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Is there somebody with you? Are you sitting down?

GIVING BAD NEWS

Introducing bad news Example of bad news you didn't get the grades we've got to cancel your holiday I'm afraid... we're not going to be able to offer you the job your dog's died you didn't get the grades we've got to cancel your holiday I'm afraid I've got some bad news for you: we're not going to be able to offer you the job your dog's died you didn't get the grades we've got to cancel your holiday nfortunately, I'm afraid ... we're not going to be able to offer you the job your dog's died you didn't get the grades we've got to cancel your holiday I've got some bad news for you, I'm afraid: we're not going to be able to offer you the job your dog's died Say something positive too You did really well in your interview, but... It's not all bad news though because you can apply to another university.

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INSTRUCTIONS, EXPLANATIONS AND ADVICE

DIRECTION
Language for asking directions Can you tell me Do you know the way to how to get to the (nearest) post office bus stop toilet Covent Garden Trafalgar Square Bush House

Language for giving directions Left go left turn left it's on the left take a left take the second (turning) on the left Right go right turn right it's on the right take a right take the second (turning) on the right Ahead go ahead go straight ahead go straight on

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SHOW UNDERSTANDING
Showing understanding Understanding Body language Noises Nod your head Umm-hmm Uh-huh Right... OK... Speak clearly and confidently Not understanding Look confused - e.g. by frowning or squinting Er... Um... Hang on... Hold on... Run me through that again You've lost me Speak more slowly

Words

Intonation

Vocabulary to follow someone / something here, to understand something or someone e.g. After a while, I stopped following the conversation. Sorry - I don't follow you. Can you explain it again? to nod to move your head up and down, usually in agreement to run somebody through something to explain something e.g. Can you quickly run me through the new guidelines? Hang on / Hold on Use this to ask someone to stop or pause e.g. Hold on - I don't think I follow you Can you just hang on a second? I need to get my coat... to be lost here, to no longer understand e.g. Aaagh! I'm totally lost! to lose someone here, to confuse someone or lead to them not understanding you e.g. Hang on - you've lost me!

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POSITIVE &NEGATIVE COMMENTS

Moving from positive to negative, or from negative to positive But actually, On the other hand, Then again, Positive signals On the positive side... One of the strengths of this is... What I like about this is... ... is one of the strengths. ... is really great. ... is a big plus. Using stress to add balance Make uncontracted statements: Then again, it is quite small. Use do: But actually, I do like the colours. Giving qualified praise For a first project, I think you've done a great job here. In terms of Negative signals On the negative side... Perhaps a weakness of this is that... This is one of the things I'm not sure of, because... ...is one of the weaknesses. ...is something you might want to look at again. it is a little small. I do quite like the colours.

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RECOMMENDATIONS
Making recommendations [might] want some stronger images. need [might] want to You need to Could Might [If I were you] I would What I would do is What you want is to You could try Softening what you say Be vague: look at You could think about the layout. changing the layout. changing the layout. change the layout.

Use hedging words like perhaps, maybe and might: You could perhaps think about changing the format. You might like to think about changing the format. Use just to explain your recommendations: It's just that I think it needs a stronger image. It's just to give the page a bit more structure. Vocabulary bossy informal, negative adjective describing someone who likes telling people what to do to soften here, to make what you say easier to hear - less bossy and more friendly

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HOW TO DESCRIBE A PROCESS

The imperative One common feature when describing a process, such as the instructions for how to make a particular dish, is the use of the imperative. The imperative form is made by using the bare infinitive of the verb (the infinitive without 'to'). Here are some examples from the programme. The imperatives are in bold. Note that in these examples there are no grammatical subjects

"Use a minium of four eggs per omelette ...." "Heat the oil, not too much heat, just heat it ... " "Put just one tablespoon of water, not milk, in with the egg ..." "Mix the eggs up, just lightly beat them with a fork ... " "Pour that into the hot pan ... "

It is possible to use subjects when describing a process like this. The subject most commonly used is 'you'. For example:

You use a minimum of four eggs ... You heat the oil ... You put one tablespoon of water ....

Linking words When giving a series of instructions it's more natural in speech and writing to join the different instructions together with linking words. There are many different linking words that can be used to describe a sequence of instructions that are part of a process. Two very simple, but commonly used ones are and and then. Here are some examples from the omelette instructions.

... lightly beat the eggs then pour them into the pan ... ... Turn the heat down and then use your fork ... ... And then just put a knife underneath and flip the omelette over ...

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GIVING INSTRUCTIONS
Linking by the numbers It is possible to list and link instructions using 'ly' adverbs based on ordinal numbers - i.e. Firstly, secondly, thirdy ... etc . Here are some simple instructions for using a breadmaking machine using this method. "Firstly, put all the dry ingredients into the pan. Secondly, add the water or milk Thirdly, put pan into the breadmaker and finally select the right programme and press start." Note that the final instruction rather than being from a number is usually finally or lastly. This method is useful for short lists of instructions only, with a maximum of three or four items. It is possible to carry on indefinitely but it is not natural to do so in spoken English. More linking words & expressions Beginning The first thing you do is ... To begin with ... To start with ... First ... Continuing And ... Then ... And then ... Next ... After this .... Following this ... When (this is done) / (you've done this) ... Once (this is done) / (you've done this) ... While (something else is happening) ... Ending Finally ... Lastly ... To finish ...

+ verb in imperative form (infinitive without to)

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HOW TO DISCUSS
MAKING SUGGESTIONS Language for making suggestions Question opener + subject + infinitive without 'to'

Why don't

I you we they he/she I we

buy...? go...? meet...?

Why doesn't Shall Question opener I, you, he, she, we

+ infinitive without 'to' should could say... arrange... talk... eat... get...

Let's Why not

Note Perhaps and maybe can both be used before 'could' and 'should' if you want to sound more polite. Examples: Perhaps we could phone them. Maybe we should have a big party.

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MAKING A POINT
Language for making a point Expressing opinion Examples

I think (that)... My view is (that)... In my opinion, ...

I think you should go now. My view is that the project will fail. In my opinion, the firm can succeed.

Persuading I can assure you (that)... I can assure you that we've done everything we can.

Making a statement The fact is (that)... The point is (that)... The fact is, he's a great performer. The point is, we don't know if they're being honest.

Other expressions You're missing the point (can sound a bit rude) Look, ... (can sound quite aggressive) You're missing the point - why do you never listen properly to what I'm saying? Look, everyone thinks it's a bad idea.

Note: 'that' is optional after I think.., my view is..., I can assure you..., the fact is... and the point is....

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DISAGREEING
Useful vocabulary for disagreeing

no I don't agree that's not true I don't accept that

Note: 'no' is usually followed by a statement (see below) (quite direct) (quite formal)

Examples: No, I don't think that's what happened. No, that's not a good idea. complete (no adjective) absolute total Very strong ways of saying you disagree unless said as a joke, they usually sound quite aggressive, so be careful about using them! They can be made stronger with adjectives (2nd column).

that's

nonsense! rubbish!

hang on! hang on a minute!

expressions often used to interrupt and disagree with what someone has just said:

Example: Hang on! That's not what she did at all! Structures you can use when you agree with part of something that's been said, but disagree with other parts, or want to bring in a contrasting idea: although while it's true to say that it's fair to say that I agree that (..followed by what you agree with, then what you don't agree with, or a contrasting idea)

Examples: Although it's true to say that he is intelligent, I don't think he works well in a team. While I agree that we should leave soon, I think we should finish this work first.

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EXPRESSING UNCERTAINTY
Question Tags We often use this structure when we are unsure of something or want to check information. 1. It's not Shilpa Shetty ... 2. She isn't an actress... 3. That's Shilpa Shetty ... 4. She's been on T.V. ... is it? is she? isn't it? hasn't she?

Examples 3 and 4 show slightly more certainty than 1 and 2. However, the intonation the speaker uses with a question tag is the main indicator of the level of certainty. Listen to these two clips of Example 1: Upward intonation (less certain) (MP3 - 22 KB) Downward intonation (more certain) (MP3 - 16 KB)

Note: When responding to question tags, yes and no refer to whether something is or isn't the case, not whether the first speaker is right or wrong. So in the following exchange, B is saying he doubts the woman is an actress: A: She's not an actress, is she? B: No, I don't think so. Modals It might may be Shilpa Shetty could must certain uncertain

Could is sometimes combined with a question tag: She couldn't be an actress, could she? You can use possibly and perhaps with all these modals (except must), to indicate a lack of certainty: She might perhaps be an actress ...; She couldn't possibly be an actress, could she? Using I think before a modal usually shows that the speaker is more certain about something, e.g. I think it might be Shakira; I think she might be an actress However, a sentence like this with extra stress on the modal indicates slightly less certainty:

Maybe and Perhaps Maybe ... Perhaps ... she's a film star

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TAKING OFFENCE
Stopping someone while they are talking Just a minute... Hang on... Hold on... Just a second... Showing that you disagree Certain words show that you have a different opinion. Try using actually, well, but, and I'm sorry: Actually, the discount was only 5%. Well, you're wrong about that actually. I'm sorry, but you're totally wrong about that! Stating that you are offended by something I really take exception to that! Asking someone to apologise for their words or change their view (I think you should) take that back! Take back what you just said! Stengthen your words Your words will have more power if you use people's names: Just a second, Martin. I really take exception to what you've just said. Use emphatic devices like really and do: I really really do take exception to that! Other useful phrases I'm sorry, but I'm not going to let you talk to me like this!

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