********************************************************

Express Yourself
IN
English
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BY

Mubarak Abdessalami

http://abdessalami.bravehost.com

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 CONTENTS

Functions
Pages

Gap fillers -------------------------------------------------------------5

Opinion---------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Advice----------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Suggesting-------------------------------------------------------------7
Offers------------------------------------------------------------------ 7
Invitation-------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Complaint------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Apology--------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Prohibition------------------------------------------------------------ 9
Certainty---------------------------------------------------------------10
Probability------------------------------------------------------------ 10
Improbability--------------------------------------------------------- 10
Possibility-------------------------------------------------------------10
Impossibility--------------------------------------------------------- 11
Likes & dislikes------------------------------------------------------11
Preference-------------------------------------------------------------11
Necessity------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Permission------------------------------------------------------------12
Request--------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Cause & Effect-------------------------------------------------------13
Explaining & Justifying-------------------------------------------- 14
Fear--------------------------------------------------------------------14
Sympathy-------------------------------------------------------------14
Hypothesis------------------------------------------------------------15
Regret -----------------------------------------------------------------15
Indifference ----------------------------------------------------------15
Dissatisfaction -------------------------------------------------------15
Clarification --------------------------------------------------------- 16

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Introduction

The English language learners are not quite motivated to discuss an issue with the
others in the target language freely and without restrains because they lack the very tools that
help them achieve the great part of the elocution, notably how to start! And how many people
is my audience?! The best way to encourage them is twofold,
- First to arrange a talk session among the learners in small groups.
- Second to provide them with the necessary assisting expressions necessary to
“launch” the conversation without a complex of inferiority.

Once these two elements are provided the train of exchanging ideas started and the
discussion goes into expanded group level until they reach the level of whole class debate.
These level transitions are not random; they are excellent emotional filters that lower if not
chase away anxiety, bashfulness, hesitation and any other emotional obstructions. When the
students are armed and equipped with the necessary tools to do the job correctly, they do it
enthusiastically. Never expect from the students who haven’t got vocabulary, idioms,
expressions and diction enough to express themselves clearly to jump into a chat precariously
and make a jerk of themselves.

This worry however will gradually vanish the more the learner regains confidence
through the two main fundamental rudiments, notably to know how to say what one has to say
in the appropriate manner through mastering the suitable functions. The small group settings,
in which the students operate and use those tools without much anxiety, are significantly of
great utility for they provide the shy students with the opportunity and the chance to speak out
their minds. Thanks to these elements, no matter how futile they may seem, all the
opportunities to learn are eventually presented.

Many teachers are aware that the absence of these two factors participates in the
deterioration of the learner’s motivation and enthusiasm to learn the target language. Teachers
try to set up an atmosphere of trust and friendship through ensuring them that relaxation is
guaranteed. The small group setting is an effective prove that relaxation in the learning
process is really taking place if accompanied of course by the expressions that make the
interaction with the other members of the group effortless and smooth. Still what expressions
are needed?
During a normal natural conversation many different expressions are needed to show the
speakers level of intellectuality, politeness and coherence. These expressions vary from asking
for or giving opinion, inviting, apologizing, complaining, suggesting, advising, asking or
giving permission to using gap-fillers while talking. These tools help the students overcome
their reluctance and dive into discussions among their groups using the basics at hand and
gradually acquiring new ones as well as the tones, intonations and pitches necessary to make
them convincing until a strong language repertoire is built. This technique later results not
only in participating in a discussion held in a 20 student-classroom during an English lesson,
but to the extent of negotiating or even giving a persuasive speech in front of a large
audience.

To put it short, I’d like to introduce you directly to this humble work that aims at helping the
students to regain some confidence by providing them with the necessary elements needed to
carry on a conversation without much misunderstanding or confusion. Once the students
momentarily adopt and practice them regularly in virtual or true to life conversations, they’ll
surely get acquainted with expressing themselves in English. There are expressions that are

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 like the ones we use in our native language but with a big difference in styles. If we don’t get
the expression correctly in the target Language, from the very beginning, we’ll surely try to
manage some sort of translation which will result in a jerk or clumsiness. Thus, it is preferable
to get those expressions in their originality as the native speakers use them in their day to day
life then train on them in real conversation contexts. While doing this the students have to
keep in mind that:

1. “Nothing is easy”
2. “Every beginning is tough”
3. “Practice makes perfect”

For Students:

These expressions in their variety are meant to help you enrich your spoken and
written repertoire. It is not really a handicap to learn some of them by heart on condition that
you frequently use them while talking to your classmates or friends or even some English-
speaking people. Gradually those expressions become yours and you will use them normally
and naturally. The more you practice them, the better you master them. Take it for granted that
the language is first and foremost a means of communication. The more you practise it the
more you become perfect. Finally, remember that the world would understand and appreciate
what you say if you said it in the right way.

Mubarak Abdessalami

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 GAP FILLERS
For oral use only:
- I mean....
- You see....
- Well, let me see...
- Look!
- Listen!
- If you see what I mean!
- Do you see what I mean?
- Let’s get this into perspective.
- Watch it!
- Picture this.
- Look here!
- All right!
- Is that clear enough?

OPINION
Asking for Opinion
 I was wondering where you stood on the question of immigration?
 What's your position on global warming?
 What's your opinion of the project?
 What do you think of love?
 How do you feel about building a space prison for dangerous criminals?

Giving Opinion
 In my opinion the consequences of global warming will be fatal.
 As far as I'm concerned love is the noblest feeling.
 From my point of view, poverty could be fought with solidarity.
 As I see it, our planet is dying.
 I think / reckon / presume / gather it will get worse with time.
 In my view immigration is caused by unemployment.
 It would seem to me that technologies will control us sooner or later.
 It seems to me that democracy is the solution for developing countries.
 I feel the world is getting wilder than ever before.
 I believe politics should be more human...
 I figure that we are doomed to protect our planet before it is too late.
 To my mind cloning should be restricted.
 According to me Euthanasia should be banned.
 What I think / mean / believe is that developed countries are selfish.
 I mean that they don't try to help poor countries.
 I may venture that they are extremely sadist.
 As for me they like to be at top of the world.
 For my part people in rich countries are nicer than their leaders.

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  I'd say that mankind is in great danger because of politicians.

Agreeing with an opinion

 My view about this is positive.
 I agree with this idea.
 I agree completely with this idea.
 I can't agree more.
 I agree.
 This idea is absolutely right.
 I couldn't agree more on this.
 I think this idea is perfect.

Partial agreement or polite disagreement

 I agree partially with this idea.
 This idea is partially right.
 I see what you mean, but some developed countries are helpful.
 That's one way of looking at it, but we should avoid over generalisation.
 I see your point, but technology is not autonomous.
 I agree with you, but developing countries should stop wars.
 I think this idea is possible, but rich countries bear some responsibility in those wars.
 I'm not sure you're right there.
 I'm not sure that I agree with this idea.
 The project is feasible, but it needs some more efforts.

Disagreeing with an opinion

 I think it is a bad idea.
 I'm afraid I can't agree with this idea.
 I'm afraid I entirely disagree with you.
 I think this idea is impossible.
 I guess this idea is impractical.
 I see that this idea is bad.
 I think it is a bad idea.
 I don't agree with this idea.
 I suppose this idea cannot be implemented.

ADVICE
Random Examples
 If I were you, I wouldn’t buy this old computer.
 Why don't you stay at home and watch TV?
 You'd better go to bed early.
 You ought to revise your lessons regularly.
 If you take my advice, you'll tell your parents the truth.
 You should drive slowly in town.
 It might be a good idea to put on your coat. It's cold outside.
 You should consider taking the keys before you leave.
 I advise you to do the quiz again and again.
Declining to give advice
 I don't know what to advise, I'm afraid.

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  I wish I could suggest something, but I can't.
 I wish I could help.
 I'm afraid I can't really help you. I have the same problem myself.
SUGGESTING

Making suggestions
 Let’s revise our lessons.
 What about going to the cinema tonight?
 How about playing cards?
 Why don't we do our homework?
 Couldn't we invite your grandmother to our party?
 Shall we have a walk along the river?
 What would you say to a cup of coffee?
 Don't you think it is a good idea to watch TV?
 Does it matter if we use your car?

Accepting
 Ok. Yes, let's.
 Yes, I'd like to
 Yes, I'd love to.
 What a good idea!
 Why not?
 Yes, with pleasure.
 Yes, I feel like taking a walk.
Disagreeing
 No, let's not.
 No, I'd rather not.
 I don't feel like it.
 I dislike doing homework.
 What an awful idea!

OFFERS
Making Offers:
 Can I help you?
 What shall I do for you?
 Would you like me to check this computer for errors?
 Shall I bring you a glass of water?
 I'll buy you a coke. Shall I?
 What/ Where/ Which ... would you like me to...?
 Do you want me to post that letter for you?
 I’ll be glad to help?
Accepting an offer:
 How kind of you! Thank you very much.
 That’s very good of you!
 That’s terribly kind,. Thank you very much.
 Yes, please do.
 What a good idea!

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  Yes, please.
 Thanks. That would be excellent.
 Yes.

Refusing or rejecting an offer:

 It’s all right thanks. I can manage that alone!
 No, thank you. But I am very grateful
 That’s awfully kind, but there’s no need.
 No, please don't bother.
 No, thank you.

I N V ITATI O N

Inviting
 I was wondering whether you would stay for dinner.
 I'm going to my uncle's wedding party next Sunday. Would you like to come, too?
 Come along!
 Why don't you come?
 Will you come, too?
 You must come over?
 You must pay us a visit.
 You must come back some time.
 We must get in touch...
 I'll give you a call and fix something.
 Look me up next time you are around (here).

Accepting the invitation

 Ok. I'd like to!
 Well, I'm free then. Thank you. I'd like to come.
 Well, I'm not doing anything then. I'll come. Thanks.
 I am not doing anything special then. Thank you. I'd like to come.
 Ok!

Refusing the invitation

 I'm afraid I can't. I'm busy then.
 I'm sorry but I can't. I'm going somewhere that day.

C O M P LAI N I N G

Complaint
 I have a complaint to make. ..............
 I'm sorry to say this but.................
 I want to complain about...................
 I'm afraid I've got a complaint about...............
 I'm angry about................

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Responding to a complaint
 I'm so sorry, but this will never occur again.
 I'm sorry, I promise never to.................
 I'm really sorry; I'll do my utmost/best not to...............

APOLOGY

Apologizing
 I do apologize for ___ing..........
 I must apologize for ___ing.........
 I am so sorry for ___ing.........
 I shouldn't have...........
 It's all my fault.
 I'm ashamed of ___ing.........
 Please, forgive me for ___ing.......
 I'm terribly sorry for ___ing..........
 Pardon me for this............
 Please, forgive me for my........
 Please, accept my apologies for ____ing.........
 Accepting the apology
 That's all right.
 Never mind
 Don't apologize.
 It doesn't matter.
 Don't worry about it.
 Don't mention it.
 That's OK.
 I quite understand.
 You couldn't help it.
 Forget about it.
 Don't worry about it.
 No harm done.

PROHIBITION

Expressing Prohibition
 You aren’t allowed to.........
 You mustn’t.........
 It’s forbidden..............
 You aren’t permitted to...........
 You aren’t to............

EXAMPLES
1. You aren’t allowed to smoke in public places.
2. It’s forbidden to walk on the grass in public gardens.
3. You aren’t to wear indecent clothes in the street.
4. You mustn’t drive fast.
5. You aren’t permitted to park your car here.

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 C E RTAI NTY

Expressing Certainty
 Yes, I'm certain.
 Of course.
 I'm positive my grandmother repairs the car.
 She must be excellent at mechanics.
 I'm absolutely sure.
 It's certain that she is a good mechanic.

PROBABILITY

Expressing Probability
 It is probable that my grandfather repairs the car.
 I guess he is fit for the job.
 I bet my grandmother is better than he is.
 I expect / suppose they are good mechanics.
 I dare say / should say / presume they know what they should do.
 She may have repaired the car while you were out.
 Ali may come any minute.
 Maybe / perhaps the problem won’t be serious.
 It will probably rain this evening.
 I’m likely to do the work myself.

IMPROBABILITY

Expressing Improbability
 No, probably not.
 I don't suppose my grandfather repairs the car.
 I doubt my grandmother does, either.
 S/he is unlikely to repair the car.
 I don't think they can repair that car.
 I'd be surprised if s/he repaired the car.
 It's unlikely s/he will repair the car soon.

POSSIBILITY

Expressing Possibility
 My grandmother may repair the car.
 Maybe she will repair it.

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  Perhaps she will repair it.
 Possibly, she will repair it.
 It's possible she will repair it alone.
 She might repair it.
 I suppose she might repair it.
 There's a chance she'll repair it before sunset.

IMPOSSIBILITY

Expressing Impossibility
 No, it's impossible to repair that old Chevrolet.
 She can't possibly repair it.
 I'm sure she doesn't repair it.
 She definitely doesn't repair it.
 She certainly doesn't repair it.
 There's no way she repairs it.

LIKES & DISLIKES

Expressing Likes:
 I like Couscous.
 I like eating couscous with my bare hand.
 I enjoy eating couscous.
 I love couscous.
 I adore eating couscous.
 I'm fond of couscous.

Expressing Dislikes:
 I hate pizza.
 I don't like pizza.
 I can't bear pizza.
 I can't stand pizza.
 I dislike pizza.
 I detest pizza.

PREFERENCE

Asking about preference

 Do you prefer tea or coffee?
 Would you prefer tea or coffee?
 Would you rather milk or Orange Juice?
 Which would you prefer? Doing homework or watching TV?
 Which would you rather, this bike or that one?
 Would you prefer to stay here?
 Would you rather have a drink?

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Expressing Preference
 I prefer tea (to coffee).
 I'd prefer to have coffee.
 I'd rather have tea.

EXAMPLES
1. I prefer doing my homework to watching television.
2. I'd prefer to go out than to stay with you.
3. I'd rather go to bed than see that boring film.
4. I'd prefer to sleep.
5. I'd rather sleep.

NECESSITY

In the present
 I have to buy some more eggs for my famous cake.
 I have got to repair that old car of mine. (informal)
 I must see the doctor soon because I don't feel well.
 It is necessary that I take a taxi. I'm late.

In the past
 I had to work extra hours to pay my bills.

In the future
 I'll have to borrow money.

* Lack of necessity *
In the present
 I don't have to drive fast.
 I don't need to write the report myself. My secretary can do that for me.
 I needn't buy all these things.

In the past
 I didn't have to tell him about my project.

In the future
 I won't have to revise my lessons. I learn them by heart.

PERMISSION

Asking for Permission

 Can I go out, please?
 May I Open the window, please?
 Please, can I have a look at your photo album?
 Please, may I taste that hot spicy couscous dish?

Expressing Permission

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 *.* It is allowed *.*
Present & Future
 You might vote if you are 18.
 You may speak to the manager.
 You could see me this afternoon. I'm free then.
 You can put on my jacket.

*.* It is not necessary *.*

In the present
 You don't have to take your medicine if you feel better.
In the future
 You won't have to come early tomorrow. There won't be much to do.

*.* It is not compulsory *.*

Present & Future
You needn't answer all the questions. Three are enough.
You don't need to have a visa to go from a European country to another.

REQUEST

Expressing Request
 Can you close that door, please?
 Will you turn down that radio, please?
 Could you possibly give me that red pen over there?
 Would you bring me a glass of water please?
 Would you like to put that case on the reception desk, please?!
 Would you mind sending these letters for me, please?!

CAUSE & EFFECT

There are many ways to express cause and effect relationships. Take this for example:
i. He didn't come because he wasn't invited.
ii. Since he wasn't invited, he didn't come.
 The cause of his absence is that he was not invited.

He was not invited. So, the effect or the result of this is that "he didn't come". If he had been
invited he would have come. But he was not invited, consequently he didn't come.

EXAMPLES
1. She didn't attend the meeting since she was not interested.
2. I'm glad the children are out, for I have got a lot of work to do at home.
3. She didn't tell the police because of fear.
4. Owing to his carelessness, the man had an accident.
5. I'm sorry for being late.
6. Thanks for your attention.
7. He went to hospital because he was not feeling well.

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 8.
* Now, carefully study the following structures:

I
 The cause of failure is laziness.
 One reason for failure is laziness.

II
 Failure is caused by laziness.
 Successive failures are due to carelessness.

III
 The effect of laziness is failure.
 The consequence of laziness is failure.
 The result of laziness is failure.
 One effect/consequence/result of laziness is failure.

IV
 He is lazy. Because of this, he fails.
 She is hard-working. So, she succeeds.
 He wasted his time. Consequently he didn't succeed in his exams.
 She works hard. Therefore, she always succeeds.
 She works hard. As a result, she always gets good marks.
 He never revises his lessons. As a consequence, the teacher always punishes him.

E X P LAI N I N G & J U S T I F Y I N G

 The aim of the project is to promote the rural world.

 The main reason behind this project is to help the students become autonomous.

 It seems to me evident that technology has already affected our mode of life.

 It seems to me obvious that computers become a necessity in our modern life.

 Taking into consideration factors like unemployment and the fierce competition in the
labour market, then the students have to seek knowledge everywhere, and should not
rely on school sources only. They aren't enough.

 All things considered, I think students have to do their best to use all the possible
means of communication in the profit for their school projects.

FEAR

Expressing fear
 What scares / frightens me most is.........
 My chief / major/ main concern is......
 I can’t help being worried by.....

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  The problem is....
 It is ............ that scares me.
 I’m dreading the final verdict.

SYM PATHY
Expressing Sympathy
 What a pity / shame that.....
 How disappointing!
 What bad / sad news!
 It’s a great disappointment!
 How terrible!
 It’s terrible that........!
HYPOTHESIS

I. Expressing hypothesis about the past

1. CERTAINTY
 Yes, I’m certain it was a ghost.
 I’m sure it was only a black cat.
 It must have been a rodent.

2. PROBABILITY / POSSIBILITY
 Perhaps it was a ghost.
 It might / may / could have been a black cat.

3. IMPOSSIBILITY
 It couldn’t / can’t have been an animal.
 I’m sure it wasn’t a ghost.

REGRET

Expressing regret about past mistakes

o I oughtn’t to have sold my old books.

o I shouldn’t have done that.

INDIFERENCE

Expressing indifference

A. POLITELY
o That’s all right.
o It doesn’t matter at all.
o I don’t mind.

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B. LESS FORMAL
o It’s all the same to me.
o I don’t care.
C. VERY INFORMAL
o Who cares?!
o So what?!

D I S SATI S FACTI O N

Expressing Dissatisfaction

 I’m fed up with someone or something.

 I’m tired of someone or something.
 I’m sick of someone or something.
 I’m sick and tired of someone or something.
Asking For Clarification
In order to avoid misunderstanding one has to ask for clarification to make sure one
understands the message in the right way. If one is asked for clarification one has to give it
and check for understanding. Here are some useful expressions you can use in both
situations:

Requesting Clarification:

Formal
 Excuse me. What was that again?
 Pardon me. Would you mind repeating that
 Pardon me. Could you repeat that please?
 I beg your pardon. Would you mind repeating that?
 I’m sorry. I didn’t get the last part.
 May I interrupt? Could you say that again please?

Informal (with friends)

 What? I didn’t catch that.
 What did you say? I didn’t get the last part.
 Huh? (impolite) You lost me.
 I didn’t get that. Can you make yourself clear?
 I am completely in the dark.

Asking for clarification for good understanding

 If I understand the terms correctly.............. Is that right?

 Could you elaborate on that?
 Do you mean......
 I was under the impression that.........
 Let me see if I have that right. .................. Is that so?
 Use Question Tags.

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  I can’t understand.......
 I am not sure I got your point.
 Would you clarify that a little, please?

Giving Clarification and checking for understanding.

FORMAL

 I mean that......
 What I mean is that....
 Does that make sense to you?
 Am I making sense?
 Am I clear enough?
 Do you get that?
 Have I made myself clear?
 Do you see what I mean?
 Do you understand so far?
 Are you following me?

INFORMAL

 Did you catch that?

 Do you understand?
 Is that clear now?
 Right?
 Okay, so far?
 Did you get that?
 Got it?
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