How to...Complete

8/14/2019 How to...Complete

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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)

Good

Morning

sirmadam

Mr Jones

Mrs Smith

Afternoon

Evening

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?


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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 Examples

appearance (usually only with people you know well)

your surroundings

transport

the weather

You look great!

Isn't it nice here!

Did you get here OK?

Isn't it a lovely day!


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SAYING GOODBYE

I'm off!

OK,

All right,Well then,

Right then,

Anyway,

(guys,)(folks,)

(everyone,)

it's time to

let'swe should

I'm going to

we're going to

make a move.

head off.go.

leave you.

See you...

See you

later!

soon!

tomorrow!

tonight!

at 8!

at work!

at the party!

Nice to see you...

Nice to

It's been lovely to

It was great to

Good to

see you.

catch up.

Have a lovely...

Have a

lovely

great

nice

wonderful

weekend!

holiday!

evening!

afternoon!

time!

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...

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)

rush off!

hurry!dash!

run!


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CONVERSATIONS

SHOWING INTEREST

Vocabulary around conversations

flows

to extend

linking words

gossip

a secret

sworn to secrecy

guess

'Give us a clue'

gestures

facial expressions

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

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 Adverb Verb Noun Extra

I (really) like

love

it

them

ice cream

Chinese food

playing football

watching TV

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 alot.

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 theConnected Speechsection

of ourPronunciationarea.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/connected/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/connected/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/connected/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/connected/index.shtml


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DISLIKES

Language for expressing dislikes

Subject Adverb Verb Noun

I (really) don't likecan't stand

itthem

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 reallydon'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 theConnected

Speechsection of ourPronunciationarea.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/connected/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/connected/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/connected/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/connected/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/connected/index.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/connected/index.shtml


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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 theSchwasection of ourPronunciationarea.

COMPLIMENTS

Standard responses

Thank you, that's very kind!

Thank you, that's very kind of you (to say so).

nice

sweet
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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 thatthe 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.*

* Flatteryis 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

Start the story

Example situation

A really funny thing happened to me the

other day...I saw Michael Jackson in a restaurant.

You'll never guess what's just happened to

me...

A complete stranger asked me for my

autograph.

Something very, very strange and

unexpected happened yesterday...

I went to the park and it was full of clowns

on bicycles.


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How to tell the story Example

Well, I was... in a restaurant with my friend.

What happened was...I looked over my friend's shoulder and saw

Michael Jackson sitting there.

Add a comment at the end of the story

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! Example situation

Listen, don't tell anyone else, ok... ...but Mike and Sue are having an affair.

Obviously you didn't hear this from me... ...but Mike and Sue are getting divorced.

Don't tell anyone... ...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

Start the story

Example situation

Neil, youll never guess whats happened this

morning...I was in a train accident.

something awful happened to me

yesterday actually...I was mugged.

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

How to tell the story Example

I was... ...on the train

and then ... ...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'sjustwhat 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

Sentence

Agreeing

It seems like a lot more women are deciding

to have babies much later these days.

That's true.

Absolutely.

Definitely.

I couldn't agree more.

I know what you mean.

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 familiesnever 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...

SHOWING INTEREST IN CONVERSATION

SentenceShowing interest

I'm going see the new James Bond film next week. 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. Did you?

My boss told me today she was giving me a big pay rise. Wow!

Did you know that she's getting married next week? Really?

I'm going to start working on that new project in India next

month.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 that 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 thingrefers 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 thingcan 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 wordstuff 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 wordsone or

twocan 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 coupleof, a lotof,plentyof, loadsof.

Vagueness and numbers

Some words allow you to give more detail than a quantifier but are still vague. You can

use aroundand aboutto 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 oddto 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 soin 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 lessis notusually 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 -ishto 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 subject verb phrase with base infinitive

Can

Could

I

he

she

they

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 subject verb phrase with present simple

Would it be OK if

Would it be alright if

I

he

she

they

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 subject verb phrase with past subjunctive

Would it be OK ifWould it be alright if

Ihe

she

they

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; atthe start, end or before the verb:

Pleasecan I borrow your pen?

Can I pleaseborrow 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 ...going to a museum with me?

Are you up for ...having a party?

Do you feel like ...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 dinnerI was wondering


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DECLINING INVITATIONS

Declining invitations

I'd like to but ...I'm meeting a friend

I'd love to but ...I'm really busy this weekend

Ah, no.. sorry ...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

a lawyer

an electrician

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

Services

a car service

a haircut

a check-up

a facial

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 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


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Language for making appointments

I'd like to

I need to

I want to

book an appointment to see

with

the doctor

a dentist

my lawyer

Steve

Mrs Saha

the plumber

the electrician

please.

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

...for

...to have

a car service

a haircut

a check-up

a facial

a manicure

a pedicure

...to have

my eyes tested

my teeth cleaned

my eyebrows waxed


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Prepositions for making appointments

...on

...for

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

...for

today

later today

next week

...at

...for

10 am

3 o'clock

1.30

CHANGE SOMEONES BEHAVIOUR

Starting a sensitive conversation

Example situation

I hope you don't mind me mentioning this

but...

I really don't like it when you leave the

toilet seat up.

I wondered if we could have a quick chat

about......the washing up.

Asking someone to change their

behaviour

Suggesting different behaviour

Would you mind...keepingthe toilet seat down?

cleaningthe 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 youup to

doingthis 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

sometimefor 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

a favour?

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

Exaggerate the favour

We do this to make our friend feel important:


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Could you do me

a really big

favour?a massive

a huge

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

I'll give you 10 for

it.

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 roundnumber 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 two for 5... how does that sound?

You can have 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 isto 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.

mateinformal 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 not fair to charge us for the starters!

simply

Making what you say more forceful

Use absolutelywith strong adjectives and reallywith 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, wellsignals that you understand what someone is saying or asking you,

but you have a different opinion or something unexpected to say. (If you say rightor 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 ... ...let me into my room

I think you should ...


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SAYING SORRY

Language for saying sorry

To emphasise how you

feel

Examples

I'm really sorry... I'm really sorry, Pete, I didn't mean to lose your book.

I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry I forgot your birthday, Oliver!

To say why you're sorry Examples

Sorry about... Sorry about the mess. I'll clear up later.

Sorry for... 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

apologiesExamples

That's OK. I'm really sorry, Pete, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.

That's OK.

No problem. I'm so sorry I forgot your birthday, Oliver!

No problem.

Don't worry about it. I'm sorry about the trouble I've caused.

Don't worry about it.

No worries. 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 pointingout the positive side of

a situation

Examples

At least...

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.

But...

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!

But when you think

about it...

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!

On the other hand...

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.

Don't forget...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!


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MAKING COMPLAINT (informal)

Expressing your anger about something

I'm

(just)

fed up with

sick of

tired of

sick and tired of

having to do all your work for you!

the way you make so much noise at night!

your annoying friends!

you!

it!

I hate the way you

can't stand the way you

always blame me!

leave a mess everywhere!

What really gets under my skin is

What really drives me crazy is

the way you lie about it.

your unhelpful attitude.

Complaining about something that someone often does/doesn't do

You

always... boss me around!

leave a mess in the kichen!

never... 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!

For

goodness

heaven's

pete'spity's

God's (some people may find this offensive)

sake!


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GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS

RESPONDING TO GOOD NEWS

Informal congratulations

Congratulations!

That'sWhat

fantasticbrilliant

great

wonderful

splendid

news!

That's fantastic! (etc)

How splendid! (etc) old-fashioned

Fantastic! (etc.)

More formal congratulations (useful for cards and letters)

Congratulations on getting married

on your good news

I'm really 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 ...

your news

your terrible news

what happened

Lending an ear

Any time you want to talk ...Any time you need to talk ...

just come roundjust call me

just say the word *

you know where I am **If you ever need to talk to someone ...

* 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

We were very impressed by...your interview

your performance

Phrases to introduce good news Example of good news

We'd like to...offer you a job

give you a promotion

We've gotsome good news for

you

you've passed your exams

a bit of you've won the lottery

I'm really pleased to tell you...

you've won the jackpot

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

I'm afraid...

you didn't get the grades

we've got to cancel your holiday

we're not going to be able to offer you the

job

your dog's died

I'm afraid I've got some bad news for you:




job

your dog's died

nfortunately, I'm afraid ...



we're not going to be able to offer you thejob

your dog's died

I've got some bad news for you, I'm afraid:




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 rightit'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 Not understanding

Body language Nod your headLook confused - e.g. by

frowning or squinting

NoisesUmm-hmm

Uh-huh

Er...

Um...

WordsRight...

OK...

Hang on...

Hold on...

Run me through that again

You've lost me

Intonation Speak clearly and confidently Speak more slowly

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 somethingto 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,

it is a little small.

I do quite like the colours.On the other hand,

Then again,

Positive signals Negative 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.

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.

Using stress to add balance

Make uncontracted statements:

Then again, it isquite small.

Use do:

But actually, I dolike the colours.

Giving qualified praise

Fora first project, I think you've done a great job here.

In terms of


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RECOMMENDATIONS

Making recommendations

You

[might] wantsome stronger images.

need

[might] want to

change the layout.

need to

Could

Might

[If I were you] I would

What I would do is

What you want is to

You could try changing the layout.

Softening what you say

Be vague:

You couldlook at the layout.

changing the layout.think about

Use hedging words likeperhaps, maybeand might:

You could perhaps think about changing the format.

You might like to think about changing the format.

Usejustto 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.

Theimperative form is made by using the bare infinitive of the verb (the infinitive without

'to'). Here are some examples from the programme. The imperativesare in bold. Notethat in these examples there are no grammatical subjects

"Use a minium of four eggs per omelette ...." "Heatthe oil, not too much heat, just heatit ... " "Putjust one tablespoon of water, not milk, in with the egg ..." "Mixthe eggs up, just lightly beatthem with a fork ... " "Pourthat 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:

Youuse a minimum of four eggs ... Youheat 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 thenpour them into the pan ... ... Turn the heat down and thenuse your fork ... ... And thenjust put a knife underneath andflip 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 finallyselect the right programme and press

start."

Note that the final instruction rather than being from a number is usually finallyor 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

buy...?

go...?

meet...?Why doesn't he/she

Shall I

we

Question opener + infinitive without 'to'

I, you,

he, she, we

should

could

say...

arrange...

talk...

eat...

get...Let's

Why not

Note

Perhapsand maybecan 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)... I think you should go now.

My view is (that)... My view is that the project will fail.

In my opinion, ... 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 fact is, he's a great performer.

The point is (that)... The point is, we don't know if they're being honest.

Other expressions

You're missing the point

(can sound a bit rude)

You're missing the point - why do you never listen

properly to what I'm saying?

Look, ...

(can sound quite aggressive)

Look, everyone thinks it's a bad idea.

Note:

'that' is optional afterI think.., my view is..., I can assure you..., the fact is... andthe 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.

that's

complete

(no adjective)

absolute

total

nonsense!

rubbish!

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).

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 ... is it?

2. She isn't an actress... is she?

3. That's Shilpa Shetty ... isn't it?

4. She's been on T.V. ... 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, yesand norefer 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

could

must

be Shilpa Shetty

uncertain

certain

Couldis sometimes combined with a question tag: She couldn't be an actress, could she?

You can use possiblyand perhapswith 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 thinkbefore 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 ... she's a film star

Perhaps ...
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/howto/qt_1.mp3http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/howto/qt_1.mp3http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/howto/qt_2.mp3http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/howto/qt_2.mp3http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/howto/qt_2.mp3http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/howto/qt_1.mp3


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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, butyou'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!

Documents

How to...Complete