How to...Complete
-
Upload
katy-recaman -
Category
Documents
-
view
220 -
download
0
Transcript of How to...Complete
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
1/44
1
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?
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
2/44
2
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!
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
3/44
3
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!
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
4/44
4
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!
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
5/44
5
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
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
6/44
6
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 -
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
7/44
7
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 -
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
8/44
8
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
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/schwa/http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/schwa/http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/pron/schwa/http://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/schwa/ -
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
9/44
9
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.
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
10/44
10
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 .....
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
11/44
11
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:
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
12/44
12
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
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
13/44
13
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?
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
14/44
14
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 ..."
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
15/44
15
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',
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
16/44
16
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.
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
17/44
17
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.
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
18/44
18
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
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
19/44
19
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
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
20/44
20
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
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
21/44
21
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.
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
22/44
22
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:
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
23/44
23
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?
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
24/44
24
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
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
25/44
25
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
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
26/44
26
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?
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
27/44
27
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 ...
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
28/44
28
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
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
29/44
29
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!
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
30/44
30
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!
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
31/44
31
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!
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
32/44
32
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?
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
33/44
33
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:
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
nfortunately, 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 thejob
your dog's died
I've got some bad news for you, 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
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.
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
34/44
34
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
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
35/44
35
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!
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
36/44
36
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
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
37/44
37
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
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
38/44
38
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 ...
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
39/44
39
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)
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
40/44
40
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.
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
41/44
41
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....
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
42/44
42
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.
-
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
43/44
43
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 -
8/14/2019 How to...Complete
44/44
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!