Speaking Handout

Prepared by: Dr. Helmi Mohammed

APOLOGIZING
Everybody makes mistakes sometimes. When it happens, we need a phrase to tell the other
person how really sorry we are and stop them getting really angry.
10 expressions to use How to use these phrases in your English
in speaking
1. Sorry. 1. Phrase 1 is a general short apology. We use this when we
2. I'm (so / very / bump into people on the street. At other times, it sounds too weak.
terribly) sorry. 2. In phrase 2, we use 'so', 'very' and 'terribly' to make the
3. Ever so sorry. meaning stronger. 'Terribly' is the strongest. If we use one of the
4. How stupid / words in brackets, it is stressed.
careless / 3. Phrase 3 is quite formal but it's a stronger apology than just
thoughtless of me. 'sorry'.
5. Pardon (me) 4. We use phrase 4 to criticise ourselves and the mistake that we
6. That's my fault. have just made.
7. Sorry. It was all 5. We use phrases 6 and 7 to take all the responsibility for what
my fault. happened. Phrase 7 is a little stronger.
8. Please excuse my 6. We use phrase 8 to apologise for our lack of knowledge or
(ignorance) ability. We can replace the word in brackets with other nouns, e.g.
9. Please don't be carelessness, forgetfulness.
mad at me. 7. Phrase 9 is asking the other person not to get angry. The tone
10. Please accept our is quite informal.
(sincerest) 8. Phrase 10 is often used in formal letters. The word 'sincerest'
apologies. makes the apology very strong and very formal.
ASKING ABOUT HEALTH AND LIFE
When we meet somebody we know it's polite to ask a question or two about their health and
their life.
1. How are you? 1. Phrase 1 is the best known phrase but English people don't use
2. How are things? it every time so it's useful to learn some of the others on this
3. How's things? page.
4. How's it going? 2. Phrase 2 is a general inquiry about the other person's health
5. How are you and life. Your answer could be about your health, your work or
getting on? your personal life.
6. How have you 3. Phrase 3 is similar to phrase 2 but the 'incorrect' grammar
been? makes it much more informal.
7. What have you 4. Phrases 4 and 5 are asking about the other person's life (work
been (getting) up or personal life).
to? 5. Phrase 6 is really asking about health but the other person may
8. I hope everything's answer with general information about their life.
okay? 6. Phrase 7 is really asking about what kind of activities the other
9. Alright? person has been doing recently. It more often refers to their
10. How have you home life, not work.
been keeping?
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 7. Phrases 8 and 9 are asking about health and life with a yes / no
question. Phrase 9 is much more informal than phrase 8.
8. Phrase 10 is more formal but still sincere and friendly and is
asking about the other person's health.
Asking for approval
Sometimes we are not sure if it's a good idea to do something. So we need useful expressions
for asking if other people agree with an idea or intended action.
1. Do you think it's 1. Phrases 1, 2 and 3 are quite informal ways of asking if another
all right to do it? person agrees with an action that you are planning to do.
2. What do you think 2. Phrases 4 and 5 are hypothetical and so sound a bit more
about (me doing polite. Phrases 1 to 3 suggest that speaker probably will do it. 4
that)? and 5 suggest that the speaker won't do it if another person
3. Do you think / doesn't agree.
reckon I ought to 3. Phrase 6 is asking another person for their feelings about an
(do it)? imagined action. The speaker doesn't actually say that she is
4. What would you thinking of doing it so is making the action more remote. This
say if I (did it)? phrase is quite formal.
5. Would you 4. In phrase 7, the action being described will seem more remote
approve of (doing if the speaker leaves out the word 'me', in a similar way to
something)? phrase 6.
6. What is your 5. In phrase 8, it is important that the intonation is falling on the
attitude to the idea first 'are' and is rising on the negative verb in the question tag
of... 'aren't'.
7. Are you in favour 6. Phrase 9 is quite informal and is asking the listener's opinion
of (me doing about other people's reactions. You follow this phrase with a
something)? past tense verb that describes the action that you want to do.
8. You are in favour E.g. 'Do you think anyone would mind if I left early today?'
of ... aren't you? 7. In phrase 10, the speaker thinks that the other person will be
9. Do you think angry if the speaker does what they want to do. It is also
anyone would followed by a past tense verb. E.g. 'Would it be really awful if
mind if I... I took the rest of the day off?'
10. Would it be really
awful if I...
Asking for Information
Sometimes you want to ask English people for information. In English, it is not very polite to
start a conversation with a direct question.
1. Can you tell me...? 1. Phrases 1 - 10 are all followed by indirect questions. So
2. Could you tell 'What's the time?' becomes 'Can you tell me what the time is?'.
me...? 2. Phrase 2 is a little more formal and polite than phrase 1.
3. I'd like to know... 3. Phrases 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are polite and are good to use if
4. D'you know... you are asking a stranger or you are asking at a public
5. (Got / Have you) information desk.
any idea...? 4. Phrase 4 is more informal.
6. Could anyone tell 5. Phrases 5 and 7 are more informal if you say them with out the
me...? part in () brackets.
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7. (Do / Would) you 6. Phrases 9 and 10 are very formal and in an informal situation
happen to know...? some people may react strangely if they think that you are
8. I don't suppose being sarcastic.
you (would) 7. By using phrases 1 to 10, we make it easier for the listener to
know...? say 'Sorry I don't know'.
9. I wonder if you
could tell me...?
10. I wonder if
someone could tell
me...?
Asking somebody's opinion
It's a good idea to ask another person about their opinion before you tell them your opinion
loudly and strongly. Maybe they completely disagree with you.
1. What do you think 1. Phrases 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are followed by a noun or
of...? gerund (-ing form).
2. What do you think 2. Phrases 1 and 2 are general phrases for asking for an opinion.
about...? We can use them both formally and informally. In informal
3. How d'you feel speech, 'do you' becomes 'd'you?'.
(about...)? 3. Phrases 3 and 4 are more informal. We can use them with
4. What d'you reckon 'about' and a noun or gerund phrase e.g. 'How d'you feel about
(about...)? having a class outside in the garden?'
5. What's your 4. We use phrase 6 (with that) after another sentence (e.g. They're
opinion of...? going to build a new supermarket here. What do you think of
6. (What do think that?).
about) that? 5. Phrases 7 and 8 are more formal. You could use them in a
7. What are your business meeting and you might hear them on interviews on
views on...? the news.
8. Where do you 6. Phrase 9 is asking the other person's opinion of an idea or
stand (on...)? proposal. We follow 'to' with a noun or gerund and follow 'if
9. What would you we' with a sentence with a past verb.
say to... / if we...? 7. Phrase 10 is an indirect way of asking for an opinion. We ask
10. Are you aware if the other person knows about the situation. They are then are
of.....? expected to react with an opinion.
Giving an Opinion
It is very important to show people when you are saying an opinion and show that it is not a
fact. Giving an opinion as a fact is not very polite in the UK.
1. I reckon...
1. Sorry. We follow all the phrases with a sentence or clause that
2. I'd say...
shows the speaker's opinion.
3. Personally, I
2. Phrases 1 - 3 are really quite informal. You can use these
think...
phrases when you are discussing something with friends or
4. What I reckon is...
people who you know well.
5. If you ask me...
3. In phrase 1, 'reckon' is a very common word in the UK today.
6. The way I see it...
It means 'I think' but British people use the word 'reckon' much
7. As far as I'm
more often than 'think'.
concerned...
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 8. If you don't mind 4. Phrases 5, 6 and 7 are all quite polite and show clearly that the
me saying... statement is only an opinion.
9. I'm utterly 5. Phrase 8 is more polite because it says to the other speaker that
convinced that... they might not agree with what you are saying.
10. In my humble 6. Phrase 9 shows a very strong opinion. The speaker has no
opinion... doubt at all that it is true.
7. Phrase 10 is the most polite expression of the ten. It is often
written on the Internet as the abbreviation 'IMHO' or 'imho'.
Have a guess
Sometimes you don't know exactly what something is, but you have some idea.
1. Off the top of my 1. Phrases 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 can be used when guessing almost
head, I think she's anything (age, height, time, personality, problems, etc).
26. 2. Phrase 2 is based on a generalisation.
2. Knowing (the 3. Phrases 3, 6 and 8 shows that the speaker really doesn't know the
English), he likes exact number.
football. 4. Phrase 9 is only used with numbers and time.
3. If I had to take a 5. Phrase 10 is usually used for numbers or a period of time.
guess, I'd say she's
26
4. I'd say she's 26.
5. Chances are she's
26.
6. At a guess, I'd say
she's 26.
7. Probably about 26.
8. We're talking maybe
late twenties.
9. About 6-ish
10. Around about 6
o'clock
Hoping for something
When we are talking about something in the future that we want but maybe it won't happen,
we use a number of phrases.
1. I hope it's sunny 1. Phrases 1, 2 and 3 are all saying that the speaker wants
tomorrow sunny weather tomorrow and that she thinks it might
2. I'm hoping it'll happen.
be sunny 2. Phrase 4 is saying that the speaker wants sunny weather and
tomorrow. he thinks that everybody wants sunny weather too.
3. Hopefully, it'll 3. Phrases 6 and 7 are saying that the speaker wants a sunny
be sunny day but that it is very possible that it will rain.
tomorrow. 4. Phrase 8 is saying that it will probably rain but that the
4. Let's hope it's speaker still wants it to be sunny.
sunny 5. Phrase 9 is saying that the speaker wants a sunny day and
tomorrow. that he is not going to be prepared if it rains.

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 5. Here's hoping
we have a sunny
day.
6. If we're lucky,
it'll be sunny
tomorrow
7. With any luck,
it'll be sunny
tomorrow.
8. Sometimes you
don't know
exactly what
something is,
but you have
some idea I
wish / If only it
would be
sunny...
9. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed
for...
10. I'm (really)
counting on it
being sunny

Mixed feelings
Sometimes people ask you 'How do you feel?'. Here are ten feelings that people often have.
1. happy / 1. In 1, most people want to be happy in their lives. We are
contented / contented when the situation in our lives is good enough and we
delighted are delighted when something very good happens.
2. sad / depressed 2. In 2, sad is the opposite emotion to happy. People often cry
3. amused when they are very sad. When people are depressed they feel sad
4. excited about their lives for a long time. They don't think it will get
5. frightened / better.
afraid / terrified 3. In 3, we are amused when we see or hear something that is
6. worried / funny. Sometimes we laugh.
anxious 4. In 4, we are excited when something good or interesting has
7. tired / sleepy happened or will happen soon. Excited people often have a lot of
8. angry / annoyed energy and can't stop moving.
9. disappointed 5. In 5, we are frightened / afraid when we know that we are in a
10. bored dangerous situation. Terrified is a stronger word.
6. In 6, we are worried or anxious when we think that something
bad is going to happen or maybe we think it has already
happened to another person who we care about.

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 7. In 7, tired means that you have done a lot of work and you need
to rest. If you are sleepy you want to sleep - you are probably
yawning a lot
Possibility
When we are talking about the future, we often don't really know what will happen. Here are
ten ways that we can say things that we think have a chance of happening.
1. t's probably 1. Phrases 1 and 2 are saying that there is a high probability
going to rain 2. Phrases 3 and 4 are a little weaker but still quite strong
tomorrow. 3. Phrases 5 and 6 are saying that the chance is about 50
2. There's a (good) percent that it will rain.
chance it'll 4. In phrase 8, 'may' and 'might' are more probable if the word
rain... 'just' comes before (e.g. it just might rain tomorrow.)
3. In all 5. Phrase 9 depends on the intonation. Increasing the rise-fall
probability, it'll on 'May' makes the rain sound more probable.
rain... 6. Phrase 10 is saying that the probability is small.
4. The odds are
it'll rain
tomorrow.
5. I wouldn't be
surprised if it
rained...
6. There's a fifty-
fifty chance of
rain...
7. It's quite likely
it'll rain...
8. It may / might /
could rain
tomorrow.
9. Maybe it'll rain
tomorrow.
10. There's (just) a
chance it'll rain
Have a guess
Sometimes you don't know exactly what something is, but you have some idea
1. Off the top of my 1. Phrases 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 can be used when guessing
head, I think she's almost anything (age, height, time, personality, problems,
26. etc).
2. Knowing (the 2. Phrase 2 is based on a generalisation.
English), he likes 3. Phrases 3, 6 and 8 shows that the speaker really doesn't
football. know the exact number.
3. If I had to take a 4. Phrase 9 is only used with numbers and time.
guess, I'd say she's 5. Phrase 10 is usually used for numbers or a period of time.
26
4. I'd say she's 26.
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5. Chances are she's
26.
6. At a guess, I'd say
she's 26.
7. Probably about 26.
8. We're talking maybe
late twenties.
9. About 6-ish
10. Around about 6
o'clock
Reminding people to do things
There are many situations when you ask somebody to do something and later you think that
they didn't remember to do it.
1. Don't forget to do it. 1. In phrase 1, the stress is on the word 'Don't' and in phrase 2 the
2. Remember to do it. stress is on 'mem' in the word 'remember'.
3. You will remember 2. In phrase 3, you need to put stress on the word 'will'.
to do it. 3. In phrase 4, you need to put stress on the word 'won't.
4. You won't forget to 4. Phrases 5 and 6 are little more polite and could be used with
do it, will you? somebody who you don't know very well.
5. Can / Could I 5. You use phrases 7 and 8 when you think the other person has
remind you to...? forgotten and it is almost too late. If they haven't forgotten,
6. I'd like to remind they may get angry, so be careful.
you about... 6. Phrase 9 has an apology at the beginning which makes it
7. You haven't slightly more polite.
forgotten about __, 7. Phrase 10 is formal and is safe to use with strangers, with
have you? groups of people and in customer service situations.
8. I hope you haven't 8. After phrases 1,2,3,4,5,8,9 we use the infinitive form. For
forgotten to... example: Don't forget to check your grammar.
9. Sorry to be a bore 9. After phrases 6 and 7, you need to use a noun or a noun phrase.
but do remember For example: I'd like to remind you about the party tomorrow
to... night.
10. May I remind you / 10. After phrase 10 we use a clause (mini sentence). For example:
all passengers that... May I remind all passengers that smoking is not allow

Saying goodbye
There are many things that you can say in English when you are leaving somebody. Here are
ten of the most common phrases.
1. Bye! 1. Phrase 1 is the most common phrase that British people say.
2. Goodbye! Note: we don't often say 'Bye-bye'. This sounds rather
3. Bye for now! childish.
4. See you! / See 2. Phrase 2 is a little more formal.
ya! 3. Phrases 3, 4, 5 and 6 are quite informal and friendly. They
5. Be seeing you! mean that you expect you will see the other person again
6. See you soon! soon.
7. I'm off.
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 8. Cheerio! 4. Phrase 7 is short and not very polite. You are saying that you
9. Catch you later! are leaving without a farewell greeting.
10. Good night! 5. Phrase 8 is a little old fashioned but quite informal.
6. Phrase 9 is also very informal and says that you expect to
see the other person again soon.
7. We only say phrase 10 at night.
Saying somebody is correct
Somebody asks 'You're and English student, aren't you?'. Here are ten expressions that you can
use to say that this information is in fact correct.
1. Yes, that's right. 1. Phrases 1, 2, and 3 are quite neutral and are just saying that
2. You're quite what the other person asked is true.
right. 2. Phrases 4, 5, and 6 also say that the information is very
3. Yes, that's exact and maybe you are surprised at how accurate the other
correct. speaker is.
4. That's spot on. 3. Phrase 7 is an idiom that means that the other person's
5. You're dead question or statement is exactly true.
right (there). 4. Phrase 8 says that you think this is correct but that other
6. Absolutely. people disagree.
7. You've hit the 5. Phrases 9 and 10 are saying that the other speaker is correct
nail on the head. but that you are unhappy about this information.
8. You could say
so.
9. I'm afraid so.
10. (I'm) sorry to
say so.
Saying somebody is wrong
When you hear somebody say something that you know is wrong, you want to tell them. Here
are ten polite and less polite ways of telling them they're wrong.
1. I'm afarid that's 1. Phrases 1 and 2 are fairly polite. If you really want to be
not quite right. polite you could make an apology first e.g. 'I'm sorry to
2. Actually, I think disagree, but...'
you'll find that... 2. Phrases 3 and 4 are a little stronger and a little less polite
3. I'm afraid you're 3. You follow phrase 4 with a noun phrase or a gerund.
mistaken. 4. Phrases 6 and 7 are very strong. You may upset the person
4. I don't think you are talking to so you should be really sure about your
you're right own facts before you say one of these.
about... 5. Phrases 8 and 9 are actually quite rude. Even people who
5. Actually, I don't know each other quite well may not say these phrases to
think... each other.
6. No, you've got it 6. Phrase 10 is followed by a sentence or clause with the
wrong. correct information
7. No, that's all
wrong.

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 8. Rubbish! /
You're talking
rubbish.
9. Where did you
hear that?
10. If you check
your facts,
you'll find...
Saying somebody is difficult
There are many situations when we want to say we find an activity difficult. It may be a
subject we are studying or a skill that is part of a physical activity we are learning.
1. It's not so easy.. 1. Phrases 1, 2 and 3 are saying that it is a little difficult for
2. It's a bit tricky.. some people.
3. It's not the 2. Phrase 4 says that some parts of the course are difficult.
easiest ___ in 3. Phrase 5 says that the course is difficult and that many
the world.. people will not keep going and give up before they finish.
4. It's quite tough 4. Phrase 6 is saying that the course is nearly impossible.
at times.. 5. Phrases 7 and 8 are saying that you will need a lot of effort
5. It's (quite / a bit) and determination to complete the course.
hard going.. 6. Phrase 9 is saying that the course is not easy.
6. It's nigh on 7. Phrase 10 says that people who give up easily should not
impossible.. start the course as they will probably not finish.
7. The course is
quite
demanding.
8. The course can
be gruelling at
times
9. It isn't a walk in
the park
10. It's not a course
for the faint-
hearted.
Saying somebody is easy
Here are some English phrases that you can say when you think something is easy or very
easy.
1. It's a doddle. 1. Phrases 1, 2 and 3 are saying that something is totally
2. Easy peasy. simple.
3. It's a cinch. 2. Phrase 4 is saying that you don't need to think about it. you
4. There's nothing can do it without thinking.
to it. 3. Phrase 5 says that it's so easy that everybody can do it.
5. Anyone can do 4. Phrases 6 and 9 say that it's so easy that young children can
it. do it.
6. It's child's play. 5. Phrase 8 is saying that it is not difficult like building rockets.

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 7. It's a walk in the 6. Phrase 10 is saying that it is so easy that you can do it
park. without looking - with your eyes shut.
8. It's not rocket
science.
9. It's easy as pie /
easy as a,b,c
10. I can do it with
my eyes shut.
Saying somebody is good
Students who learn English sometimes use the words 'good' and 'nice' many times in their
writing and speaking. It is more interesting if you use different words. There are many.
1. It's great. 1. Phrases 1, 2 and 3 are stronger ways of saying that
2. It's fantastic. something is good.
3. It's excellent. 2. Phrases 4 and 5 are saying it's good but not very good.
4. It's better than 3. Phrase 5 says that you like and you want other people to try
average. it too.
5. It's not bad. 4. Phrase 8 says that it's good but you didn't expect that it
6. I'd recommend would be so good.
it. 5. Phrase 9 is saying that it is number 1 / the best.
7. I'm very 6. Phrase 10 is very enthusiastic. You need a verb and an
impressed. object. e.g. 'I could listen to Robbie Williams till the cows
8. It's better than I come home.'
expected.
9. It's the best I've
ever seen /
tasted
10. I could ___ till
the cows come
home.
Saying you are unwell
When somebody asks you 'How are you?' sometimes you do not feel well. English people
often lie and say 'Fine'.
1. Not too good. 1. Phrases 1, 2, 3 and 4 are only a little negative and are fairly
2. Not so great. polite. But English people may use them when they are
3. A little under feeling very ill.
the weather. 2. We often use phrase 5 when we did something earlier that
4. A bit rough. has made us feel ill. We often say it the morning after
5. A bit the worse drinking a lot of alcohol, when we have a hangover.
for wear. 3. We use phrase 6 if the person we are talking to knows that
6. Much the same we were ill yesterday also.
as yesterday. 4. Phrases 7 and 8 sound positive but usually mean that the
7. A bit better. speaker still feels quite bad.
8. As well as can 5. Phrases 9 and 10 a very strong. It is not normally polite to
be expected. answer a friendly question so negatively. Only say them to
9. (I feel) lousy. friends and people who you know well.
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 10. Bloody awful.
Saying you don’t know
Sometimes somebody asks you a question and you don't know the answer.
1. Sorry. I don't 1. In phrases 1, 2 and 3 we can use either 'sorry' or 'I'm afraid'
know. or we can leave this part of the pharse out. These phrases are
2. (I'm afraid,) I've quite polite.
no idea. 2. Phrases 4 and 5 are saying that you don't know the answer
3. (Sorry,) I can't and that you don't know about the whole topic area (cars).
help you there. 3. Phrases 6 and 7 are saying (more strongly) that you don't
4. I don't know know anything about the topic.
anything 4. If you say phrases 8 or 9, you are probably a little angry that
about..(cars) somebody asked you a question about this topic.
5. I don't know the 5. Phrase 10 is showing stronger annoyance that somebody
first thing about asked you about a certain topic.
(cars)
6. I haven't got a
clue.
7. Search me.
8. Don't ask me.
9. What are you
asking me for?
10. How the hell
should I know?

Surprise
Sometimes you see or hear something that you were not expecting. Maybe it's an unexpected
event or a piece of information.
1. Really? 1. We say phrases 1 and 2 with rising intonation. It's important
2. What? to make your voice go up at the end. You are inviting the
3. What a surprise! other speaker to give you more information.
4. Well I never! / 2. Phrase 3 is a general expression of surprise
Blimey! 3. Phrases in 4 are strong exclamations. 'Blimey!' is a little
5. That's the last rude as it literally means 'God blind me!'
thing I expected 4. We say phrase 5 when something is completely different to
6. You're kidding! what you expected - after a surprising event.
7. I don't believe 5. Phrases in 6 and 7 are saying that we really don't believe the
it! / Are you information.
serious? 6. Phrase 8 is saying that you are so surprised that you can't
8. I'm speechless! speak.
9. I'd never have 7. Phrase 10 is a little old fashioned. If people say this
guessed. nowadays, they are probably being sarcastic and they really
10. You don't say! mean that it isn't surprising at all.
Talking about good ideas
With friends, at work and in many other situations we ask for ideas and respond to them. Here
are some useful ways of saying you like someone's idea.
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 1. That's a great 1. 1 and 2 are very common expressions. 2 has stress on
idea. THAT'S, and 1 can have double stress on THAT'S and
2. That's an idea. GREAT.
3. Good idea! 2. 3 Shows more enthusiasm, which is why it is a short
4. What a great expression. You can also say 'Great/Fantastic/Wonderful
idea! idea, etc.
5. I think that's a 3. The structure in 4 is very useful: What a/an/- + adjective +
fantastic idea. noun: What a nice person/what a terrible mistake/What great
6. I like that idea. shoes!
7. I like the idea of 4. Adding 'I think' in 5 shows your personal appreciation, and
that. we often stress 'I' to emphasize this.
8. That's not a bad 5. 6 and 7 are similar, but we stress LIKE in 6, and normally
idea. IDEA in 7.
9. You know 6. 8 is a variant of 6. We often use a negative structure (not +
what? That's a negative adjective: it's not uncommon, it's not impossible,
good idea. it's not unlikely) for a positive effect for emphasis.
10. Cool! 7. 9 uses a rhetorical question: You know what (I think)? And
is a strong way of giving your opinion of something.
8. 10This is a common informal way of saying you like an idea
or suggestion.
Talking about Weather
It can get quite cold in Britain, especially when the wind is from the icy north or from Russia.
1. It's freezing 1. is useful when it's very cold.
outside! 2. This is advice to wear warm clothes and a coat etc because it
2. It's a bit chilly. is getting cold. We can use this for summer nights and for
Wrap up warm. winter days.
3. It's cold. 3. is the basic expression you can use in all situations.
4. It's Arctic out 4. Arctic indicates that it is very cold - colder than normal.
there. 5. Some people don't feel the cold - so we use 'fresh' as a
5. It's quite fresh - positive term.
take a jumper. 6. describes cold days when your breath forms a cloud - it's
6. You can see poetic!
your breath in 7. indicates the temperature is very cold. Note we don't say
the air. 'under zero.'
7. It's below zero. 8. We use 'minus' with a number to give the exact temperature.
8. It must be minus 9. Frosty mornings are quite common in winter.
five or more. 10. When there is ice on your windscreen, we use this
9. It's pretty frosty expression.
today.
10. My car's iced
up, it's that cold.
Telephones and telephoning
The telephone is a very important part of our lives. The following ten expressions are parts of
telephones or things that are connected with telephones in some way.

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1. Receiver / 1. All of the phrases are nouns apart from phrase 10. Phrase 10
handset is a verb phrase.
2. Keypad / Dial 2. Phrases in 1 describe the part of a telephone that you hold in
3. Earpiece / your hand. 'Receiver' is a more popular expression in the
Mouthpiece UK.
4. Phone box 3. Phrases in 2 are the part of the telephone that we use to enter
5. The phone book the number with our fingers. Modern telephones have a
6. The Yellow keypad. Older phones had a dial with numbers arranged ina
Pages circle.
7. Operator 4. In phrase 4, a phone box is a very small building that
8. Directory contains a public pay-phone. In the UK, the traditional
Enquiries phone box is painted a bright red colour.
9. The dial tone 5. In phrase 5, the phone book is a large book (directory)
10. Reverse charges containing all the telephone numbers of people living in a
city or area.
6. In phrase 6, the 'Yellow Pages' is a large book or directory
containing the telephone numbers of businesses and
organizations in one area.
7. In phrase 7, the operator is a person who you can call and
ask for help telephoning or making a connection.
8. In phrase 8, Directory Enquiries is a company that you can
telephone and ask the telephone number
Ten Ways to Expressing Dislike
1. I don't really 1. 1 is quite neutral and polite.
like classical 2. 2, 3 and 5 are ways of saying that classicial music is not
music. your taste, but you are not judging classical music itself.
2. Classical music 3. We use 4, 6 and 8 to say that we do like other types of
is not very me. music, but not this type of music.
3. Classical music 4. 9 is quite a strong statement because of the word 'never'. We
is not my style. could also say: I don't listen to classical music.
4. Classical music 5. 7 and 10 are very strong negative judgments. 7 in particular
doesn't do is strong and you should not use it with people you don't
anything for me know, or people you don't want to shock!
5. Classical music 6. I'm into + subject, I'm not into + subject are very common
is not my thing. and useful expressions that students generally don't use.
6. I'm not into
classical music.
7. Classical music
sucks.
8. I'm not much of
a classical
music fan.
9. never listen to
classical music.

13
 10. You can keep
classical music.
Ten ways of Saying hello
There are lots of different ways of saying hello to people you know and people you don't
know.
1. Hi. 1. 4 and 10 are quite formal. We use them when we meet someone for
2. Hello. the first time.
3. How's it going?2. The most general greeting is 2, which you can use in formal and
4. How do you do? informal situations, in business and with friends.
5. How's tricks? 3. 3, 5 and 7 are informal expressions you can use with friends or
6. Watcha! people you work with on a regular basis. 6 is very informal and is
7. How are things? only used with good friends or people in informal situations.
8. Haven't seen 4. 8 and 9 can be used in informal situations when your last meeting
you for ages. was a long time ago.
9. Great to see you The normal reply for all of them is: Fine. But with 1, 2 and 4 we
again. repeat the same greeting
10. Nice to meet
you.

Ten ways of talking about Likes

We often talk about hobbies and things we like - but exercises in school books don't always
sound very natural.
1. I love rock and 1. 1 is a normal expression, and is the structure normally taught
roll. in school - but it's not he most common.
2. I really like rock 2. 2 is a very common way of showing you like something. It's
and roll. good to use the word 'really' to intensify your feeling.
3. I live for rock 3. 4 and 9 show that this music is important for you, but they
and roll. don't show much emotion.
4. Rock and roll is 4. 7 is a common way of showing your enthusiasm for
my favourite. something.
5. I can't get 5. 3, 6 and 10 show that this music dominates your life: it is
enough of rock very important for you.
and roll. 6. 8 is not quite as strong as 3 and 6, but it shows that this
6. Rock and roll is music is very important for you.
my life.
7. I'm really into
rock and roll.
8. Rock and roll is
my thing.
9. I'm keen on
rock and roll.
10. I listen to rock
and roll all day
long.

14
 Thanking People
The British have a great variety of ways to thank people and showing appreciation for a gift or
an act of kindness.
1. Thanks. 1. Phrases 1 and 2 are fairly informal. People often say them
2. Cheers. without really thinking about it. We use them when
3. Thank you very somebody does something small to help you.
much. 2. Phrases 3 and 4 are more formal. We use these when
4. I really somebody has done something quite large or important to
appreciate it. help you.
5. You've made 3. We use phrase 6 when somebody gives you a present. We
my day. are saying thank you to the other person for thinking about
6. How thoughtful. you and deciding to give a present.
7. You shouldn't 4. Phrase 7 is also for receiving a present. You are saying that
have. the other person is too generous. It does NOT mean that the
8. That's so kind of person speaking is angry or annoyed.
you. 5. Phrases 9 and 10 are more formal. Phrase 10 is especially
9. I am most formal and is only used in business letters and formal
grateful. speeches.
10. We would like
to express our
gratitude.
Thanking to say when you are angry
There are many reasons for getting angry in Britain these days like car alarms, train strikes and
Sunday opening hours.
1. I don't believe 1. We say phrases 1 and 2 immediately after something has
it! made you angry.
2. What a pain! 2. We say phrases 3, 4 and 5 about a situation or a series of
3. It's driving me repeated actions that make us angry.
up the wall. 3. We say phrase 6 about something that slowly makes you
4. I've had it up to angry over a long time
here with... 4. We say phrases 7 and 8 about something annoying that has
5. I've had all I can continued for a long time.
take of... 5. We often say phrase 9 when we have several pieces of bad
6. It really gets on luck and then one more bad thing happens.
my nerves. 6. We say phrase 10 to show our disbelief that something so
7. I'm sick and bad has happened or that one more bad thing has happened
tired of... after several others.
8. I'm fed up with
it.
9. I could really do
without it.
10. Is it possible?
Wanting things
In English, it's not really polite to say 'I want!'. Children are taught 'Those who want don't get.'
So we have many different ways to say we want something.
15
 1. 'd really like / 1. Phrase 1 is quite strong. The speaker really wants a day off.
I'd love a day 2. Phrases 2, 3 and 4 are a little less strong. The speaker still
off really wants a day off but she is being less forceful.
2. I wouldn't mind 3. In phrase 5, if you put stress on 'really' it is saying that a day
a... off is something that you want in your heart. But if you don't
3. I could (really) have it you will be okay.
do with a... 4. Phrase 6 is saying that if you have (a day off) you will be
4. I could use a... happy and you will not want anything else.
5. What I'd really 5. Phrase 7 is saying that the best thing is for you to have a day
like / love is a... off. But is it doesn't happen you will be okay.
6. All (that) we 6. Phrases 8 is more formal and more polite. You could use it
need is a day off in a formal letter of request.
7. Ideally, what I'd 7. Phrases 9 and 10 are more informal. Phrase 10 is really quite
like is a day off strong and not very polite. It's best to use this with frinds and
8. A _____ would people who you
be (much)
appreciated
9. A _____ would
go down well.
10. I'm dying for /
longing for..

Ways to say that your well

When somebody asks you 'How are you?', there are many different ways to say that we feel
well.
1. I'm fine thank 1. Many students only learn phrase 1. English people do say
you. this sometimes but they also say all the other phrases. Try to
2. I feel great / learn some of them.
marvellous / 2. Phrase 2 is very positive. Marvelous is probably the
fine. strongest.
3. Couldn't be 3. Phrase 3 is saying that it is impossible to be more healthy /
better. well.
4. Fit as a fiddle. 4. Phrase 4 is an idiom that says you feel very fit and healthy.
5. Very well, 5. Phrases 6, 7 and 8 are positive but not strong. People
thanks. sometimes say these when they don't feel very well but they
6. Okay. want to be polite.
7. Alright. 6. We say phrase 9 when we were sick before and now feel
8. Not bad. (more) well.
9. Much better. 7. Phrase 10 is the friendliest phrase. We are saying that seeing
10. All the better for the other person has made us feel healthier and happier.
seeing you. Don't use this with strangers.
Being sure / Certain
Sometimes we know that we are right about something. When we feel confident of our facts,
we show other people how certain we are by using one of the following ten phrases.
1. All phrases are followed by a sentence or clause.
16
 1.I'm quite sure... 2. Phrases 1, 2, and 3 are very strong and show that you really
2.I'm absolutely are certain.
positive... 3. Phrase 4 is a little less strong than the others. There is just a
3.I'm fairly / quite little doubt in the speaker's mind.
certain... 4. Phrases 7 and 8 are used especially for reassuring other
4.It must be right. people who don't believe.
5.I know... 5. Phrases 9 and 10 are saying that there is no doubt at all.
6.It's definitely... What you are saying is a fact.
7.You can be sure...
8.I've no doubt at all
that...
9.I'm a hundred
percent certain
that...
10.I'm (utterly)
convinced...
Being Worried
Sometimes we think that something bad is going to happen in the future or we think something
bad has already happened.
1. I'm (so) worried 1. We follow phrases 1, 5 and 10 with a noun, noun phrase or a
about... gerund (-ing form).
2. I'm afraid... 2. We follow 2, 3, 7 with a sentence or clause saying what we
3. I can't help think will happen (e.g I'm afraid he'll find out what
thinking... happened'.)
4. I can't stop 3. Phrase 1 is a general statement of worry or concern. The
thinking about word 'so' makes the statement much stronger.
it. 4. Phrases 3 and 4 are saying that the person is always thinking
5. I've been about the problem.
worried sick 5. Phrases 5 and 6 are saying that the person is worried now
about... and that they have been feeling it for a long time before.
6. It's been 6. Phrases 2, 7, 8 and 9 are saying the person is worried about
keeping me soemthing that is going to happen and also is worried about
awake at night. their ability to manage the situation.
7. I'm scared stiff / 7. Phrase 10 is saying that something unavoidable is going to
to death that... happen and the speaker is really not looking forward to it.
8. I'm really
nervous.
9. I've got
butterflies in my
stomach.
10. I'm absolutely
dreading...
Boring!
Sometimes other people are really excited about things that you find boring. Here are ten
phrases to tell people how tedious you find something, but be careful you don't offend them.
17
1.How boring / 1. Phrases 1 ,2, 3 and 6 are really very strong. You can say this
tedious / dull ! to somebody who probably agrees or who you know will not
2.What a bore! be offended.
3.It bores me to tears. 2. Phrases 4 and 5 are saying that you feel no emotion at all
4.It leaves me cold. about a certain thing ot topic.
5.It does nothing for 3. Phrase 7 means that other people are interested in the subject
me. but that you cannot understand why they are interested.
6.It's as dull as ditch- 4. Phrase 8 is saying that it is extremely boring by comparing it
water. to watching paint drying - which most people consider a
7.I can't see what all very boring activity.
the fuss is 5. Phrases 9 and 10 are more polite. However, you are still
about. saying something negative so you may want to soften it by
8.It's as interesting as saying 'I'm afraid..' or 'I'm sorry to say..'.
watching paint
dry
9.I'm afraid I don't
share your
enthusiasm..
10. I can't say that I
find it
interesting.
Disagreeing with People
Sometimes people give an opinion and you don't agree with it. We have many ways to show
disagreement in English.
1. I'm not sure 1. Phrases 1 and 2 are quite polite and not too direct in saying
about that! you disagree.
2. You could be 2. Phrase 3 is neutral. We use 'I'm afraid' to soften it and make
right, but... it less agressive to the other speaker.
3. (I'm afraid) I 3. Phrases 4 and 5 are showing partial agreement with the other
don't agree. speaker but both are followed with the second speaker's
4. I agree up to a (different) ideas.
point, but.. 4. Phrase 6 is used to question how the other speaker could
5. That's an really think something that you think is completely wrong.
interesting idea, 5. Phrases 7 and 8 are saying that the other speaker is
but.. completely worng in a very direct, blunt way.
6. Do you really
think..?
7. Rubbish! /
Nonsense!
8. You can't be
serious!
9. Actually, as a
matter of fact. I
think..

18
 10. That's not how I
see it.
Disapproving of an action
Sometimes we hear about an action that somebody else has done and we feel very negative
about it. Here are ten phrases that English people use to show their disapproval.
1. I don't think 1. Phrase 1 is not very strong. The speaker does not approve of
much of that. an action and is not very upset. You can use this phrase to
2. How apalling / weakly agree with other people who are more angry or
dreadful! upset.
3. I'm utterly 2. Phrase 3 and 4 are stronger reactions to an action. You
apalled / usually use these phrases immdeiately after you find out
disgusted. about the event or action.
4. I'm dead against 3. Phrase 4 is speaking more generally about a kind of action
people doing... that you always disapprove of.
5. It shouldn't be 4. Phrase 5 is saying that you would like a new law to prevent
allowed! people from doing something that you think is bad. This also
6. What a rotten / suggests that the action is legal at the moment.
mean thing to 5. Phrase 6 is a very strong negative reaction to an action that
do. you have just heard about. The speaker is also showing
7. I take a very sympathy with the victim of the action.
dim view of 6. Phrase 7 is more formal and shows a general negative
people doing... attitude to actions of a certain kind. You follow this phrase
8. Who do they with a gerund (-ing form).
think they are? 7. Phrases 8, 9 and 10 are showing strong negative reactions to
9. How can people an action. Phrases 8 and 9 are showing particular
do things like disapproval of the people who did
that?
10. Whatever next?
Dislikes
there are many ways of saying that you don't like something in English. Here are ten of the
more idiomatic phrases that we use to say that something is not to our taste.
1. I'm not too keen 1. Phrases 1 and 2 are quite informal / spoken phrases. The
on English food. level of dislike is not very strong. The speaker will probably
2. I'm not a big a agree to eat English food but won't enjoy it very much.
fan of English 2. In phrases 3 and 4, the speaker is saying that she doesn't feel
food. anything about English food. This is more formal.
3. I can't work up 3. Phrases in 5 are very strong. The speaker really does not
any enthusiasm want to ever eat English food again.
for it. 4. Phrases 6, 7 and 8 are quite informal and saying that English
4. I'm not food doesn't cause any emotion or reaction from the speaker.
particularly fond This is dismissive and considered quite negative.
of English food. 5. Phrase 9 is more formal and is saying that the speaker
5. I can't stand it / doesn't enjoy English food. This is a reasonably polite way
I really hate it. of saying that ou don't like something.

19
6. English food: I 6. Phrase 6 is an exaggerated and humorous way of saying the
can take it or speaker really, really hates something. It can also be quite
leave it. impolite if used at the wrong time.
7. English food
leaves me cold.
8. I can't see what
all the fuss is
about.
9. I'm afraid it
doesn't appeal to
me.
10. I would rather
cut off my right
arm than..
Encouraging
Everyone likes to be encouraged
1. You're coming 1. Phrases 1 to 4 are often used to encourage someone who is
along well working and doing well.
2. Keep up the 2. Phrase 5 is used to say someone is not exactly right but
good work could get it right if they tried again.
3. That's a good 3. Phrases 6 and 7 are general ways of encouraging and can
effort suggest that the person should not stop.
4. That's a real 4. Phrases 8 and 9 can be used to encourage someone to try
improvement something new.
5. You're on the 5. ...try and try again. The first half of this phrase can be used
right lines to encourage someone to try again, even if the first attempt
6. Keep going was unsuccessful.
7. Come on, you
can do
8. Give it your best
shot
9. What have you
got to lose?
10. If at first you
don't succeed...
Facial Expressions
You can often understand how people are feeling from the expressions on their faces.
1. She had a broad 1. Phrase 1 means that the person was very happy and her
smile on her mouth was showing a very clear smile.
face. 2. Phrase 2 means that he was looking annoyed or concerned
2. He was wearing and his eyebrows were lowered and forehead wrinkled.
a frown. 3. In phrases in 3, a wince or a grimace are expressions of pain
3. She gave a and / or disapproval. They are brief reactions to something
grimace. She unpleasant.
winced.
20
 4. She gave me a 4. In phrase 4 a dirty look is a way of showing anger or
dirty look. disapproval. The person stared hard at me in an unfriendly
5. He looked down way.
his nose at her. 5. Phrase 5 means that the person is showing that he thinks the
6. She raised her other person is 'lower' in importance or social status. He
eyebrows when probably looks at her with his head tilted back.
she saw me. 6. In phrase 6, people in the UK raise their eyebrows to show
7. The children surprise or disapproval.
were beaming 7. Phrase 7 means that the children were very happy and had
from ear to ear. big smiles on their faces.
8. Why the long 8. Phrase 8 is a very common question that we ask when
face? somebody looks very sad.
9. He was purple 9. In phrase 9, the person is so angry that parts of his face has
with rage. changed colour to purple.
10. If looks could 10. Phrase 10 is (nearly always) an unfinished conditional
kill.. sentence.
Forgetting things
Sometimes we can't remember things from the past and sometimes we forget to do important
things in the present.
1. (I'm afraid) I 1. Phrases 1 - 6 are for things in the past that we can't
can't remember. remember.
2. I've completely 2. Phrases 7 - 10 are for things that we forgot to do in the
forgotten. present.
3. My mind's gone 3. Phrase 3 gives the idea that I don't remember now but I
blank might remember some time later.
4. (Sorry) I have 4. Phrases 4, 5 and 6 mean that you don't even remember that
no memory of... you knew the information at one time in the past
5. (I'm afraid) it 5. Phrase 5 means that a name, place or face is completely
doesn't ring a unfamiliar when you see or hear it again.
bell. 6. Phrase 9 suggests that the speaker is angry with himself or
6. I have no herself for forgetting to do something.
recollection of...
7. Sorry, I forgot.
8. I simply forgot
to do it.
9. What was I
thinking of?
10. Oh no, it
completely
slipped my
mind.
Generalizing
There are many phrases in English that we can use when we want to say that something is true
most of the time but not all the time.

21
 1. Ninety percent 1. Phrases 1 and 2 refer to numbers. These numbers are not
of the time... literal.
2. Nine times out 2. Phrases 3 and 4 refer to the high frequency of the statement
of ten... being true.
3. More often than 3. In phrase 5, a 'Rule of thumb' is a system of judgement that
not... we use when it isn't possible to be precise
4. Usually... 4. Phrase 6 is followed by a sentence describing the normal
5. As a rule (of event, occurrence or situation.
thumb)... 5. Phrases 7 and 8 are formal and can be used in official or
6. What normally scientific writing.
happens is... 6. Phrases 9 and 10 are less formal but are used in some
7. In general... business correspondence.
8. Generally
speaking...
9. On the whole...
10. By and large...
Get- short phrases
In a good dictionary, the word 'get' covers two or more pages because there are so many
phrases made with 'get'
1. Get ready 1. We say phrase 1 to somebody to warn them that they need to
2. Get out / get out be prepared for something soon.
of here 2. We say phrase 2 to somebody when we want them to leave.
3. Get lost Depending on the tone of voice this can be quite strong and
4. Get going possibly offensive.
5. Get a move on / 3. Phrase 3 is stronger than phrase 2 and means that we want
Get moving the person to leave and we don't care where they go.
6. Get a life 4. We say phrase 4 means that we want somebody to start an
7. Get well soon activity or start going somewhere.
8. Get real 5. We say phrase 5 to somebody when we want them to go
9. Get out of my / faster or make faster progress with a task.
the way 6. We say phrase 6 to somebody who spends a lot of time on a
10. Get stuffed boring or pointless task.
7. We say phrase 7 to somebody who is unwell. This phrase is
often written on greetings carsd that we send to people who
are sick.
8. We say phrase 8 to somebody who has an unrealistic idea or
expects something that is impossible or very unlikely.
9. We say phrase 9 to somebody who is blocking our path.
This is actually not polite and it is more polite to simply say
'excuse me'.
10. We say phrase 10 to somebody who we want to
Giving a choice
Sometimes you want everybody to do something you want or you want something done in a
certain way. But other times you are happy for other people to choose.

22
1. You choose. 1. Phrase 1 is simple but a little impolite in formal situations.
2. It's up to you. To make it more polite say 'I'm happy for yo to choose'.
3. (You can) do 2. Phrase 2 means that the other person can and must decide.
what / as you The speaker will not give an opinion.
like. 3. Phrases 3 and 4 mean that the speaker has no interest in what
4. Do as you decision you make. You can do anything you like. Phrase 4
please. is slightly more formal.
5. The choice is 4. Phrase 5 means that you have to make a choice because the
yours. speaker will not help you to choose.
6. Make up your 5. Phrase 6 is telling the other person to make a decision or to
own mind. form an opinion about something.
7. It's fine by me if 6. Phrases 7 and 8 are saying that the speaker is happy for the
you want to... other person to make a one choice. The other person
8. It's no skin off probably thought that the speaker wouldn't like it and the
my nose. speaker is correcting this impression.
9. It's your 7. Phrase 9 is saying that the other person can make a decision.
decision. 8. Phrase 10 is telling the other person to make their choice or
10. Don't mind me. continue with an activity and to not worry about what the
speaker thinks. Sometimes this phrase is used ironically.

23