Intermediate phrases
5 ways to ask for clarification
- What do you mean?
- Pardon?
- I’m not sure I follow you.
- Could you explain?
- Would you mind repeating that?
5 ways to check if the other person understands you
- Do you know what i mean?
- Do you understand what I’m saying?
- Is that clear? (Often used after giving orders, or expressing disapproval or another negative attitude)
- Does that make sense?
- Are you with me so far? (Often used in the middle of a long explanation instructions)
5 ways to ask for help
- Could you spare a couple minutes?
- I need a little help.
- Could you give me a hand? (Usually used for physical task)
- Could you help me out?
- Could you do me a favor?
5 ways to ask someone else to do something
- Could you please…? [Turn off the lights]
- Can you… [Pass me the chicken]
- I’d appreciate if it you could. [Wash the dishes]
- Would you mind? [Opening the window]
- .. [Send me the information]
5 ways to interrupt someone
- Excuse me – could i talk to you for a minute? / do you have a minute?
- Sorry – I just want to say that.
- Sorry to interrupt, but…
- May I have a word?
- Could i jump in here?
5 ways to encourage someone
- That was a nice try. (Say this after someone made a good effort but failed)
- You have almost got it.
- Don’t give up! / Hang in there!
- That’s a real improvement.
- You can do it.
5 phrases for complaining
- I’m not very satisfied with…. [This product/ this situation]
- I’m not happy about this.
- This suck.
- I’m sorry but this is unacceptable.
- I can’t stand it when… [The internet is slow]
5 phrase for remembering, reminding, & forgetting
- If I remember correctly… / As far as I can recall…
- My mind went blank (= I couldn’t remember/ think of anything)
- Please remember to…/ please don’t forget to…
- I’ll always remember… I’ll never forget…
- I’d like to remind you about…
5 phrases for saying something is easy & difficult
- It’s real tough.
- It’s hard.
- It’s a piece of cake.
- Anyone can do it.
- It’s not a walk in the park.
5 expressions about age
- I’m not young as used as to be.
- She just turned six.
- I’m having a senior moment. (I’m being forgetful)
- She’s in her early twenties. (=20-23 years old)
- He lived to a ride up old age. (=a very old age)
5 phrases for shopping
- How much is this?
- Where can I find…?
- Do you take credit cards..?
- I’m looking for…
- Do you have…?
5 phrases for talking about food
- This soup is delicious.
- Let’s grab a bite to eat.
- I brought some snacks.
- I’m starving! (= I’m very hungry)
- I’m full! ( i’m satisfied)
5 phrase for talking about TV
- Can I change the channel?
- I love this show!
- I’ve already seen this episode.
- Where’s the remote? (Remote = remote control)
- There are too many commercials.
5 phrases you’ll hear in the airport
- Your seat number is 8f.
- Your flight has been delayed.
- Do you have any bags to check?
- This is the final call for flight 800.
- Your flight leaves from gate no 15.
5 ways to talk about price
- That’s a bit pricey.
- It was a real bargain.
- It cost an arm and a leg.
- It was dirt cheap. (=extremely inexpensive)
- It cost a fortune.
5 phrases for hot weather
- We are having a real heat wave. (Heat wave very consecutive wave of hot weather)
- It’s nice and warm today.
- It’s absolutely boiling! (Boiling = extremely hot)
- The sun’s really strong today.
- It’s hot and humid.
5 phrases for cold weather
- The temperature’s dropping.
- We’re expecting some winter weather.
- It’s a little chilly.
- Make sure to bundle up. (Bundle up= put on warm clothes for protection against the cold)
- It’s freezing. (=extremely cold)
5 phrases for talking about rain
- It’s raining cats and dogs. (=raining heavily)
- I think the rain’s letting up. (Letting up=getting lighter and stopping)
- It’s drizzling. (=raining lightly)
- I got caught in a downpour.
- It’s pouring. (=raining heavily)
5 ways to say you’re tired
- I’m dead tired.
- I can hardly keep my eyes open.
- I’m spent.
- I’m exhausted.
- It’s bedtime for me.
5 phrases for promises & resolutions
- I swear I’ll / I won’t (a very strong promise)
- I really should…
- I promise that I’ll…
- Come hell or high water, I’ll
- No matter what happens I’m going up…
5 excuses for being late
- I overslept. (=I slept longer than I should have)
- The traffic was terrible.
- I got lost coming here.
- The bus was late.
- Sorry I’m late.
5 ways to say someone is correct
- That’s right.
- I suppose so…
- You’ve hit the nail on the head. / You’ve nailed it…
- That’s spot on.
- I’m afraid you’re right.
5 ways to say someone is wrong
- No, you’ve got it wrong.
- I’m afraid you’re mistaken.
- I’m afraid that’s not quite right.
- Baloney/ Bullshit.
- I’m afraid that’s not quite right.
5 ways to say someone is smart
- He’s very bright.
- He’s really sharp.
- She’s a genius.
- She’s a brilliant.
- He’s smart cookie.
5 ways to say someone is stupid
- He’s a bit slow.
- He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
- She’s few cards short of a deck.
- He’s a complete idiot.
- He’s a dumb.