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.