A presentation meant for lecturers in engineering colleges to help them appreciate the need for learning and teaching good spoken English. The presentation includes many example sentences for each basic situation.
2. Hello
Hi, good morning.
How are you all?
My name is Raju. I am a retired
English teacher.
It's a pleasure to be talking
to you all this morning.
mnRAJU
3. Make a New Friend
• Rise from your seats and look around.
• Find someone you do not know well.
• Introduce yourself to him/her.
• Know each other.
• Form a pair.
• Sit together.
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4. Indians Are Everywhere!
• Over 50 lakh Indians in America.
• 35,000 Doctors in America are Indians.
• 12% Scientists in America are Indians.
• 36% NASA employees are Indians.
• 34% Microsoft employees are Indians.
• 5,000 US University Professors are Indians.
• 35% USA hotels are owned by Indians.
• 1 lakh Indians are studying in US universities.
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5. India’s Pool of
Knowledge Workers
• Every Year, we add
> 5,00,000 Engineers
> 1,00,000 MBAs
> 1,00,000 IT Professionals
• Still, we have less than 1 crore
Indian youth in Universities
(with about 10.5% tertiary
enrolment, India ranks a poor 94th)
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6. What Ails?
Why only 5% to 10% fit to be employed by
Top Rated Companies?
2.
Poor Communication Skills
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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7. What is Effective
Communication?
sending information from one
person to others in such a way that
the receiver understands it
exactly the same way
as the sender wants it understood.
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8. Convey information intelligibly
Be clear, concise, creative
Pitch at the right level
Praise liberally & criticize sparingly
Let your tone & body speak
Meaning & fluency vs. accuracy
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11. 1. Improve your life
2. Access knowledge
3. Enlarge your opportunity
4. Push your career forward
5. Communicate with the world
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12. Why Don’t Students
Use English?
lack of language skills
lack of confidence
insufficient exposure
fear of failure
lack of motivation
not an examination task
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13. Why Don’t Teachers
Use English?
large classes
limited time
low entry level skills
uninterested students
lack of infrastructure
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13
14. Possible Solutions
speak as much English as possible
teach necessary classroom language
demonstrate an example
ask a learner to repeat instructions
encourage learners to help each other
aim at fluency
don’t immediately correct mistakes
motivate learners
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14
18. Short Questions
Short answers
Tag Questions
Interruptions
Incomplete sentences
........
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19. Interviews in pairs
Discover 5 things in common
Not obvious things
Include one common
achievement
Include one common like/dislike
Include one common goal
A few pair presentations
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21. Fluency - Activity
Just a Minute
Jest a Minute
Friendship
Marriage
Pollution
My Favorite Comedian
TrafficJoke
Narrate a mnRAJU
22. How many words
Which words
What does knowing
a word mean?
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23. Lexemic frequency dictionaries
o 80% of occurrences by only 20% of words
1,000 words for a basic conversation
2,000 words to survive through the day
8,000 words to converse with a European
15,000 word families for university studies
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25. Groups discuss and list words about marriage
Each group presents one word
Discuss a few new words in detail
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/marriage
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33. Conversion
Language Selection
Expression Methodology
Attention Drawing
Reason for Communication
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34. VOICE what you mean
• Vocabulary
• Order of words
• Intonation
• Cut out the unwanted
• Empower
(visual, auditory, olfactory, kinesthetic)
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35. Reinforce
Encourage
Acknowledge
Clarify
Highlight
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37. Talk to fluent speakers/friends/family
Listen to English channels
Think in English
Read short stories/plays/fiction/
anything that interests you
Visit internet forums/blogs/comments
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38. First Meeting
Rekha: Hi, my name is Rekha. Glad to
meet you.
Sapna: Hello, Rekha, I'm Sapna. It's a
pleasure to meet you.
Rekha: What do you do Sapna?
Sapna: I am in B Com second year.
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39. First Meeting
Raju: Let me introduce myself. I’m Raju from
Government College, Gajwel.
Madhavi: Pleased to meet you. I’m Madhavi
from GDC, Kurnool.
Vasu: How do you do? I’m Vasu from
Medak Degree College.
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40. Use Generously
a. Please
b. Thank you
c. Excuse me
d. I’m sorry
e. Do you mind, . . . ?
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41. Once more, please
Pardon me?
Excuse me?
Say that again, please.
What was that again?
Will you please say that again?
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42. Greetings
Hi, how are you?
Hi, how are things?
Hello, how's life?
Fine thanks, and you?
I’m good, what about you?
Not bad, and how are you?
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43. Greetings
Hello Bhaskar, how are you?
Hey Padma, how have you been?
Hi Venkat, what have you been up to?
Malik, how are you dear?
Guru, I haven’t seen you in a long time.
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44. Responses to Greetings
Not too bad.
The same as usual.
I'm doing very well. How about you?
I am relieved. I’ve just finished my exams.
I'm pretty busy preparing for exams.
Everything is great.
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45. Profession
What do you do?
What are you doing?
What do you do for a living?
I work at a bakery.
I am studying.
I work in a software company.
I'm a college teacher.
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46. Hobbies & Interests
What do you like doing?
What sort of hobbies do you have?
What do you do in your free time?
When I’ve spare time, I like to …
I am interested in …
I enjoy …
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47. Asking Questions
1. You are coming?
2. Are you sure you are coming?
3. Can you come again tomorrow?
4. Did you come here yesterday?
5. When will you come again?
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48. Polite Questions
Excuse me, what time is the train?
Pardon me, when is the next class?
Could you get me a ticket?
Why are you here, please?
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49. Classroom Questions
How do you spell the word _____ ?
How do you pronounce the word ___ ?
What's the meaning of ____ in Telugu?
What does the word _____ mean?
What is the English word for ______?
How do you say ____ in English?
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50. Giving Instructions
Be quiet.
Please be quiet.
Let’s be quiet.
Could you close the door?
Would you mind closing the door?
If you don’t mind, please close the door.
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51. Expressing Happiness
I’m so happy.
I’m delighted.
I’m really pleased.
I couldn’t be happier.
That’s fantastic news!
I’ve been waiting for this so long.
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52. Saying Sorry
I’m so sorry to hear that.
That must have been awful.
“Oh no, what did you do?”
“If there’s anything I can do, just
let me know. OK?”
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53. Congratulations
Congratulations on your promotion!
Happy birthday!
Good job!/Great job!/Nice job!
Lucky you!
That’s great news!
I’m so happy for you!
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54. Expressing Shock
I was shocked to hear…
The news came as a complete shock.
We were completely taken aback by …
I just can't believe/imagine …
It's so terrible/awful./It's a tragedy.
What terrible news!
This is the worst that could have happened.
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55. Expressing Hope
I'm hoping for/to get …
I would like …
Something I've always wanted is …
I'd be delighted if …
What I'd like more than anything else ..
On my wish list is …
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56. Expressing Preference
I'd prefer (noun)
I'd rather have (noun)
I’d prefer it if you (simple past)
It would be better if
If I had a choice, I would go for…
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57. Giving/Receiving Gifts
I thought you might like this.
It's something small, but I hope you like it.
It's something I've always wanted!
Wow! What a thoughtful present!
Thank you so much!
I wish you a happy _____.
With best wishes for a happy ____ (name)
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58. Keep a Conversation Going
Show interest:
Really?/ Right/Sure
Use a short phrase/Ask a short question
Oh no!/What a pity!/You're joking
Did you?/Are you? /Is it?
Repeat what the other person said:
“He has won the gold medal.”
“The gold medal!”
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59. Linking Words
First of all,/Secondly,/Finally, .......
Previously/Later (on)
Then/Again
Before that/Immediately after that
Because…./As a result, …
Although,/In short,
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60. Health & Illness
I'm not feeling well.
I've got a cold/sore throat.
I've got a slight/nagging backache.
I feel a little faint.
I'm sorry to hear that.
You don't look very well.
You look a little pale.
Why don’t you go home and get some rest.
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61. Likes & Dislikes
She's fond of ice-cream.
I like swimming very much.
I don't mind waking up early.
I dislike wasting time.
I hate waiting for anyone.
He detests being late.
She loathes onion.
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62. Agreeing with Someone
I think you're right.
I agree with you (entirely)
I couldn't agree with you more.
You're absolutely right.
I agree with you up to a point, but…
That's quite true, but…
I agree with you in principle, but…
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63. Disagreeing with Someone
I'm not sure I agree with you.
I'm afraid, I don't agree.
(I'm afraid) I can't agree with you.
I don't share your opinion.
I don't agree at all.
I totally disagree.
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64. Disagreeing with Someone
I beg to differ.
Not necessarily.
I don’t see it that way.
Yes, but. . .
Well, in my opinion . . .
Actually, I think . . .
No way!
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65. Saying “Yes”
Yes. I’ll e-mail it to you right away.
Sure!
Yeah, I got only one question wrong!
Mm-hmm! I’ll be there around 8.
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66. Saying “No”
No. She’s just having a bad day.
No way. I gave you two books last week,
and you still haven’t returned them.
Nope. I spent the whole night studying.
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67. Giving Advice
I suggest that . . .
You should perhaps…
Why don't you…
If I were you, I would…
You could always…
Have you thought about…
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68. Giving Opinion
I think…/I feel that…
In my opinion…/In my view ...
As far as I'm concerned…
I'm absolutely convinced that…
I'm sure/I have no doubt that …
I strongly believe that…
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69. Inviting
Would you like to come?
Are you free next weekend?
Are you doing anything next Friday?
Would you be interested in coming ...?
How do you fancy going out . . .?
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70. Accepting & Declining
Sure,/ I'd love to, thanks.
That's very kind of you, thanks.
What a great idea, thanks.
That's very kind of you, but actually…
Well, I'd love to, but I'm already …
I'm really sorry, I've got …
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71. Appointments
Can we meet on the 27th July?
Are you free next Saturday?
Would Friday suit you?
What about sometime next week?
Is 3 pm a good time for you?
Yes, Thursday is fine/Thursday suits me.
I'm afraid I can't on the 5th. What about the 6th?
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72. Asking for help
Could you …, please?
Would you mind …, please?
Can you …, please?
Can I use your … , please?
Could I borrow … , please?
Do you mind if …?
Would you mind if I …?
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73. Offering/Accepting help
Can I … ?
Shall I … ?
Would you like … ?
If you like, …
Yes please.
If you wouldn't mind.
No thanks./No thank you.
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74. Clarifying
What I meant to say was …
What I want to say is …
Let me put this another way …
Let me rephrase that …
Perhaps I’ve not made myself clear.
Another way of looking at it is …
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75. Complaining
Excuse me, I think ...
Sorry, I think ...
Excuse me, but there's a problem …
Sorry to bother you, but I think …
I'm afraid I’ve to make a complaint.
Sorry to hear that...
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76. Expressing “I Love You”
Beginning a Relationship
Have a crush on someone
Flirt with someone
Ask someone out
Fall in love
Love at first sight
In a relationship
Date
Going out with
Propose (“Will you marry me?”)
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77. Marriage & Divorce
Engaged (an engagement ring)
Fiancé / Fiancée
Get married
Bride and Groom
Honeymoon
Anniversary
Ending a relationship/Break up / Split up
Separated
Divorced
Ex (ex-husband, ex-wife, ex-girlfriend, ex-boyfriend)
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78. Helpful Phrases
When you don't understand:
Sorry, could you repeat that?
Sorry? I didn't get that.
Taking time to express yourself:
Well…/OK…/So…
To change the subject:
Anyway, . ./However, . ./But . .
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80. Some Useful Phrases
Everything will work out just fine!
Things do happen.
I hope there's nothing serious.
That's how rumors get started.
I'm tied up for the moment.
I’ve got a tight schedule today!
mnRAJU
82. Send your comments to
lionnagaraju@gmail.com
This slideshow is available at
www.slideshare.net/lionnagaraju
www.authorstream.com/tag/lionnagaraju
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7% WORDS Words are only labels and the listeners put their own interpretation on speakers’ words 38% PARALINGUISTIC The way in which something is said - the accent, tone and voice modulation is important to the listener. 55% BODY LANGUAGE What a speaker looks like while delivering a message affects the listener’s understanding most.
When you want to get to know someone, ask about their hobbies and interests. Questions: What do you like doing? What sort of hobbies do you have? What do you do in your free time? Replies: In my free time, I… When I have some spare time I… When I get the time, I… I relax by (watching TV) I'm interested in (+ noun / gerund) I enjoy (+ noun / gerund) Like doing vs like to do We use like + gerund to talk about general likes: I like fishing. We use like + infinitive to talk about more specific likes: I like to go fishing at the weekend.
There are four main ways in English to form a question. Raise your voice at the end of a sentence. Begin the sentence with a question word. Place the linking very or auxiliary verb at the beginning of the sentence. Begin the sentence with a form of Do.
"Excuse me/Pardon me" is used before a question to make it polite. Another way of making direct questions more polite is to add 'please' at the end of the question, NOT at the beginning.
To know the spelling or pronunciation of a word, ask: How do you spell/pronounce the word? To find out the Telugu meaning of an English word, ask: What is the meaning of the word? Or What does the word mean? To find the meaning of a word, ask: What is the English word for?
To ask someone to do something for you without sounding rude: Use the imperative form to give orders, warnings and advice: Be quiet! Listen to me carefully! We can soften the imperative with "let's" or "please": Let's go now. Please listen to what I'm saying. 2. Use a modal verb to change the mood, to turn an order into a request: "You should help her" is more polite than "Help her!“ Could you make me some tea? Can you come here please? Will you shut the door please? Would you wait here until the doctor is ready for you? 3. Use an introductory phrase: Here are some common ways of phrasing an order, in order of the least direct to the most direct: Would you mind moving your car? It's obstructing the passage. Do you think you could park your car somewhere else? I'd like you to move your car. I want you to move your car.
Here are some of the ways you can express your happiness in English. I’m (absolutely) delighted I’m really pleased I’m so happy I couldn't be happier. That is fantastic / wonderful / great / marvelous! When you hear good news you can say: What great / wonderful / fantastic news! We've been waiting so long for this (moment). Stress the adverbs and adjectives for greater emphasis: I'm so happy. What fantastic news!
Say “Congratulations” when something good happens to a person: Getting engaged or married Having a baby Having a wedding anniversary Being accepted into college, or graduating from college Getting a job or promotion Receiving an award or recognition (for example, “Employee of the Month”) Having some success – opening a new business, buying a house, etc. Don’t say “congratulations” on birthdays – say “Happy birthday!” instead! You can also make a sentence using “on”: Congratulations on your promotion! Congratulations on getting into University! Say “Good job!” when a person did something good: The person did good work on a project The person played well in a game or sang/danced well in a performance The person got the answer to a question right in school Some variations are “Great job!” and “Nice job!” You can also make sentences with “on”: Good job on the sales report – it was accurate and well-organized. We say “lucky you!” when something good happened to the person by luck, when they received something nice or a good opportunity. Winning the lottery Receiving free tickets to a show Going on three months of vacation We don’t make sentences with “Lucky you!” – you say it alone. But you can make sentences with “You’re so lucky that…” You’re so lucky that you get the day off from work tomorrow! You’re so lucky that the teacher didn’t notice you were late to class! Say “That’s great news!” (or one of the variations below) to respond to some information or a piece of news, for example: “ My son passed all his exams.” “That’s great news!” “ Our company grew 20% this year.” “That’s wonderful news!” “ A new cultural center is opening in the neighborhood.” “That’s fantastic news!” Say “I’m so happy for you!” when there is (or will be) a very positive change in someone’s life, especially when their life will be very different as a result. Getting engaged or married Having a baby Getting into college Getting a job or promotion You can also use it together with “Congratulations”: “ We’re going to have a baby!” “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you! You’ll be great parents.” Good for you! Say this when a person has done (or is going to do) something to make their life better: “ I quit smoking last year.” “Good for you!” “ I’m going to study abroad.” “Good for you! I’m sure it’ll be a great cultural experience.” “ I signed up for a cooking class.” “Good for you! I bet you’ll really enjoy it.”
Here's a list of some common expressions to help you express shock and disbelief, in unexpected situations such as natural calamities. Shock I was shocked to hear… The news came as a complete shock. We're all in complete shock. It happened out of the blue. Who could have predicted it? I (just) can't get over …. We were completely taken aback by… I was just stunned by… Disbelief I just can't believe… It's unbelievable. I / You just can't imagine… Words can't describe… (how I feel about / the terrible devastation etc) Saying how bad something is It's so awful. It's terrible / What terrible news. It's a tragedy.
"I'm hoping for a new cell phone." "I'm hoping to get a new phone." I would like to have a new phone. I really want… (Using "want" can be impolite unless you are talking to a close friend or family member.) "I'd be delighted if you gave me a new phone.“
Preferences "I'd rather have tickets to the movie.“ "I'd prefer some money for the new house.“ "I'd prefer it if you gave some money to charity." … .. would be more suitable / would be better If it's all the same to you, …. ("If it's all the same to you, I'd like some book tokens.")
When giving a present I thought you might like this for your birthday. It's only something small, but I hope you like it. I thought this might go well with your new dress. When receiving a present Thank you so much! It's lovely / fantastic / wonderful. It's something I've always wanted! Wow! What a thoughtful present! If you don't like a present Thank you so much! What to write on present tags Wishing you a happy anniversary, love (name) On a present to a non-family member: With best wishes for a happy ………, (name)
Show interest in the other speaker You don't need to say much. Often just one word is needed to show you are interested and listening. Try "Really?" (with a rising intonation), "Right" or "Sure". You could even show you are listening with a non-word such as "Mmm". "I hate listening to those boring lectures." "Right.“ Use a short phrase to show your feelings For example, "How awful", "Oh no!", "You're joking", "What a pity" etc. "My neighbor had a car accident yesterday." "Oh no!“ Ask a short question You can use an auxiliary verb to make a short question which will encourage the other speaker to keep talking: "We tried out the new South Indian restaurant last night." "Did you?" “ We are going to Goa next week on holiday." "Are you?” "It's raining again." "Is it?“ Repeat what the other person said Do this especially if the other person has said something surprising. "He won the bumper prize on the lottery." “The bumper prize!" "I'm going to Goa for a holiday." “Goa!"
Sequencing words These words show the chronological sequence of events. First of all, I packed my suitcase. Secondly, I made sure I had all my documents. Previously (before that) I had bought some foreign exchange. Then… I called a taxi for the airport. Later (on) when we were stuck in traffic, I realized that I might be late. But before all that I had double checked my reservation. Finally I arrived at the wrong check-in desk at the wrong airport for a flight that didn't go until the next day. Linking words can be used to show reason, result, contrasting information, additional information, and to summarize. I booked a flight because…. As a result, I was late… Although I had a reservation, I hadn't checked the airport name. I made sure I had an up-to-date passport and I also took along my driving licence. In short, I had made a complete mess of the holiday.
Here are some common expressions that you can use to describe general aches and pains and some useful sympathetic responses. General aches and pains: "I'm not feeling very well." “ I've got a sore throat." "I've got a slight backache." (Or toothache / stomach ache / headache) "I feel a little faint." "I've got a nagging pain in my shoulder." (nagging = a pain that won't go away) "I've got a splitting headache"
If you love something "I love eating ice-cream." "I adore sun-bathing." If you like something a lot "She's fond of chocolate." "I like swimming very much." If you like something "He quite likes going to the cinema." "I like cooking." If you neither like nor dislike something "I don't mind doing the housework." If you don't like something "She doesn't like cooking very much.“ "I dislike wasting time." If you really dislike something "I don't like sport at all.“ "I hate crowded classes." "He detests being late." "She loathes onion.“ Things to remember… Dislike is quite formal. Fond of is normally used to talk about food or people. Common mistake Put very much or a lot after the thing that you like. For example, "I like swimming very much." NOT "I like very much swimming."
Agreeing in English "I think you're right." "I agree with you." Strong agreement "I couldn't agree with you more." "You're absolutely right." "I agree entirely." "I totally agree." Partly agreeing "I agree with you up to a point, but…" "That's quite true, but…" "I agree with you in principle, but…”
Note When you disagree with someone, you can often sound more polite by using a phrase such as "I'm afraid…" Disagreeing strongly "I don't agree at all." "I totally disagree."
In spoken English, just saying “I disagree” is often too direct. Most English speakers use phrases that are modified to be more polite, or indirect methods to express disagreement. See how to disagree without offending anyone! Expressions for Polite Disagreement I’m afraid I disagree. “ We’ll need to buy at least 10 new machines this year in order to keep up with the increased production.” “ I’m afraid I disagree. If we focus on improving the efficiency of the equipment we already have, we could avoid making new purchases.” I beg to differ. “ Books are a thing of the past. The future is in online publications.” “ I beg to differ – a lot of people still prefer to have a book in their hands rather than read on a screen.” I’m not so sure about that. “ China will definitely be the dominant world power over the next century.” “ I’m not so sure about that. I just don’t think their current level of growth is sustainable.” Not necessarily. “ If everyone took shorter showers, the world’s water shortage problems would be solved.” “ Not necessarily. Far more water is used in the production of food, for example, than for taking showers.” I don’t see it that way. “ Globalization is just another way for rich countries to exploit poor countries.” “ I don’t see it that way. I think it’s a mutually beneficial relationship, and in fact a lot of developing countries have benefitted quite a bit.” I’m sorry, but I don’t agree. “ I think we should completely change the packaging of our product – it really needs a more modern look.” “ I’m sorry, but I don’t agree. If we change our product’s appearance, our current customers won’t recognize it anymore.” Yes, but… “ This backpack is only $9 – what a bargain!” “ Yes, but it doesn’t look like it’s made of very strong material.” Indirect Disagreement One way to disagree indirectly is simply to say your own opinion. It’s common to use the words well and actually, which signal that you are going to express a contrasting opinion. Well, in my opinion… “ Studying English grammar is the key to speaking correctly.” “ Well, in my opinion, it’s more important to practice listening.” Actually, I think… “ Maradona was the best soccer player of the past century.” “ Actually, I think Pele was better.” Informal Expressions for Disagreeing Note: Use these only among close friends, because they could be offensive in a professional context. No way! “ Titanic was Leonardo DiCaprio’s best film.” “ No way! Inception was so much better.” You can’t be serious. “ I think we should buy a new car.” “ You can’t be serious. We can’t afford that right now.”
These expressions are informal - you can use them with friends. In a professional situation, it is better to use “Yes” or other more formal expressions
"If I were you, I would…" "Have you thought about…" "You really ought to…" ('ought' is pronounced 'ort') "Why don't you…" "In your position, I would…" "You should perhaps…" "You could always…" Examples If someone says "I'm having problems learning English", you could say: "If I were you, I'd sign up for an English course." "Have you thought about going to the UK for a couple of weeks?" "You really ought to watch English television." "Why don't you read more English books?" "In your position, I would try and practise speaking English." "You should perhaps look at the english-at-home.com website." "You could always get a webpal.“ Speaking tip Many people don't like getting unsolicited advice! In such cases, you can try: "You could always…" "Have you considered…" "Perhaps we could…" "Do you think it's a good idea to…"
Asking someone's opinion "What do you think?" "What's your view?” Giving your opinion neutrally "I think…" "I feel that…" "In my opinion…" "As far as I'm concerned…" "In my view…" Giving a strong opinion "I'm absolutely convinced that…" "I'm sure that…" "I strongly believe that…" "I have no doubt that…"
"We're having some people over for dinner next Sunday. Would you like to come?"
Sure, what time? Sounds good. I can’t. I’ve to study. Sorry, I’ve other plans.
Asking to meet "Can we meet on the 27 th ?" "How does the 28 th sound to you?" "Are you free next week?" "Would Friday suit you?" "Is next Tuesday convenient for you?" "What about sometime next week?" Agreeing on a date "Yes, Thursday is fine." "Thursday suits me." "Thursday would be perfect." Suggesting a different date "I'm afraid I can't on the 3rd. What about the 6th?" "I'm sorry, I won't be able to make it on Monday. Could we meet on Tuesday instead?" "Ah, Wednesday is going to be a little difficult. I'd much prefer Friday, if that's alright with you." "I really don't think I can on the 17th. Can we meet up on the 19th?" Setting a time "What sort of time would suit you?" "Is 3 pm a good time for you?" "If possible, I'd like to meet in the morning." "How does 2pm sound to you?" Changing the arrangement "You know we were going to meet next Friday? Well, I'm very sorry, but something urgent has come up." "I'm afraid that I'm not going to be able to meet you after all. Can we fix another time?" "Something has just cropped up and I won't be able to meet you this afternoon. Can we make another time?"
When you ask someone to do something for you, it's important to sound polite. Asking someone to do something for you "Could you open the door for me, please?" "Would you mind opening the door for me, please?" "Can you open the door for me, please?‘ "Can I use your computer, please?" "Could I borrow some money from you, please?" "Do you mind if I turn up the heating?" "Would you mind if I turned up the heating?" Speaking tip : Could is more polite that can . Do you mind if…" is followed by the verb in the present tense , but would you mind if… is followed by the verb in the past tense . When you're using these two sentences, don't use please . It's already polite enough!
English speakers make offers all the time in conversation and sound polite and helpful. "Can I help you?" "Shall I open the window for you?" "Would you like another coffee?" "Would you like me to answer the phone?" "I'll do the photocopying, if you like.“ Shall is more formal than can . Would you like… is followed either by a noun, or by the verb with to . Responding to offers "Can I help you?" " Yes please. I'd like to know what time the train leaves." "Can I help you?" " No thanks , I'm just looking." (In a shop.) "Shall I open the window for you?" "Yes please. That would be very kind of you." "Would you like another coffee?" " No thanks ." Or, " No thank you ." "Would you like another coffee?" " Yes please, that would be lovely ." Or, " Yes please, I'd love one ." "Would you like me to answer the phone?" " If you wouldn't mind ." Or, " If you could ." (Don't answer "Yes, I would", as this sounds like you expect someone to do it for you.) "I'll do the photocopying, if you like." " It's OK, I can do it ." Or, " Don't worry, I'll do it. "Or, " Thank you, that would be great .“
This is an example conversation where one person says something that the other person thinks is strange. LUIZ: "English is a very easy language to learn." IRENE: "What do you mean?" LUIZ: "Well, what I meant to say was that it is easy if you practise every day." IRENE: "Oh, right." Rephrasing expressions "What I meant to say was…" "Let me rephrase that…" "Let me put this another way…" "Perhaps I'm not making myself clear…" Back to the beginning If you're explaining something, and you realize that the other person doesn't understand, you can use the following phrases: "If we go back to the beginning…" "The basic idea is…" "One way of looking at it is…" "Another way of looking at it is…" If you forget the English word If you forget the word you want to use, you can say: "I can't find the word I'm looking for…" "I'm not sure that this is the right word, but…" "What I want to say is…" Speaking Tip Don't be afraid to repeat what you're saying, especially if you can do it in a slightly different way.
When complaining, it helps to be polite. In a shop You're in a shop and the assistant gives you the wrong change. "Excuse me, I think you've given me the wrong change", or "Sorry, I think this change is wrong. I gave you $20, not $10." In a hotel "Excuse me, but there's a problem with the heating in my room." "Sorry to bother you, but I think there's something wrong with the air-conditioning." "I'm afraid I have to make a complaint. Some money has gone missing from my hotel room." "I'm afraid there's a slight problem with my room – the bed hasn't been made." When people apologize, they normally say "sorry" and offer to put the situation right. "Excuse me, but there's a problem with the heating." "I'm sorry – I'll get someone to check it for you." or "Sorry to hear that – I'll send someone up." Speaking tip Although you may find it strange to use the word sorry when you complain, English speakers consider it polite. It will help you get what you want!
Beginning a relationship Have a crush on someone To “have a crush on someone” means you feel romantically attracted to that person. Often people keep their “crushes” a secret because they are afraid that the feelings aren’t mutual (that the other person doesn’t have the same feelings). Example: I have a crush on a girl in my English class. She’s beautiful, smart, and funny – but I’m too shy to talk to her! Flirt with someone When you “flirt with someone,” you do things and say things that show you are interested in that person romantically. Another informal phrase is “hit on someone” – it doesn’t mean to hit the person violently; it means to flirt! Example: Did you see the guy who was flirting with Jenny? He bought her a drink, talked to her all night, and asked for her phone number. Ask someone out When you “ask someone out,” you invite them to do something with you in a romantic context – for example, seeing a movie or having dinner in a restaurant. Example: Peter finally asked me out! We’re going to the theater together on Friday night. Fall in love When you “fall in love,” you start having romantic feelings about another person. Example: I think I’m falling in love with Melissa. I can’t stop thinking about her! Love at first sight Some people believe in “love at first sight” – when you fall in love with a person in the first moment you see or meet him or her. Example: I knew Mary would become my wife from the moment I first saw her at the party. It was love at first sight! In a relationship Date “ Date” is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it means a romantic activity that two people do together. Example: My date with Peter last Friday was wonderful. I really enjoyed his company at the theater. As a verb, it means “in a relationship with” Example: I heard that your brother is dating a model. Is it true? Going out with “ Going out with” is another informal way to say “in a relationship” Example: Did you know that Mark is going out with Andrea? Stand someone up When you “stand someone up,” you agree to go on a date with the person, but then you don’t go (and you don’t call or give any explanation). It’s considered rude to do this. Example: I was planning to have dinner with Barbara, but she stood me up. I waited for her at the restaurant for three hours, but she never came. Hug When you “hug” someone, you put your arms around them: Kiss You use your lips to “kiss” someone: Propose When you propose to someone, you ask the person to marry you. In English, most people propose with the words, “Will you marry me?” Example: John proposed to Sarah on the beach at sunset.
Engaged When a person is “engaged,” it means they have agreed to marry someone. Example: Did you hear? John and Sarah are engaged! They’re planning a June wedding. It’s common for women who are engaged to wear an engagement ring: Engagement rings often have a diamond. Fiancé / Fiancée A man who is engaged is called a fiancé, and a woman is called a fiancée. Example: My fiancée has already sent out the wedding invitations. Note: Fiancé and fiancée are always used with a possessive such as “my” “his” and “her.” So we don’t say “She’s a fiancée.” We say “She’s engaged.” Get married When two people make the commitment to stay together as husband and wife. Example: We got married in 1972, so we’ve been together for more than 30 years! Note: Click here to learn about the difference between commonly confused words “marriage,” “wedding,” and “married” Note: On the day of the wedding ceremony, the woman is called the bride and the man is called the groom Honeymoon When a recently-married husband and wife travel or take some vacation time to be together. Example: They went to Costa Rica for their honeymoon. Anniversary The date on which the husband and wife got married. Many couples celebrate this date every year by going out to dinner or exchanging gifts or flowers. Example: My parents’ wedding anniversary is May 22nd. Note: Anniversary is different from “birthday.” Birthday is the celebration of the day you were born; anniversary is the celebration of the day you were married. Ending a relationship Break up / Split up These words mean “end a relationship” – it can be a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship or a husband/wife relationship. Example 1: Jerry and Amanda split up because he wanted to have children and she didn’t. Example 2: I think I’m going to break up with my boyfriend. We just don’t have much in common. Separated To be “separated” means that a husband and wife are not living together, but are not officially divorced. Example: I heard that Sandra and her husband are separated at the moment. I hope they can work out their problems. Divorce To “divorce” means that a man and woman formally and legally end their marriage. Example: “I divorced my husband after he became an alcoholic.” Ex- Add ex- to describe people you had relationships with in the past: ex-husband, ex-wife, ex-girlfriend, ex-boyfriend. Example: I’m not friends with my ex-boyfriend because our relationship ended pretty badly. Note: Some people say only “ex” without saying husband, wife, etc. For example, “My ex won’t stop calling me! I wish she would stop!”
When you don't understand "Sorry, I don't understand." "Sorry, could you repeat that?" "Sorry? I didn't get that." Looking for words to express yourself You don't want to be completely silent, but you need time to find the words. "Well…" "OK…" "So…“ To change the subject You've all given your opinion, and now you want to talk about something else. "Anyway,…" "Well, as I was saying…" "So, back to …"
To agree with the other person You want to show that you agree, but you don't have anything else to say. "Yeah." "Right.” You can use "Yes, please" or "No, thank you" in response to a question: "Would you like your curry spicy?" "Yes, please" or "No, thank you."
Bye / Bye-bye / See ya soon / See ya later / Catch ya later / Take care / Take it easy / Have a good one!