17.04.2016
50 English Phrases That Build Bridges Between People
People communicate for different reasons and on a variety of topics. Below you will find some basic functional phrases, which help us communicate with each other when making offers and requests, agreeing and disagreeing, expressing opinion and apologizing.
Say hello as you come |
Stop and talk for a moment as you say hello |
| — Good morning! (neutral) | — How are you today? |
| — Good afternoon!(neutral) | — How are you doing? |
| — Good evening! (neutral) | — How are things? |
| — Hello! (formal) | — Nice to see you. |
| — Hi! (informal) | — Haven’t seen you for ages! |
| — What have you been up to? | |
| — It’s been a while. | |
| — What’s new? | |
and good-bye as you leave |
Reply in short |
| — Bye-bye! | — I’m fine, thank you. |
| — See you tomorrow!/next week! | — I’m Ok |
| — Have a nice weekend! | — Not bad, thanks |
| — Enjoy the evening! | — Perfect! |
| — It’s all right, thank you. | |
| — Not much. (answer to What’s new?) | |
Weather, compliments, or news are common ways to start a conversation |
Are you an expert? Give recommendations |
| — Beautiful day, isn’t it? | — I think you should (see a doctor). |
| — It looks like it’s going to snow. | — How about (a short break)? |
| — Did you order this sunshine? | — It is usually a good idea to (to start with cleaning) |
| — It’s freezing! Do you know the temperature? | — My advice is to (listen to them) |
| — Nice tie! Where did you buy it? | — Why don’t you (leave earlier)? |
| — I love your hairstyle! | — You could try (this new medicine). |
| — You look great! | — If I was/were you, I’d (talk to the manager). |
| — Looking forward to the weekend? | — The best thing to do is to (wait). |
| — You look like you could have a cup of coffee. | |
| — I can’t believe how busy/quiet we are today, can you? | |
| — What do you think of the new | |
| — computers/rules/program/document? | |
Would like to know what other people think? Ask their opinion |
Your turn to say what you think |
| . | — In my opinion… |
| — What’s your idea? | — The way I see it… |
| — What are your thoughts on all of this? | — If you want my honest opinion…. |
| — How do you feel about that? | — According to Lisa… |
| — Do you have anything to say about this? | — As far as I’m concerned… |
| — What do you think? | — If you ask me… |
| — Do you agree? | |
Do you agree? – Yes! |
Not your idea? Disagree! |
| — I agree with you 100 percent. | — I don’t think so. |
| — That’s so true. | — No way. (strong) |
| — That’s for sure. | — I’m afraid I disagree. |
| — You’re absolutely right. | — I totally disagree. (strong) |
| — Absolutely. | — That’s not always true. |
| — That’s exactly how I feel. | — That’s not always the case. |
| — Exactly. | — No, I’m not so sure about that. |
| — I’m afraid I agree with James. | |
| — No doubt about it. | |
| — Me neither. (agree with negative statement) | |
| — I suppose so./I guess so. (weak) | |
| — You have a point there. | |
| — I was just going to say that. | |
Stay polite when interrupting or interrupted |
There is always a way to say sorry |
| — Can I add something here? | — I apologize |
| — Is it okay if I jump in for a second? | — I’m really sorry |
| — Can I throw my two cents in? | — I’m so sorry |
| — Sorry to interrupt, but… | — I’m sorry |
| — (after accidentally interrupting someone) Sorry, go ahead. OR Sorry, you were saying… | — (This delay) is/was my fault. |
| — (after being interrupted) You didn’t let me finish. | — I hope you can forgive me |
| — Please forgive me | |
| — I accept responsibility | |
| — I can understand how you feel about it | |
Can you help? Offer! |
Need help? Request politely! |
| — Can I help you with (this heavy box)? | — Can I borrow (your pen), please? |
| — Would you like me to (make phone calls) for you? | — Could you lend me (some paper)? |
| — Can I offer you some help with (the presentation)? | — I need (to make a report) Can you help me? |
| — Help yourself to (biscuits) | — I’d be grateful if you could (help me to finish the presentation) |
| — If you have any problems, let me know | — Are you good at (excel charts)? |
| — If you like, I can (wait for you) | — Have you got time (to look at this article)? |
| — Shall I (open the window)? | — I don’t think I can (do it) on my own. |
| — Don’t worry, I’ll sort it out. | — I need your/some help with (this presentation). |
| — Can I give you a hand (with the cleaning)? | — Thanks in advance for helping me |
| — I’d be glad to help you (with your car) | — Could I ask you to (check these numbers)? |
| — If you want me to (come earlier), it’s no problem. | — I heard that you are an expert on (interviews) |
| — Leave that to me. | — If you’re not too busy, can you help me, please? |
| — Would you mind (waiting for 5 minutes)? |
