Common English Expressions and Daily Use English Sentences

1) Greetings

General greetings (Formal)

 Hello
 Good morning/ Good afternoon/ Good evening
 How are you?
 How are you doing?
 Nice to meet you
 It’s nice to meet you
 I’m pleased to meet you.
 It’s a pleasure to meet you.
 I’m glad to see you.
 How do you do?
General greetings (Informal)
 Hi
 Hey
 What’s up?
 How’s it going?
 How have you been?
 What’s new?
 What’s going on?
 How are things?
 How’s your day?
 How’s your day going?
 Good to see you.
Greeting someone you haven’t seen for a long time.
 Long time no see,
 It’s been a while.
 It’s been a long time.
 It’s been such a long time.
 It’s been too long.
 I’m so happy to see you again.
 Wow, it’s so good to see you again!
 What have you been up to?
Useful responses when greeting people
 I’m doing very well, thank you. And you?
 I’m fine, thank you.
 Great, thanks. How are you?
 Not bad. You?
 Couldn’t be better? How about you?
 Wonderful, thank you.

2) Saying goodbye

 Goodbye
 Bye
 Bye for now!
 See you!
 See you soon!
 See you later!
 Talk to you later!
 Catch up with you later.
 I hope to see you soon.
 See you next time.
 I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.
 It was nice meeting you.
 It’s been really nice knowing you.
 It has been a pleasure, we’ll speak soon.
  It was really great to see you, catch you later.
 All the best, bye.
 Take care!
 Stay in touch.
 I’m really going to miss you.
 I’ve got to go now.

3) Making apologies

Apologies Expressions
 I’m sorry…
 I’m so sorry…
 I’m very sorry…
 I’m terribly sorry…
 Sorry, I didn’t mean to do that.
 Sorry about that.
 Can you forgive me?
 I apologize for…
 Please forgive me.
 I owe you an apology.
 You can blame me for this.
 How should I apologize to you?
 I beg your pardon.
 Sorry, it’s my fault.
 Sorry for keeping you waiting.
 Sorry, I’m late!
To accept an apology, you can use these sentences and expressions:
 That’s all right!
 Don’t worry about it.
 Forget it!
 No problem.
 Never mind. It doesn’t really matter.
 No big thing.
 It’s not your fault.
 Please don’t blame yourself.
 Think nothing of it.

4) Introducing yourself and others

Introducing yourself
 Hello. My name is …
 Hi. I’m …
 Nice to meet you. I’m …
 Pleased to meet you. I’m …
 It’s a pleasure to see you. I’m…
 May I introduce myself? I’m…
 How do you do? My name is…
 Let me introduce myself. I’m …
 I’d like to introduce myself. I’m …
Introducing others:
 John, I’d like to introduce you to Mary.
 John, please meet Mary.
 John, I’d like you to meet Mary.
 John, have you met Mary?
 John, let me introduce you to Mary.
 John, this is Mary. Mary, this is John.
Useful responses when introducing yourself or other people:
 Nice to meet you.
 I’m pleased to meet you.
 It’s a pleasure to meet you.
  Glad to meet you.
 How do you do?

5) Thank you

Express thanks and gratitude:

 Thank you.
 Thanks.
 Thank you very much.
 Thanks a lot!
 Many thanks.
 Sincerely thanks.
 Thank you so much!
 Thanks a million for your help.
 I really appreciate your help.
 You are so kind.
 I don’t know how to express my thanks.
 There are no words to show my appreciation!
 What you’ve done means a lot to me.
 That’s so kind of you.
 You’ve made my day.
 I owe you a great deal
 Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything.
 How can I ever possibly thank you?
Useful Responses:
 You’re welcome!
 It was my pleasure.
 My pleasure.
 Don’t mention it.
 Forget it.
 No big deal.
 It’s was nothing.
 Think nothing of it.
 I’m glad that I can help you.

6) Talking about time

 What time is it?

 What’s the time?
 Could you tell me the time?
 Do you know what time it is?
 How long have you been waiting?
 Do you have free time this afternoon?
 What time can we meet?
 What should we do to kill time?
 It’s ten o’clock.
 It’s midnight.
 It’s 6 A.M now.
 See you at 8 P.M.
 I can’t tell you exactly what time we will arrive.
 It’s too late now.
 My watch is stopped.
 My watch is slow.
 Don’t waste your time doing nothing.
 I didn’t think it was so late.
 We have plenty of time.
 Give me a little more time.
 It’s time to leave.
 It’s almost time to go home.
 Time went by so fast.
  The supermarket opens at 9 a.m.
 The class starts at 8 in the morning.

7) Do you speak English

 Can you speak English?

 How long have you been learning English?
 Could you speak up a little, please?
 Could you please say that again?
 Could you please repeat that?
 Would you mind spelling that for me?
 How do you pronounce this word?
 What do you mean by this?
 I’m sorry, what do you mean?
 What is this thing called in English?
 How many languages can you speak?
 I speak a little English.
 I can speak English very well.
 Your English is excellent.
 I wish I could speak English fluently like you.
 Please speak slowly.
 Please repeat what you said.
 I’m afraid to speak English.
 Sorry, my English is not quite good.
 How often do you speak English?
 I can read English very well, but I can’t speak.
 I would like to improve my English speaking.
 You have a good pronunciation.

8) Giving compliments

Giving Compliments:
 Good job!
 Well done!
 Fantastic!
 Perfect!
 That’s great!
 Nice work!
 Excellent!
 That’s really remarkable.
 Good grades!
 What a nice dress!
 You look great.
 This dish is delicious.
 You look very good in that suit.
 This tie looks nice on you.
 You have a nice voice.
 You look very handsome.
 I like your haircut.
 What a beautiful house!
 What a nice apartment!
 I really must express my admiration for your speech.
Receiving compliments:
 How kind of you to say so.
 It’s nice of you to say so.
 It’s very kind of you to say that.
 Really? I’m not sure about that, actually.
 Thank you.
 Thanks a lot.
 I’m glad you like it.
  It was nothing really.
 I’m delighted to hear that.
 Thanks for the compliment.

9) Making compliments

Making a complaint
 I’m sorry to say this but…
 I hate to tell you but…
 I’m angry about…
 I have a complaint to make…
 There seems to be a problem with…
 I’m afraid there is a slight problem with…
 Sorry to bother you but…
 I’m not satisfied with…
 Wouldn’t be a good idea to…
 There appears to be something wrong with…
 I was expecting… but…
 Sorry to bother you but…
 I want to complain about…
 I’m afraid I’ve got a complaint about…
 I have to make a complaint about…
 I don’t understand why…
 Excuse me but there is a problem…
 Would you mind…?
Accepting a complaint
 I’m so sorry, but this will never happen again.
 I’m sorry, we promise never to make the same mistake again.
 I can’t tell you how sorry I am.
 I wish I never happened.
Rejecting a complaint
 Sorry, there is nothing we can do about it.
 Sorry but it’s not our fault.
 I’m afraid there isn’t much we can do about it.

10) Like and dislike

Expressing Likes:
 I like…
 I love…
 I enjoy…
 I adore…
 I ‘m crazy about…
 I’m mad about…
 I’m keen on…
Examples:
 I like dogs.
 I love cooking.
 I enjoy playing football.
 I’m crazy about pizza.
 I’m fond of rock music.
 Do you like tennis? Yes, I do.
Expressing dislikes:
 I don’t like…
 I dislike…
 I hate…
 I can’t bear…
 I can’t stand…
Examples:
 I don’t like him.
  I can’t stand these people.
 I can’t stand this smell.
 I don’t like washing dishes.
 I hate going to the dentist.

11) Certainty and uncertainty

Asking for Certainty:

 Are you sure?
 Are you sure about it?
 Are you certain about it?
 Do you think it is true?
 Do you think so?
 How sure are you?
Expressing Certainty:
 Yes, I am certain.
 I’m a hundred percent certain …
 I’m absolutely sure.
 I have no doubt about it.
 I’m sure about it.
 I don’t think there can be any doubt about ….
 Of course.
 I’m positive.
 I’m quite sure about it.
 I’m no doubt about it.
 I’m absolutely certain that…
Expressing Uncertainty:
 I’m not sure about it.
 I doubt it.
 I’m not really sure about…
 I don’t know for sure…
 It’s very unlikely.
 I have my own doubts.
 I don’t think so.
 I don’t believe this is true.
 There’s some doubt in my mind that …
 I’m not a hundred percent sure.
 I don’t know yet.

12) Making invitations

Making invitations:
 Do you feel like going for a walk?
 Do you want to go to the movies tonight?
 Would you like to play cards?
 Would you like a cup of coffee?
 What about a cup of tea?
 I would like you to have lunch with us tomorrow.
 Would you be interested in going to the movies tonight?
 Why don’t you have lunch with me tomorrow?
 How about joining me for a walk?
 I invite you to have breakfast with me tomorrow morning.
Accepting an Invitation:
 Thank you for your kind invitation.
 I’d love to, thanks.
 I’ll be glad to do so.
 Thanks, I’d like that very much.
  That’s a great idea.
 Thanks for inviting me to dinner.
 It’s very nice of you.
 Many thanks for your kind invitation. I’ll join you.
 Sure. Thank you.
 With pleasure!
Refusing an Invitation:
 I’m sorry to refuse your invitation.
 I can’t, sorry. I have to work.
 Thanks for your invitation but I’m busy now.
 I’m afraid I won’t be able to come.
 I’m afraid I am busy tomorrow.
 Sorry, I’d love to but I have an appointment.
 I really don’t think I can, sorry.
 That’s very kind of you, but I can’t accept your invitation.

13) Making requests

Making requests:
 Will/Would/Can/Could you please…
 Do you mind…?
 Do you think you could…?
 Do you think it would be possible to…?
 Would it be possible for you to…?
 Would there be any possibility of…
 Would you be kind enough to…?
 Would you mind…?
 Can/could you… for me, please?
 Could you possibly…
 I’d appreciate it if you could…
 Can/Could I ask you to…?
 You couldn’t… could you?
Examples:
 Can you give me the book?
 Could you please take off your raincoat?
 Could you please take me to the dentist?
 Would you mind opening the window for me, please?
 Would you be kind enough to repair my computer?
 Do you think you could take me to the supermarket?
 Could I ask you to take me home?
 Can you tell me what happened?
 Would you come to my birthday party?
 Would it be possible for you to come here at 8 A.M?
Accepting Requests:
 Sure, I’d be glad to…
 I’d be happy to …
 Sure. Just a moment.
 No problem.
 Of course,
 Certainly.
 All right.
Refusing Requests:
 I’m sorry, I can’t.
 I’m sorry, but …
 I’d loved to, but …
 Sorry to say that …
 It sounds great, but …

14) Making offers

Making Offers:
 Can I…?
 Shall I…?
 Would you like me to… (do something)?
 Would you like… (something)?
 Do you want me to… (do something)?
 Do you want… (something)?
 Let me… (do something)
 I can…If you’d like
 I’d be happy to… (do something)
 May I offer you… (something)?
 I will… If you’d like
Examples:
 Would you like something to drink?
 Would you like me to open the door?
 Can I help you?
 Can I give you a hand?
 Let me help you.
 Would you like me to answer the phone?
 Do you want some more tea?
 Do you want me to turn down the TV?
 I’d happy to take you to the airport.
 May I offer you a cup of coffee.
Accepting Offers:
 Yes, please.
 Yes, I’d love to.
 Yes. That would be great.
 Yes please, that would be lovely.
 Yes, if you wouldn’t mind.
 That’s very kind of you.
 That sounds nice.
 Thank you. I’d like to.
Refusing Offers:
 No, thanks.
 It’s Ok. I can do it myself.
 Thank you for your kindness but I can do it myself.
 Don’t worry. I can do it.
 I appreciate that but I can do it myself.

15) Asking and giving permissions

Asking for permission:

 Can I use your pen, please?
 Can I sit here?
 Is it okay if I sit here?
 Can I ask you a question?
 May I use your computer?
 May I come in?
 Can I take a look at your book?
 Do you mind if I turn down the TV?
 Do you mind if I use your phone?
 Would you mind if I opened the window?
 If you don’t mind, I’d like to smoke.
 I wonder if I could borrow your car for a few days.
 Would it be all right if I borrowed your phone?
Giving permission:
 Sure.
 Sure, go ahead.
 No problem.
 Yes, you can.
  Please feel free.
 I don’t mind.
Refusing permission:
 I’m afraid not.
 I’m afraid, but you can’t.
 I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.
 No, you cannot.
 You couldn’t do that.
 Sorry, you are not permitted.

16) Making suggestions and giving advice

 You should try to learn English everyday.

 I think you should go home early.
 Why don’t you join an English club?
 You’d better wake up early.
 Let’s have dinner together.
 What about having a cup of coffee with me?
 How about going to the cinema?
 Don’t you think it would be a good idea to have a picnic this Sunday.
 If I were you, I’d call her.
 I suggest that you take a nap.
 You may want to try on this T-shirt.
 Perhaps you could take an umbrella with you.
 I strongly advise you to do more work out.
 I recommend that you get some rest.
 It’s better for you to sleep a little more.
Accepting Suggestions:
 Thanks, I’ll do it.
 It sounds good.
 That sounds like a good idea.
 Thanks. It’s a good suggestion.
 I think you’re right.
 Why didn’t I think of that?
Refusing suggestions:
 No, I’d rather not.
 I don’t think so.
 I don’t feel like it.
 No, I don’t this it’s a good idea.
 What a bad idea!

17) Expressing sympathy

Expressing sympathy:
 That’s too bad.
 That’s so sad.
 I’m sorry. What bad luck!
 I hope things get better soon.
 It would be OK soon.
 I hope you feel better soon.
 What a pity!
 Oh, that’s terrible.
 Be patient, it would be better soon.
 I can’t tell you how sorry I am.
 Oh, I am sorry to hear that.
 I know how it feels.
 I take my sympathy to you.
 You must be very upset about it.
 I sympathize with your condition.
Responding:
 It’s very kind of you.
 Thank you very much.
 It would be Ok, thanks.
 Thanks for your sympathy.
 Thanks for your support.

18) Asking for information

 Could you tell me how to get to the bus station?

 Do you know that old man?
 Do you know how much is this car costs?
 Do you happen to know where to buy an umbrella?
 Can you tell me what the time is?
 I’d like to know your name.
 I’d like to know what you think about this idea.
 I wonder if you could tell me why the meeting was cancelled?
 Do you have any idea how to use this machine?
 Could you find out where she lives?
 I’m looking for a book about gardening.

19) Guessing

 It looks like you’re new here.

 It looks like you don’t know what happened.
 Perhaps she knows the answer.
 I’d say it’s over 9 A.M now.
 If I had to take a guess, I’d say he’s 40.
 Maybe he wants to quit his job.
 Maybe it’s going to rain.
 Chances are you’re doing it wrong
 He could be right about it.
 I guess you are over 30 years old.
 It’s difficult to say, but I think this is the best English course.
 I’m not really sure, but I think this is the last morning train.

20) Demanding explanations

 Can you explain why you were so late?

 How come it has taken you so long to reply to my email?
 I don’t understand why you never finished the work on time.
 Can you tell me why you didn’t attend the meeting this morning?
 Why is it that you didn’t tell the truth?
 Do you expect me to believe you did this by yourself?

21) Hopes and desires

 I hope to see you soon.

 Let’s hope he will get better soon.
 I believe things will get better.
 Hopefully, it’ll be sunny tomorrow.
 I keep hoping that she will win the show.
 I wish it would stop raining.
 If we’re lucky, we’ll arrive there on time.
 With any luck, she will go home early tonight.
 I would like to buy a new car.
 I want to be a doctor.
 What I really want is to have an apartment.

22) Asking for opinions

  What do you think about this problem?
 What do you think of my new house?
 Do you have any thoughts on that?
 How do you feel about that?
 What is your opinion?
 Do you have any idea?
 Do you have any opinion on this matter?
 What’s your view?
 Please tell me your opinion on this subject.
 What is your opinion about that?
 Can you give me your thoughts on the report?
 What are your feelings about his behaviour?
 I’d like to hear your views on this matter.

23) Giving opinions

Expressing opinions:
 I think we need to buy a house.
 In my opinion, this is the best website for learning Spoken English.
 I don’t think we should get a new car.
 Personally, I think you’re right.
 From my point of view, she is the best student in the class.
 As far as I’m concerned, this T-shirt doesn’t suit you.
 My personal view is that he is a liar.
 In my point of view, this is the most beautiful island on earth.
 It seems to me that we get lost.
 To my mind, it’s the right thing to do.
 I personally believe we’re in the right way.
Agreeing with an opinion:
 This is absolutely right.
 I couldn’t agree more.
 I completely agree with you.
 I agree with this opinion.
Disagreeing with an opinion:
 I don’t agree with you.
 I think you’re wrong.
 I don’t think so.
 I’m afraid I can’t agree with you.

24) Making and appointment

Making Appointment:
 Can we meet on the 14th?
 Can we meet next Friday?
 Are you available on the 14th?
 Are you free next week?
 Let’s meet this evening.
 When can I talk to you?
 Can I meet you tomorrow afternoon?
 How about tomorrow afternoon?
 Is next Monday convenient for you?
 Do you have any time available this week?
 When would be a good time to meet you?
 Would today evening be all right?
 Can you give me an appointment on Sunday?
Accepting an appointment:
 Sure. I’ll come.
 Yes, Sunday is fine.
 Friday would be perfect.
 I’ll be there at that time.
Cancelling/rejecting an appointment:
 Sorry. I have another appointment at that time.
 I’m sorry. I can’t come.
 I’m afraid I can’t on the 14th.
 I’m sorry, I won’t be able to make it on Sunday.
 Sorry. I don’t think I can make it.

25) Fear and anxiety

 Are you afraid of the dark?

 I’m afraid of being alone at night.
 I’m scared of snakes.
 I’m frightened of spiders.
 I am terrified.
 I get scared very easily.
 I was terrified when I heard the noise outside.
 I’m worried about her health.
Useful Responses:
 Don’t be afraid.
 It’s not a big deal.
 It is nothing.
 There is nothing to be afraid of.
 Take is easy.
 Calm down.

26) Making promises

Making promises:
 I promise that I will finish the job on time.
 I promise you that that’s the truth.
 I swear I will never leave you.
 I swear I won’t let you down.
 I assure you that I will return the book tomorrow morning.
 I assure you that I will be there on time.
 Believe me, I won’t make you disappointed.
 Trust me, I can do it.
Useful Responses:
 Thank you.
 I believe you.
 All right. Keep your promise.
 I hope you will keep your words.
 Just let the time answer it.

27) Admitting mistakes

Admitting mistakes:
 I have to admit that I was wrong.
 I admit what I’ve done is wrong.
 I shouldn’t be like this.
 Sorry. I know this was my fault.
 I’m fully responsible for this matter.
 I have made a mistake.
 It’s my mistakes. Forgive me.
 Yes, I take the blame.
 I was the one to blame.
 I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.
 I never intended it that way.
Useful responses:
 Don’t mention it.
 Let it go.
  That’s fine.
 Just take it easy.
 Don’t do it again.
 Forget it. It doesn’t matter.
 That would be okay.
 Don’t worry about it.
 It’s okay

28) Expressing preferences

Questions about preferences:

 Which do you prefer, football or volleyball?
 Which do you like better, tea or coffee?
 Do you prefer hot coffee or ice coffee?
 Would you prefer to go for a walk or see a movie?
 Would you rather have dinner with me?
Expressing Preferences:
 I prefer tea to coffee.
 I’d prefer to have some water.
 I like tea better than coffee.
 I prefer reading books.
 I prefer jogging to running.
 I’d prefer living in a city to living in the country.
 I would rather go home.
 I’d rather stay at home than go out.
 I’d rather take a nap than go for a walk.
 I’d rather play football than golf.

29) Expressing cause and effect

 I help you because I like you.

 I study hard because I want to pass the exam.
 We have to go home since we have no idea where to go next.
 You need to hurry up since it’s very late now.
 I can’t go out as it’s raining.
 I can’t run fast as I’m too fat.
 I love you, so I will do everything to make you happy.
 I didn’t eat anything, so I’m very hungry now.
 We had to cancel the picnic because of bad weather.
 I did it because of you.
 The flight was cancelled due to the storm.
 I came home late due to the traffic jam.
 He didn’t work hard. As a result, he was fired.
 I was busy this evening. Therefore, I couldn’t come to your party.
 Thanks to his hard work, he got a raise.

30) Talking about feelings

Asking about Feelings:

 How are you feeling?
 Are you Ok?
 Is everything alright?
 What’s wrong?
 What’s the matter?
 Do you want to talk about it?
Expressing Feelings:
 I’m very happy right now.
 I don’t think I can be any happier right now.
 I feel a little sad.
 It’s been a difficult day.
 He made her very angry.
 I ‘ve been in a bad mood all day.
 I’m mad at his behaviour.
 I feel very depressed today.
 You seem a little blue today.
 I’ve got a headache and I feel terrible.

31) Making and answering phone call

 Can I speak to John, please?

 I’d like to speak to John.
 I’ll put you through. Hold the line, please.
 I’ll connect you now.
 I’m sorry, he’s on another call
 I’m sorry, he’s not available at the moment.
 Please call back later.
 Could you ask him to call me?
 Would you like to leave a message?
 Who’s speaking?
 Who’s calling, please?
 Could I ask who’s calling?
 Can I have your name, please?
 Who am I talking to?
 It’s Mary speaking.
 Is it convenient to talk at the moment?
 Sorry, you must have the wrong number.
 Sorry. I think you’ve dialled the wrong number.
 Hang on for a moment.
 I’m about to run out of credit.
 What number can I reach you at?
 Who do you want to talk to?
 Hold the line, please.
 I’ve got a very weak signal.
 Can you hear me OK?
 Could you please speak up?
 Sorry. I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again, please?

32) Making friends

 It’s nice to meet you.

 What’s your name?
 I’m John.
 I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.
 Where are you from?
 I’m from the U.S.
 What brings you here?
 I’m on holiday.
 What’s your phone number?
 Could I take your phone number?
 May I have your address?
 Are you on Facebook?
 Who do you live with?
 I live on my own.
 I live with my friends.
 How old are you?
 I’m 30.
 When’s your birthday?
 It’s 16th June.

33) Asking and giving directions

  Asking directions
 Excuse me, do you know where the bookstore is?
 How can I get to the train station from here?
 Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the bus station?
 Can you show me the way to the post office?
 Excuse me, where is the hospital?
 Can you show me on the map?
 What’s the best way to get to the airport?
 What’s the fastest way to the airport?
 How far is it to the stadium from here?
 What street is this?
 Is this the way to the police station?
 Is there a supermarket near here?
 Can you give me directions to the gas station?

34) Talking about jobs and occupations

 What do you do?

 What do you do for a living?
 I’ve got a part-time job.
 Where do you work?
 I work from home.
 I work in a factory.
 What is your occupation?
 I work as a doctor.
 I’m looking for a job.
 I’m a teacher.
 I’m not working at the moment.
 I’m unemployed.
 I do the paperwork.
 I have my own business.
 Do like your job?

35) Agreeing and disagreeing

Agreeing:
 I completely agree.
 You’re absolutely right.
 I agree with you entirely.
 I totally agree with you.
 I couldn’t agree more.
 Exactly.
 Absolutely!
 You’re right.
 Me too!
 I agree.
 I see exactly what you mean!
 That’s exactly what I think.
 There is no doubt about it.
Partly agreeing:
 I agree up to a point, but …
 That’s partly true, but …
 That may be true, but…
 I see your point, but …
 I guess so, but…
 That seems obvious, but…
 I’m not so sure about that.
Disagreeing:
 I don’t agree!
  I don’t agree with you.
 I totally disagree!
 I’m sorry, but I disagree.
 Absolutely not!
 I’m afraid I can’t agree with you.
 That’s not right!
 That’s not always true.
 I don’t think so.
 No, that’s not true.
 No way!

36) Checking for understanding and asking for clarification

Checking for Understanding:

 Do you understand?
 Are you following me?
 Do you understand what I mean?
 Do you understand what I’m saying?
 Any questions?
 Got it?
Expressing lack of understanding:
 I don’t get it.
 Sorry, I didn’t get your point.
 What do you mean?
 I’m not sure I got your point.
 I beg your pardon, but I don’t quite understand.
 I don’t quite follow you.
 I’m sorry. I don’t understand what you mean.
 Sorry, I didn’t quite hear what you said.
Asking for clarification:
 Could you clarify that, please?
 Could you explain that, please?
 What do you mean by that?
 Could you say that again, please?
 Could you repeat, please?
 Could you put it differently, please?
Clarifying:
 Sorry, let me explain…
 Let me clarify it for you…
 To put it differently…
 Let me put it in another way…
Showing Understanding:
 I see.
 I understand.
 I got it.
 Ok, I got what you mean.
 I understand what you mean.

37) Expressing regrets

 I wish I had come to your party!

 I wish I had worked harder.
 If only I hadn’t eaten so much.
 If only I had driven more carefully.
I should have (not) + Past Participle
 I should have come to your party.
 I should have worked harder.
 I shouldn’t have eaten so much.
  I should have driven more carefully.
I regret +Noun/V-Ing
 I regret not coming to your party.
 I regret not working harder.
 I regret eating so much.
 I regret leaving you alone.
 I regret the things I didn’t do when I had the chance.

38) Congratulations and best wishes

Expressing Congratulations:
 Congratulations!
 Great!
 Well done!
 Please accept my warmest congratulations…
 Let me offer you, my congratulations.
 I’d like to congratulate you on …
 Let me congratulate you on.
 Congratulations on your promotion!
 Congratulations on your graduation!
 Congratulations! You deserve it!
 That was excellent. Congratulations!
Good wishes:
 Best wishes!
 Best wishes on your new job!
 Best of luck!
 Good luck to you!
 All the best…
 Wish you a happy married life.
Useful Responses:
 Thanks.
 Thanks so much.
 Thanks a million.
 Thanks a lot.
 Thank you for your kindness.
 It’s very kind of you.
 It’s very nice of you.
 Thanks for your support.
 Thanks for your kind words.

39) Expressing obligations

Asking whether you or others have an obligation to do or not:

 Do I have to do it now?
 Do I need to leave her a message?
 Must I accept the request?
 I don’t have to attend the meeting, do I?
 Do you have to get to the office so early?
 Are you expected to finish the job by tomorrow?
 Must you work so hard?
 Is it necessary for me to go with them?
Expressing obligation:
 I must tell them the true.
 I must do everything I can to help you.
 I have to send the report today.
 I have to be there by tomorrow.
 I have to go now.
  I’ll have to pick her up from the airport.
 It is necessary that you follow this guideline.
 I can’t refuse to do that.
 I can’t avoid it.
 It is my responsibility to clear the table.
 It’s my duty to do it.
 I have no other choice.

40) Expressing indifferences

 Who cares!
 I don’t care!
 I don’t mind.
 I don’t mind whatever you do.
 It makes no difference to me.
 Do what you like. I don’t care.
 It doesn’t matter to me.
 So what?
 It’s all the same to me.
 Why should I care?
 It’s your decision.
 I wouldn’t mind.
 Do as you like.
 Whatever you want.
 You can say whatever you like.
 I couldn’t care less.

41) Interrupting people

 Excuse me for interrupting, but…

 Sorry for interrupting but….
 May I interrupt for a minute?
 May I say something here?
 Can I stop you there for a moment?
 Just a moment, I’d like to….
 Sorry, Could I just mention that…
 I don’t mean to intrude, but . . .
 May I have a word?
 Excuse me, but…
 Do you mind if I interrupt you?
 Sorry, I didn’t catch that, is it possible to repeat the last point?
 While that is an important point, it’s also important to add…
 If you don’t mind, I’d like to mention something.
 Sorry to butt in, but may I just ask…
 Before we move on to the next point, may I add…?
 Before you move on, I’d like to say something.
 Do you mind if I jump in here?
 If I could just come in here. I think….
 Can I just add something here?

42) Talking about health and illness

Asking about health:

 What’s the problem?
 What are your symptoms?
 How are you feeling today?
 Are you feeling any better?
 Do you have any allergies?
 How long have you been feeling like this?
 Do you have any medicine to take?
Talking about general illness:
 I’ve got a slight headache.
 I’ve got a sore throat.
 I have a high blood pressure.
 I have pain in my back.
 I’m in a lot of pain.
 My head is spinning.
 I’m having difficulty breathing.
 I have a stomach ache.
 I’m not sleeping very well at the moment.
 I’m not feeling very well.

43) Ability

Asking about ability:

 Can you lift this table?
 Can you speak English?
 Can you help me?
 Can you play the piano?
 Will you able to come to my birthday party this weekend?
 Are you able to go out with me tonight?
Expressing ability:
 I can speak 5 languages.
 I can swim 2 kilometres.
 I can’t help you.
 I won’t be able to come to your birthday party.
 I will be able to see you next week.
 When I finish this course, I will be able to find a good job.
 When I was a child, I could play football very well.
 I was not able to visit him yesterday.

44) Giving good news

Giving good news:

 I’ve got some good news for you…
 I’ve got a bit of good news for you…
 I’m really pleased to tell you…
 I’m really happy to inform you that…
 I have some amazing news for you…
 Are you ready for this? I’ve got some great news for you….
 I’m so excited to tell you that …
Responding to good news:
 I’m so glad to hear that!
 That’s great!
 Sounds great!
 That’s wonderful!
 Incredible!
 Wonderful! Thank you for sharing.
 Really? Are you serious?
 I can’t believe that!

45) Giving bad news

Giving bad news:

 I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you…
 I’m so sorry but…
 I’m sorry to have to tell you that …
 I know this isn’t what you want to hear but…
 I’m afraid to inform you of …
 It is my unfortunate duty to tell you that …
  I really feel bad to have to say this, but …
 I really don’t know how to say it, but …

Responding to bad news:

 I’m sorry to hear that…
 You must be feeling terrible …
 That’s awful!
 Too bad!
 Poor you!
 Please, accept my deepest sympathy.
 Anytime you need to talk, just call me …
 If there’s anything I can do, just let me know…

46) Expressing disappointments

 That’s too bad.

 How disappointing!
 That’s so disappointing!
 Oh no, what a shame!
 It’s a great shame.
 It’s a little bit disappointing, isn’t it!
 It didn’t live up to my expectations.
 What a pity!
 What a letdown!
 What a bummer!
 That’s a nuisance!
 I thought you could do better.
 I’ve never been so disappointed in my life.
 It wasn’t as good as I thought it would be.

47) Asking and giving instructions

Asking for Instructions:

 How do I…?
 Can you show me how to…?
 Do you know how to…?
 How do I go about…?
 What do you suggest?
 What is the first step?
 What is the best way to…?
Giving instructions:
 First, you…
 Then, you…
 Next, you…
 Lastly, you…
Starting out:
 The first thing you do is…
 Before you begin, (you should…)
 The best place to begin is…
 I would start by…
Continuing:
 After that,
 The next step is to…
 The next thing you do is…
 Once you’ve done that, then…
 When you finish that, then…
Finishing:
 The last step is…
 The last thing you do is…
 In the end…
  When you’ve finished…
 When you’ve completed all the steps…

48) Expressing prohibition

 It is forbidden to…
 You are not allowed to …
 You are not permitted to…
 It is prohibited to …
 You must not …
 You are not to…
 You can’t…
Examples:
 You are not allowed to smoke in this area.
 It is forbidden to swim here.
 You are not to feed the animals.
 It is prohibited to walk on the grass.
 You must not tell anyone about it.
 You must not leave the window open.
 You are not permitted to be late.

49) Expressing shock

 I was shocked to hear…
 We’re all in complete shock.
 Who could have predicted it?
 I was stunned by…
 The news came as a complete shock.
 That’s the last thing I expected.
 You’re kidding!
 I’d never have guessed.
 Oh, my god! Really?

50) Blaming and accusing

 It’s your fault.
 It’s your mistake.
 I can’t believe that you did it.
 How could you do such a thing?
 Are you out of your mind?
 What on earth were you thinking?
 I think you are the one to blame.
 I think you are the one who could have done it.
Expressions of Accusing Someone:
 It must have been you who did it.
 I think you’re the only person who could have done it.
 You must be doing something wrong.
Accepting blaming and accusing:
 I’m sorry. It’s my fault.
 I’m sorry for the things I’ve done.
 I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to.
 Sorry for my fault.
 It’s my responsibility. I’m sorry.
 You’re right! It’s my fault. I’m sorry.
Refusing blaming and accusing:
 It’s not true.
 It’s not my fault.
 I’m not the one to blame.
 I didn’t do it.
 You’re wrong. It wasn’t me.