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Common Spoken Phrases in The English Language

This document provides examples of common spoken phrases in English used in conversations. It includes phrases for starting conversations, asking questions, responding to questions, and agreeing or disagreeing with statements. Some examples are "Sorry to bother you...", "I was wondering if...", "Excuse me, would you happen to know...", "What have you been up to lately?", and "Can't complain." The document explains when each phrase would typically be used and provides sample dialogs.

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78 views25 pages

Common Spoken Phrases in The English Language

This document provides examples of common spoken phrases in English used in conversations. It includes phrases for starting conversations, asking questions, responding to questions, and agreeing or disagreeing with statements. Some examples are "Sorry to bother you...", "I was wondering if...", "Excuse me, would you happen to know...", "What have you been up to lately?", and "Can't complain." The document explains when each phrase would typically be used and provides sample dialogs.

Uploaded by

eragorn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Common spoken phrases in the

English language
A speaking lesson
Conversation starters
Sorry to bother you…
(I don’t want to annoy you but I have
a question)
• this starter phrase is universal and can be used in a
lot of situations –from chatting up strangers on the
street when asking for directions and ending with
addressing a busy co-worker when approaching them
for advice!

• Ex: - Jane, Sorry to Bother you but do you know


where is the stationary room?
I was wondering if…
(I’m curious to know)
• This is another way to start a conversation with
someone you might know. Typically it would be some
occasion when you get to meet your work colleagues
and talk about something else other than work-
related matters!

• Ex: - Hey Sam, I was wondering if you’re going to go


to Jane’s Christmas party?
Excuse me, would you happen to
know….
(Do you know? – polite)
• This is another phrase you can use when asking
people for advice in almost any life situation – like
trying to find the nearest grocery shop or when
finding your way around a new building you’re
visiting for the first time.

• Ex: - Excuse me Sir, Would you happen to know


where I can find the nearest ATM?
What have you been up to lately?-
(What are you doing these days?)

• This is a great example of spoken English phrases. It


means to ask people about how their life is recently
and if they are doing anything special these days
(recently).

• EX: -So James, What have you been up to lately?


- well, I’ve quit my job and started my own
business!
Note/ can be shortened
You doing OK?
(how are you?)
• Usually asked when the person has had some tough
experience recently and you want to ask politely if
they’re OK.

• Ex: - Hey Jane, I saw your car accident on the News,


you doing ok dear?
• Note/ shortened version usually used
Hi, …! What’s up?
(anything new happened since last
time?)
• This is a very informal way of greeting a close friend
or anyone who you see on a regular basis and you
want to ask has anything happened since you last
met.

• Ex: - Hi James, What’s up buddy?


- Hey Sam, not much. Same old routine.
Hi, …! Long time no see!
(I haven’t seen you in along time)

• Usually used when you haven’t seen the person for a


long period of time and you want to state that fact in
the greeting.

• Ex: -Hi Sandra! Long time no see!


- Hey, I’m sorry. I’ve been on a long vacation.
Do you mind my/ me asking…?
(is it okay to ask this personal
question?)
• A typical way of asking something that might be a
slightly personal question.

• EX: - Do you mind my asking about your family


business?
- No, that’s fine. My family works in import.
OK, here’s the thing …
(let me explain or clarify)

• A very handy way to start making your point if you’re


not sure how to begin the sentence.

• EX: - Ok, here’s the thing; I don’t like Jane and that’s
why I’m not inviting her to my Christmas party.
Is everything OK?
(Are you okay? Do you need help?)
• This is what you would say to a person when you see
that they’re distressed and obviously not OK.
Normally you would ask this to a close friend or a
work colleague – but you can also say this to a
stranger you meet in the street and if it’s obvious
that that person needs help.

• Ex: - Jude, you look pale. Is everything ok?


- I’m feeling a little dizzy, can you get me some
water, please.
Typical/ common responses
Sorry, I didn’t catch that?
(Sorry, I didn’t understand what you
just said?)
• The verb “to catch” in this context means “to
understand”, it’s just that in conversational English
we use these type of slang words to make it sound
friendlier and easier to understand!

• Ex: - Sorry, I didn’t catch that.


- Oh, I was just saying what a lovely restaurant
this is.
Help yourself!
(go ahead)
• This is an encouraging phrase used to let the other
person know that they can go ahead with the action
in question. Usually this is used as a response when
the other person is asking for permission to take
something, and then you tell them that they can
certainly do it.

• Ex: - Excuse me, may I have another piece of the


strawberry cake. It’s very delicious.
- of course! please, help yourself.
Where were we?
(what were we talking about before?)
• imagine a situation when you’re speaking with
someone, and then some other person distracts you
and you forget where you left off the subject. Now,
this is the typical phrase to be used in situations like
these – you’re basically asking your conversation
partner what it was that you were talking about last.

• Ex: - Anyways, where were we dear?


- oh, we were discussing the new US president
before we were interrupted by Lucie.
How’s that sound for you?
(do you like my idea?)
• If you’re suggesting something to your conversation
partner, this small-talk phrase is perfect to ask for their
opinion on your suggestion/ idea!

• Ex: -Listen, why don’t we go to the movies, there’s a new


Martin Scorsese movie out! How’s that sound for you?”
- Excellent! Count me in.
Note / shortened version used.
If that’s alright with you?
(can I do that?)
• you can attach this phrase at the end of your
sentence to ask for the other person’s
permission.

• Ex: - Hey James, I’m going to leave my desk for a


few minutes to make a really important phone
call if that’s alright with you?”
- Yeah, sure. Just be quick.
Can’t complain
(There is nothing negative I can
complain about)
• A response to a standard greeting like ‘How are you?’
which means that all is generally well (and even if
you have problems, they’re no that big).

• Ex: - Jane! How are you?


- Hey Susan, Can’t complain.
Note/ shortened version used.
As far as I know..
(this is all the information I know)

• when you’re almost sure about the statement you’re


making. Also a good start of a response you want to
take a bit more time to consider what you’re going to
say.

• Ex: - Hey Jude, Do you know why they fired Jenny


from accounting?
- They wanted to replace her with a senior staff
member. This is as far as I know.
Good for you!
(I’m happy for your achievements)
• A response to someone telling you about their
success in something or some good news that
they’re happy about.

• Ex: - Hey Adam, I finally got the promotion I’ve been


working for.
- Wow Jenna, Good for you
Note/ could be used sarcastically.
Can’t argue with that!
(I agree with you)

• used when you agree with the statement of


the other person.

• EX: - I really don’t like Trump. He’s very insensitive


and politically incorrect with his statements.
- Can’t argue with that!
Frankly speaking, … OR to be honest
(I’m speaking openly)

• just a way to start your response. It indicates that


you’re about to open up and be very honest with
your chat partner. A great way of establishing an
immediate trust.

• EX: - Frankly speaking Sir, I have another job offer


overseas.
That’s a good question.
(stalling technique )
• A phrase used when you want to take your time to
think over the question. This is an ideal phrase to use
when you’re stuck but instead of remaining silent
you can start your response with this phrase

• EX: - Which is more important, Salary or title?


- Hmm, that’s a good question.
That’d be great!
(I’d love that)
• A response to an offer that you’re really happy
about.

• EX: - how about I give you a ride instead of taking the


bus?
- That’d be great. Thanks Joana
Note/ shortened versions used.

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