Agreeing

"I think you're right." Disagreeing

"I agree with you." "I'm not sure I agree with you."

Strong agreement "(I'm afraid) I don't agree."

"I couldn't agree with you more." "(I'm afraid) I disagree."

"You're absolutely right." "(I'm afraid) I can't agree with

you."
"I agree entirely."
"(I'm afraid) I don't share your
"I totally agree." opinion."
Partly agreeing Note
"I agree with you up to a point, When you disagree with someone
but" in English, you can often sound
more polite by using a phrase
"That's quite true, but" such as "I'm afraid"
"I agree with you in principle, Disagreeing totally
but"
"I don't agree at all."
I agree with you so far, but....
"I totally disagree."

"I couldn't agree with you less."

Making Generalisations

English speakers often prefer to make

generalisations, rather than saying something
is a fact. When you make generalisations,
you will sound less direct and sure of yourself
and therefore more open to other people's
suggestions and ideas. People will think
you're friendly!

To show that something is generally

Mostly, often, sometimes
true
(These words go before the main verb, or
after the verb to be)
tend to
"We are mostly concerned with costs."
"I tend to agree with you."
(I agree with most of what you say.)
"They mostly go to the cinema at weekends."
"I tend to go to bed early in winter."
"Eating chocolate sometimes causes
(I normally go to bed early in winter.)
migraines."
have a tendency to
"He is sometimes difficult to work with."
"The English have a tendency to drink tea,
"English people often complain about the
not coffee."
weather."
Note: have a tendency to is used more in
written than in spoken English.
Speaking Tip
To show how common something is
Although you may find it strange to avoid
saying exactly what you mean, being able to
make generalisations is a speaking skill that
Generally speaking
will make you sound much more like a native
English speaker.
"Generally speaking, more men than women
use the internet."

In most cases

"In most cases, wars are caused by land

disputes."

In some cases

"In some cases, English beaches are unsafe

for swimming."

In a large number of cases

"In a large number of cases, obesity is

caused by over-eating."
Talking about probability
Probable

bound to = certain: "They are bound to succeed!"

sure to = certain: "He is sure to win the

Variations
championship."

likely to = probable: "We are likely to win the You can add words to alter the strength of
contract." probability:

definite = sure: "He's a definite frontrunner for the highly likely / unlikely (= very likely / unlikely)
job!"
quite likely / probable / possible (= more likely,
probable: "It's probable that we will be on holiday probable or possible)
around then."
could possibly / probably
likely: "An election is likely next year."
most definitely won't (= even more unlikely)
will definitely happen: "There will definitely be a
storm later."

will probably happen: "They will probably take

on more staff."

Possible

may: "We may be able to help you."

might: "There might be a holiday next month

I'm not sure."

could: "There could be a bug in the system."

be possible: "Do you think he will resign?"

"Yes, that's possible."

be unlikely: "It's unlikely that she will move."

will possibly: "She'll possibly tell us tomorrow."

probably won't: "They probably won't hear until

next week."

is highly unlikely: "It's highly unlikely that the

company will expand."

definitely won't: "I definitely won't go to the

party."

Note: Be careful of the word order.

"Definitely" and "probably" come after "will" (in
positive sentences) and before "won't" in negative
sentences.
Making predictions
When we want to say what we think will
happen in the future (our opinion), we can
either use will followed by the verb without
to, or be going to followed by the verb.

"What do you think will happen next year?"

"Next week is going to be very busy, I think."

"There won't be a rise in house prices next

year."

"He isn't going to win the election."

I think Real Madrid will win the league.

but I dont think Barcelona will win the
cup (NOT I think Barcelona wont win... )

Because we also use will to talk about

intentions and strong decisions, we often use
going to to sound less emotional.

"He won't help us" can mean that he has

decided not to help us. But "He isn't going to
help us" doesn't have this negative
implication. It sounds more like a prediction
and a simple, non-emotional fact- perhaps he
isn't able to help us.

Predictions based on what you know

now

We can make predictions based on what we

can see now. To do this, we use going to
and the verb (not will).

For example:

"Watch out! You're going to hit that car in

front."

"It's going to be a lovely day today not a

cloud in the sky."
Making offers
English speakers make offers all the time in Responding to offers
conversation.
These English dialogues show you ways to
They say things like: accept or reject offers made to you.
Can I ?
Shall I ? "Can I help you?"
Would you like me to ? "Yes please. I'd like to know what time the
train leaves."
Using these common English phrases and
being able to accept and reject offers will "Can I help you?"
make you sound polite and helpful. "No thanks, I'm just looking." (In a shop.)

"Can I help you?" "Shall I open the window for you?"

"Yes please. That would be very kind of
"Shall I open the window for you?" you."

"Would you like another coffee?" "Would you like another coffee?"
"No thanks." Or, "No, thank you."
"Would you like me to answer the phone?"
"Would you like another coffee?"
"I'll do the photocopying, if you like." "Yes please, that would be lovely." Or,
"Yes please, I'd love one."
Shall, can and will are followed by the verb
without to.

Shall is more formal than can.

Would you like is followed either by a "Would you like me to answer the phone?"
noun, or by the verb with to. "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."

English speaking tip

With a little practice, you'll find it easy to use

these English expressions. They'll help you
sound both natural and confident.
Complaining

When complaining in English, 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 apologise, 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!
How to express shock

It is sometimes difficult to say how you feel in unexpected situations, such as natural disasters,
especially when you feel sad. Here's a list of some common expressions to help you express
shock and disbelief.

Shock

I was shocked to hear

The news came as a complete shock.
We're all in complete shock.
Everyone's reeling from the shock of
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)
There's no way it could have happened.

Saying how bad something is

It's so awful.
It's terrible / What terrible news!
It's a tragedy.
It's a catastrophe.
This is the worst thing that could have happened.
Making Requests
When you ask someone to do something for you, or ask if you can do something, it's important to
sound polite. Here are some of the common ways that you can do this.

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?'

Speaking tip: could and can are followed by the verb without to. Would you mind is followed by
the verb and -ing.

Asking if you can do something

"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 a subject and a verb in the past tense.

When you're using these two sentences, don't use please. It's already polite enough!
Giving Advice
There are a number of formulas used when Giving Advice in English. Here are some of the most
common:

I don't think you should work so hard.

You ought to work less.
You ought not to work so hard.
If I were you, I'd work less.
If I were in your position, I'd work less.
If I were in your shoes, I'd work less.
You had better work less.
You shouldn't work so hard.
Whatever you do, don't work so hard.

Construction

Formula Verb Form

I don't think you should

Use 'I don't think you should' + infinitive in a statement.
work so hard.
You ought to work less. Use 'You ought to' + infinitive in a statement.
You ought not to work so
Use 'You ought not to' + infinitive in a negative statement.
hard.
If I were you,
If I were in your position, Use 'If I were' 'you' OR 'in your position' OR 'in your shoes' 'I wouldn't'
If I were in your shoes, I OR 'I would' + infinitive in a statement (A form of the conditional 2).
wouldn't work so hard.
You had better work less. Use 'You had better' (you'd better) + infinitive in a statement.
You shouldn't OR You Use 'You should' OR 'You shouldn't' + infinitive in a negative
should work less. statement.
Whatever you do, don't
Use 'Whatever you do + imperative
work so hard.
Contrasting Ideas

There are a number of formulas used when contrasting ideas in English. Here are some of the
most common:

We'd love to stay for dinner, but we have to get going.

They decided to stay in the area, in spite of their problems with the local residents.
Despite the difficulties of a long journey, Peter decided to visit India.
Getting a good job is hard work. However, most people eventually find one with patience.
There were a number of people who came, although the hotels were not equipped to
handle them all.
Construction

Formula Example Explanation

Use a comma or semi colon (;)
I'd really like to come to the
main statement, but contrasting with 'but'. 'But' is the most
film, but I have to study
statement common way to show
tonight.
contrasting ideas.
main statement, in spite of
They continued on their
contrasting statement OR in Use 'in spite of' plus a noun,
journey, in spite of the
spite of contrasting statement, noun phrase or gerund
pouring rain.
main statement
main statement, despite
They continued on their
contrasting statement OR Use 'despite' plus a noun, noun
journey, despite the pouring
Despite contrasting statement, phrase or gerund
rain.
main statement
main statement, although
We wanted to buy a sports
contrasting statement OR Use 'although' with a subject
car, although we knew that
Although contrasting statement, and a verb.
fast cars can be dangerous.
main statement
Demanding Explanations

Sometimes, things happen that we would like explained and we must demand explanations. For
example, if you have just bought a new computer and there is a problem, but the shop assistant
says that the guarantee does not cover the problem. There are a number of formulas used when
demanding explanations in English. Here are some of the most common:

Can you tell me why...

I don't understand why...
Can you explain why..
Why is it that...
How come...
Does this mean...
Do you really expect me to believe...
Construction

Can you tell me why it has taken you Use 'Can you tell me why' + a full clause. An indirect
so long to respond? question requires '?'.
I don't understand why it has taken Use 'I don't understand why' + a full clause. This is a
you so long to respond. statement and does NOT require a question mark (?)
Can you explain why it has taken you Use 'Can you explain why' + a full clause. An indirect
so long to respond? question requires a '?'.
Why is it that it has taken you so long Use 'Why is it that' + a full clause. An indirect question
to respond? requires a '?'.
How come it has taken you so long to Use 'How come' + a full clause. An indirect question
respond? requires a '?'.
Does this mean (that) it has taken Use 'Does this mean (that)' + a full clause. An indirect
you so long to respond? question requires a '?'.
Do you expect me to believe you Use 'Do you (really) expect me to believe (that)' + a full
weren't able to finish on time? clause. An indirect question requires a '?'.
Asking for Information
There are a number of formulas used when asking for information in English. Here are some of the
most common:

Could you tell me...?

Do you know...?
Do you happen to know...?
I'd like to know...
Could you find out...?
I'm interested in...
I'm looking for..

These two forms are used for asking for information on the telephone:

I'm calling to find out...

I'm calling about...

Construction

Formula Question Word Example Finish

Could you tell me when the next train leaves?

Do you know how much that vase costs?
Do you happen to know where Tom lives?
I'd like to know what you think about the new project.
Could you tell me when the next train leaves?
Could you find out when she is going to arrive?

Formula Gerund (-ing) Example Finish

I'm interested in buying a boat

Formula Noun Example Finish

I'm looking for information on holidays in Spain.

Formula used only on the telephone Question Word Example Finish

flight AZ098 will leave on time

I'm calling to find out... if
today.

Formula used only on the telephone Noun Example Finish

I'm calling about... the offer published in today's newspaper.

Guessing

There are a number of ways to guess in English. Here are some of the most common:

I'd say he's about ready to quite his job.

It might need some oil.
He could be in the garden.
It looks like a miniature motor.
Perhaps he needs some time off work.
Maybe they want to come and visit this summer.
It's difficult to say, but I'd guess that it's used for cleaning house.
I'm not really sure, but I think they enjoy hiking in the mountains.
Construction

Formula Form
I'd say he's about ready to quite his job. Use 'I'd say' + an independent clause.
It might need some oil. Use 'might' + the base form of the verb.
He could be in the garden. Use 'could' + the base form of the verb.
It looks like a miniature motor. Use the verb 'look like' + a noun.
Perhaps he needs some time off work. Begin the sentence with 'perhaps'.
Maybe they want to come and visit this
Begin the sentence with 'maybe'.
summer.
It's difficult to say, but I'd guess that it's Use the phrase 'It's difficult to say, but I'd guess' +
used for cleaning house. an independent clause.
I'm not really sure, but I think they enjoy Use the phrase 'I'm not really sure, but I think'
hiking in the mountains. + an independent clause.

Offering Help

There are a number of formulas used when offering help. Here are some of the most common:

May I help you?

Can I help you?
Are you looking for something?
Would you like some help?
Do you need some help?
What can I do for you today?
Construction

Formula Verb Form

May I help you? Use 'May I' or 'Can I' + the base form of the verb in a statement.
Are you looking for Use 'Are you looking for' + something OR anything in particular OR
something? specific object
Would you like some Use 'Would you like' some help OR some advice OR a
help? recommendation
Do you need some help? Use 'Do you need' some help OR some advice OR a recommendation
What can I do for you Use 'What can I do for' you, her, him, etc. today OR this morning, this
today? afternoon, this evening
Stating a Preference

Sometimes you need to state a preference when someone makes a suggestion, offers something
or asks your opinion about what to do. Often people are asking for your opinion and you can state
your preference freely, other times, people have made an offer and you need to state a preference
politely if you do not want to do what has been suggested, or would rather do something else.

Would you like to see a film tonight?

I'd rather go dancing. How does that sound?
Why don't we have some Chinese food?
Well, I'd prefer eating Italian. What do you think?
What do you think we should do?
If it were up to me, I'd go out for dinner.
What are we going to do today? The weather is awful!
I think we should go to a museum.
Why don't we go to a museum?
Let's go to a museum.
How about going to a museum?
Construction

Formula Verb Form

I'd rather... Use the base form the verb without 'to' with 'rather'
I'd prefer... Use the '-ing' form following the verb 'prefer'
If it were up to me, Use the second conditional form followed by the base form of the verb
I'd... without 'to'
Use the base form the verb without 'to' following the modal form
I think we should...
'should'
Why don't we...? Use the base form of the verb in a question
Let's go ... Use the base form of the verb with 'let's'
How about...? Use the '-ing' form of the verb after a preposition - here 'about'
Saying 'No' Nicely

Sometimes you need to say no when someone makes a suggestion, offers something or asks you
to do something for them. Of course, saying just 'no' can be rather rude. Here are some of the
most common ways to say 'no' nicely - or at least not rudely.

Would you like to see a film tonight?

I'm afraid I can't go out tonight. I've got a test tomorrow.
Why don't we have some Chinese food?
Sorry, but I don't particularly like Chinese food.
How about taking a nice walk?
I'd really rather not take a walk this afternoon.
Would you like to come to the museum with us?
Thank you, but it's not my idea of a fun afternoon out.
Let's go for a drive
Sorry, I'm not really fond of driving for the fun of it.
Why don't you stay the night?
That's very kind of you, but I really have to get back to the city.

NOTE: Notice how we often say 'thank you' in some way before refusing the offer. When someone
makes an offer it is polite to first thank that person and then say no, often offering an excuse for
not wanting or being able to do something. Just saying 'no' is considered very rude behaviour
indeed!

Construction

Formula Verb Form

I'm afraid I can't... Use the base form of the verb without 'to'
Use the '-ing' form of the verb with the verb
I don't particularly like...
'like' in the present simple.
Use the base form the verb without 'to' with
I'd (really) rather not...
'rather'
Use the '-ing' form following a preposition, or a
It's not my idea of...
noun
Use the '-ing' form following a preposition, or a
I'm not (really/very) fond of...
noun
Thank you (thank you for asking, thank you Use the base form the verb without 'to'
very much, etc.) but, I have to... following the modal form 'have to do'
Making Suggestions

Why don't you / we go to the movies tonight?

You / we could visit New York while you're / we're there.
Let's go to the travel agent's this afternoon to book our ticket.
What about asking your brother for help?
How about going to Hawaii for your vacation?
I suggest you / we take all the factors into consideration before we decide.

Construction

Formula Verb Form

Why don't you / we go to a movie? Use the base form of the verb in a question
We / You could go to a movie. Use the base form of the verb in a statement
Let's go to a movie. Use the base form of the verb with 'let's'
What about going to a movie? Use the '-ing' form of the verb in a question
How about going to a movie? Use the '-ing' form of the verb in a question
I suggest you / we go to a movie. Use suggest object verb in the base form in a statement.
Using Vague Expressions - Being Imprecise

There are a number of ways to give imprecise information.

There are about 600 people working in this company.

There are approximately 600 people working in this company.
There are a large number of students interested in taking his course.
Management predicts up to 50% growth for the coming year.
It's kind of a bottle opener which can also be used to peel vegetables.
It's the type of place you can go to relax for a week or so.
They're the sort of people that like going bowling on Saturday evenings.
It's difficult to say, but I'd guess that it's used for cleaning house.
I'm not really sure, but I think they enjoy hiking in the mountains.
Construction

Formula Form
There are about 600 people working in
Use 'about' + a numbered expression.
this company.
There are approximately 600 people
Use 'approximately' + a numbered expression.
working in this company.
There are a large number of students
Use 'a large number of' + a noun.
interested in taking his course.
Management predicts up to 50% growth
Use 'up to' + a noun.
for the coming year.
It's kind of a bottle opener which can also
Use 'kind of' + a noun.
be used to peel vegetables.
It's the type of place you can go to relax Use 'type of' + a noun. Use 'or so' at the end of a
for a week or so. sentence to express the meaning 'approximately'.
They're the sort of people that like going
Use 'sort of' + a noun.
bowling on Saturday evenings.
It's difficult to say, but I'd guess that it's Use the phrase + 'It's difficult to say, but I'd guess' an
used for cleaning house. independent clause.
Giving Warnings

Don't push so hard on that toy, or you might / will break it!
Watch out! Be careful!
Work hard otherwise you'll fail your exam.
Construction

Formula Verb Form

Don't..., or you might /
Use the imperative followed by might or will in a statement
will...
Watch out! Be Careful Use the imperative
Work hard, otherwise/or Use the imperative + otherwise/or you will / might + the base form
you'll... of the verb to show consequences