10 Ways to Say Hello & Goodbye

1. Hello

2. Hi

3. (informal) Hey

4. Hi there

5. (informal) Howdy

6. Bye

7. Bye-bye

8. (informal) See ya later

9. Take care

10. Have a good one

10 Informal Ways to Say Yes and No

1. Yeah

2. Yup

3. Mm-hmm!

4. Uh-huh!

5. Sure!

6. Nope

7. Nah

8. Mm-mm

9. Uh-uh

10. No way!
10 Ways to Ask How Someone Is
1. How are you?

2. How’s it going?

3. How ya doin’?

4. How are things?

5. How’s life?

6. How have you been?

7. How’s your family?

8. What’s up?

9. What’s new?

10. What have you been up to lately?

10 Ways to Say How You Are

1. I’m fine, thanks. How about you?

2. Pretty good.

3. Not bad.

4. Great!

5. Couldn’t be better!

6. Can’t complain.

7. I’ve been busy.

8. Same as always.

9. Not so great.

10. Could be better.

Note: The way to respond to “What’s up?” and “What’s new?” is typically “Not much.”
10 Ways to Say Thank You
1. Thanks.

2. Thanks a lot.

3. Thank you so much.

4. Thanks a million!

5. Thanks for your help. / Thanks for helping me.

6. I really appreciate it.

7. I’m really grateful.

8. That’s so kind of you.

8. I can’t thank you enough.

(for extremely important things)

10. I owe you one.

(this means you want/need to do a favor for the other person in the future)

10 Ways to Respond to “Thank You”

1. You’re welcome.

2. No problem.

3. No worries.

4. Don’t mention it.

5. My pleasure.

6. Anytime.

7. It was the least I could do.

8. Glad to help.

9. Sure!

10. Thank you.

(use this when you ALSO have something to thank the other person for)
WEEKEND PLANS
Situation: Laurie, Christie, and Sarah are making plans for the coming weekend.

Laurie: So, what are your plans for this weekend?

Christie: I don’t know. Do you want to get together or something?

Sarah: How about going to see a movie? Cinemax 26 on Carson Boulevard is showing Enchanted.

Laurie: That sounds like a good idea. Maybe we should go out to eat beforehand.

Sarah: It is fine with me. Where do you want to meet?

Christie: Let’s meet at Summer Pizza House. I have not gone there for a long time.

Laurie: Good idea again. I heard they just came up with a new pizza. It should be good because Summer Pizza House always
has the best pizza in town.

Sarah: When should we meet?

Christie: Well, the movie is shown at 2:00PM, 4:00PM, 6:00PM and 8:00PM.

Laurie: Why don’t we go to the 2:00PM show? We can meet at Summer Pizza House at noon.
That will give us plenty of time to enjoy our pizza.

Sarah: My cousin Karen is in town. Can I bring her along? I hate to leave her home alone.

Christie: Karen is in town? Yes, bring her along. Laurie, you remember Karen? We met her at Sara’s high school graduation
party two years ago.

Laurie: I do not quite remember her. What does she look like?

Sarah: She has blond hair, she is kind of slender, and she is about your height.

Laurie: She wears eyeglasses, right?

Sarah: Yes, and she was playing the piano off and on during the party.

Laurie: I remember her now. Yes, do bring her along Sara. She is such a nice person, and funny too.

Sarah: She will be happy to meet both of you again.

Christie: What is she doing these days?

Sarah: She graduated last June, and she will start her teaching career next week when the new school term begins.

Laurie: What grade is she going to teach?

Sarah: She will teach kindergarten. She loves working with kids, and she always has such a good rapport with them.
Christie: Kindergarten? She must be a very patient person. I always think kindergarten is the most difficult class to teach.
Most of the kids have never been to school, and they have never been away from mommy for long.

Sarah: I think Karen will do fine. She knows how to handle young children.

Laurie: I think the first few weeks will be tough. However, once the routine is set, it should not be too difficult to teach
kindergarten.

Christie: You are right. The kids might even look forward to going to school since they have so many friends to play with.
Sarah: There are so many new things for them to do at school too. They do a lot of crafts in kindergarten. I am always
amazed by the things kindergarten teachers do.

Laurie: Yes, I have seen my niece come home with so many neat stuff.

Christie: Maybe we can ask Karen to show us some of the things that we can do for this Halloween.

Laurie: Maybe we can stop by the craft store after the movie. What do you think, Sara?

Sarah: I will talk to her. I think she will like that. It will help her with school projects when Halloween comes.

Christie: Michael’s is a good store for crafts. It always carries a variety of things, and you can find almost anything there.

Laurie: There is a Michaels store not far away from Cinemax 26. I believe it is just around the corner, on Pioneer Avenue.
We can even walk over there.

Sarah: So, we plan to meet for pizza at noon, go to the movies at two, and shop at Michael’s afterward. Right?

Laurie and Christie: Yes.

EXPRESSIONS
Get together
It sounds like a good idea
Beforehand
Come up with
She is in town
Bring someone along
Off and on
What is she doing these days?
Teaching career
School term
Kindergarten
Have a good rapport with
Once the routine is set
Look forward to
Craft
School project
A variety of things
It is around the corner

EXERCISES
1) Questions/Answers Practice
Pair the students and have them practice the following questions and answers. Ask them to come
up with similar questions and answers.
Q: What are you going to do this weekend? A: I am going to the movies this weekend.
Q: What do you plan to see? A: I am going to see Spider Man.
Q: Which theater are you going to? A: I am going to the one in Long Beach.
Q: Which show are you going to? A: I plan to go to the 2:00PM show.
Q: How much are ticket prices these days? A: Six dollars for shows before 5:00PM, and eight dollars for after
five.
Q: Do they offer discounts to students? A: I am afraid not.
Q: What is Karen doing these days? A: She is a teacher at Jefferson high school.
Q: What subject does she teach? A: She teaches English.
Q: What grade does she teach? A: She teaches twelfth grade students.
Q: Does she enjoy her work? A: She really enjoys being a teacher.
Q: Does she have the summer off? A: Yes, she does. She plans to travel during the summer.

Introductions: Getting to know one another!

1. What is your name?

2. How old are you?

3. Are you grduated? What is your major?

4. What is your favorite subject?

5. Do you speak English?

6. What other languages can you speak?

7. Where are you from?

8. What would you like to be? Why?

9. Do you like listening to music?

10. What kind of music do you like?

11. Do you like watching movies?

12. Do you like sports?

13. Have you ever been to anywhere else in your country?

14. Have you ever traveled abroad?

15. What is your favourite food?

16. Do you have a job?

17. When do you usually go to bed?

18. Do you like eating out with friends or alone?

19. How many siblings do you have?

20. What do you like to do in your free time?

Follow-up Questions!

Many follow up questions ask the 5W1H questions: ‘when?’, ‘where?’, ‘what?’, who?’, ‘why?’, and ‘how?’

What kind of movies do you enjoy watching?

Who do you usually go to watch a movie with ?

How often do you go to watch a movie?

When was the last time you went to the cinema?

Where did you go?

What do you like to drink?

Where /When do you like to go drinking?

What do you like to eat when you go drinking?

What do you like to do when you drink?

Simple Present Vs. Present Continuous

- usually goes out every night.

- transportation mostly uses when you go to work or go out.

- likes go on vacation.

- always has fried rice with egg / mohinga / bread or anything for breakfast.

- often visits relatives or friends during the weekends.

- hangs out with your friends per week.

- usually goes shopping (at weekends).

- plans to study abroad.

- sends more than five text messages a day.

- looks forward to something special.

- listens to music (in the morning/afternoon/evening).

- always loses things.

- attends another class apart from this.

- be interested in learning other languages other than English.

- uses the computer a day / more than an hour.

Simple Present Vs. Present Continuous

- usually goes out every night.

- transportation mostly uses when you go to work or go out.

- likes go on vacation.

- always has fried rice with egg / mohinga / bread or anything for breakfast.

- often visits relatives or friends during the weekends.

- hangs out with your friends per week.

- usually goes shopping (at weekends).

- plans to study abroad.

- sends more than five text messages a day.

- looks forward to something special.

- listens to music (in the morning/afternoon/evening).

- always loses things.

- attends another class apart from this.

- be interested in learning other languages other than English.

- uses the computer a day / more than an hour.

27 alternatives to ‘What do you do?’

1. What are you most passionate about?
2. What do you like to do?
3. What’s the best thing that happened to you today?
4. What are you most excited about right now?
5. What are you working on?
6. If money were no object, what would you do with your life?
7. What do you do for fun?
8. What’s something you’re really into right now?
9. What’s the most interesting thing that’s happened to you lately?
10. How do you feel your life has worked out so far?
11. What was the best part of your week/weekend?
12. What did you want to be when you grew up?
13. What are you looking forward to right now?
14. What’s the last picture you took on your phone?
15. What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
16. What’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said about you?
17. What habit or improvement are you working on?
18. What cheers you up?
19. What’s your favorite word?
20. What cause are you passionate about?
21. What’s on your mind lately?
22. What personal habit are you proudest of?
23. How do you spend your days?
24. What problem do you wish you could solve?
25. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
26. What’s your favorite emoji?
27. Whom in the world would you most like to share a meal with?

General questions
Good questions to ask that address general interests and advice are:

 What is your favorite part of your job?

 How do you manage your time?
 What books should I be reading?
 What do you do at work on a daily basis?
 What's the best thing about your job?
 What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
 What hard skills should someone in your field have?
 What soft skills should someone in your field have?
 Is there a quote that motivates you?
 Who inspires you?
Questions about experience and background
These questions discuss the person's education and work history:

 How did you get to this position?

 How long have you worked in this industry?
 What drew you to this field?
 Where did you go to school?
 What did you study?
 How long have you been with this company?
 Which has been more valuable in your career, your education or your experience?
 How does this company differ from others you've worked for?
 What are your hobbies?
 What was your first job?
 What skills did you develop early in your career?

In-depth questions
Consider asking more revealing questions to give you insight into and reacts to dynamic workplace situations:

 What's the best job decision you ever made?

 What's the worst job decision you ever made?
 What is your greatest career strength?
 What is your greatest career weakness?
 How do you make decisions at work? What is your process?
 What are your long-term career goals?
 Do you do any professional development?
 What skills have you found vital to your job?
 How has the industry changed since you started?
 What is the culture like at your company?
 What organizational challenges have you faced?
 What are your next career steps?
 What has been your biggest success factor?
 What mistakes did you make early in your career?
 How do you handle workplace disappointment?
 Was there a career setback you faced which you later realized was an advantage?
 What qualities do you look for in friends?
 How do you create motivation for yourself and for your team?
 Why do you do your job?
 How do you separate your feelings and emotions from difficult decisions?
 How do you maintain work-life balance?

Job questions with explanations

When you prepare the questions you want to ask someone about their job, you should also have an idea of why
you're asking these questions:

1. What would you do differently if you could go back in time?

2. What are your daily habits?
3. Where do you see the industry going in the future?
 4. What should I be doing to improve my career prospects?
5. What professional associations are you a member of?

10 Questions To Ask Someone About Their Career

1. What has your career path been?

2. Why [this industry]?

3. What is your current role like? What about it makes you want to get up in the morning?

4. What does an average week look like for you?

5. What are your career aspirations?

6. Do you feel like you’re making a difference in your job?

7. Are there any expectations you had about this career path that you have found differed from reality, in both a
good or bad way?

8. What don’t you like about your job/a career in x? What are the biggest challenges? What are the
compromises?

9. What skills are the most crucial to succeeding in this career? What type of person do you need to be?

10. What the best bit of advice you have for someone looking to move into this area?

10 English Phrases for Talking & Asking About Jobs

1. Where do you work?
2. What do you do? / What do you do for a living?
3. I work at… [Microsoft].
4. I’m a/an… [accountant].
5. I’m unemployed. / I’m between jobs at the moment.
6. I’m looking for work.
7. I’m a stay-at-home mom/dad.
8. I run my own business.
9. I’m a freelance… [writer/designer/etc.]
10. I’m retired.

117 Interview Questions to Ask Your Family

Do you share a name with someone else in the family?

 Did you have a nickname growing up? If so, what was it and why?
 Have you had a nickname as an adult?
 When and where were you born?
 What was your parents’ and grandparents’ religion?
 Do you follow a religion?
 Where was your first house?
 What other houses did you live in?
 What are your earliest memories of your home?
 Can you tell me a story or memory about your brothers and sisters?
 What are your brothers and sisters’ full names?
 What did your family do for leisure when you were a child?
 Were there tasks you hated doing when you were a child?
 What types of books do you like to read?
 Do you remember a favorite lullaby or song?
 When times were tough, do you remember having enough food?
 What were your favorite toys?
 What were your favorite games?
 Was there any fashion that you liked the most?
 What school did you go to and where was it?
 How did you feel about going to school?
 What was your favorite subject at school and why?
 Which subject was the most difficult?
 Who was your favorite teacher and why?
 What is your favorite school memory?
 What were your grades like?
 What did you wear to school?
 What sports did you participate in at school?
 Was there a meeting place where you liked to spend time?
 Did you receive any special awards for studies or activities at school?
 How many years of education have you completed?
 Describe what you were like as a young adult.
 Do you have a technical diploma or degree?
 When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
 What was your first job?
 How old were you when you retired?
 How did you decide on your profession?
 What jobs have you done over the years?
 If you were in the military, what were your duties and when and where did you serve?
 How old were you when you started going out at night?
 Do you remember your first date?
 When and where did you meet your current partner?
 How long did you know each other before getting married?
 How did you propose?
 When and where did you get married?
 Describe the ceremony.
 Who was present? (witnesses, bridesmaids, etc.)
 Did you have a honeymoon? Where?
 Have you been married more than once?
 How would you describe your spouse?
 What do you most admire about him or her?
 How long have you been married?
 When and where did your spouse die?
 What advice would you give to a child or grandchild for their wedding day?
 How did you find out you were going to be a parent for the first time?
 How many children do you have?
 What are their names, dates of birth and where do they currently live?
 Why did you give them those names?
 Do you remember things that your children did when they were little that really surprised you?
 What is one of the funniest things your children did when they were little?
 What was the most fun you had while raising your kids?
 If you had to do it again, what would you change about the way you raised your family?
 What was the most challenging part of raising children?
 Did you consider yourself as a strict parent?
 What was the most rewarding thing about parenting?
 Did any of your children break anything of yours?
 Did you have to treat any of your children differently? Why?
 How did you feel when your oldest child began school?
 What advice would you give your children and grandchildren about being a parent?
 Where did your in-laws live?
 When and where did your parents die? What do you remember about them?
 How did they die? Where were they hospitalized?
 Which cemetery are they buried in?
 What do you remember about the death of your in-laws?
 Do you remember listening to your grandparents talking about their lives? What did they say?
 Did you ever meet any of your great-grandparents?
 Who was the oldest person you remember from when you were a child?
 Did you suffer from any childhood illnesses?
 Do you have any genetic health problems?
 Do you exercise regularly?
 Have you ever had any bad habits?
 Have you ever been a victim of a crime?
 Have you had any major accidents?
 Has anyone ever saved your life?
 Have you ever been hospitalized? For what?
 Have you ever had surgery?
 What do you consider the most important inventions in your lifetime?
 Do you remember the first time you saw a car, a TV or a refrigerator?
 How different was the world when you were a child?
 Do you remember your family talking about politics?
 How would you define yourself politically?
 Did you live through any war?
 Have you admired any president or world leader that you’ve seen in power?
 How did you live the days of food shortages?
 Tell me the name of a good friend who has been your friend for many years.
 Has there been anyone in your life that you would consider a soul mate? Who was it and why do you feel that special bond?
 What are the hardest decisions you’ve had to make?
 Who has changed your life?
 If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
 What is the most difficult thing you have ever experienced?
 Have you ever played a musical instrument?
 Do you consider yourself creative?
 What’s the funniest joke you’ve ever known?
 What activities have you enjoyed as an adult?
 What are your hobbies?
 What do you like to do when you are not working?
 What is the most incredible thing that has happened to you?
 Have you ever met someone famous?
 Who were your grandparents?
 Where were they from?
 How do you feel about your major decisions in life, such as profession, studies, and spouse?
 What organizations or groups did you belong to?
 Have you ever won an award as an adult?
 What is the longest trip you’ve ever made?
 What has been your favorite vacation spot?
 What pets have you had?
 Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but have not done yet?

HOBBIES
  What is your hobby?
 How long have you had a hobby?
 Why do people have hobbies?
 Why did you start your hobby?
 Can you make money from doing your hobby?
 How many hours a week do you spend on your hobby?
 Is your hobby safe or dangerous?
 What is a hobby?
 Why do people need hobbies?
 What can one do as a hobby?
 How much time can one spend on his/her hobby?
 What is your hobby?
 Does your hobby interfere with your work/study/personal life?
 Do you spend money on your hobby?
 Does your hobby influence your choice of friends?
 Can a hobby save a child from bad peer influence?
 Can a hobby be dangerous?
 Have you got a hobby?
 How long have you had your hobby?
 Which hobbies are the most expensive or the cheapest?
 Which hobbies cost nothing at all?
 Which hobbies are the most popular in your country?
 Is hunting a hobby or a sport in your country?
 Which hobbies are the most popular with women in your country? With men?
 Did you have any hobbies when you were a child?
 Can you think of any hobbies which are popular with children and adults?
 Do you think a hobby is different from a sport?
 Are there any hobbies you would like to try?
 Are there any dangerous hobbies?
 Are there any hobbies you can do in other countries, but not your own?
 Which hobbies do you think are the most difficult?

PETS

1. What is your pet’s name?

2. How did you come up with the name, does it have any specific significance?
3. How old is your pet?
4. When did you get your pet?
5. What breed is your pet?
6. How old were you when you got your pet?
7. How did you get your pet?
8. What is your pets’ favorite food?
9. What is your pet’s favorite game
10. What is your favorite thing to do together?
11. Do you go outdoors? If yes, where is your favorite place to go together?
12. What is a bad habit that your pet has?
13. What is the best thing about your pet has?
14. What is the naughtiest thing your pet has ever done?
15. What is the funniest memory involving your pet?
16. What is the best memory involving your pet?
17. What is the hardest thing about being a pet owner?
18. What is the most rewarding thing about being a pet owner?
19. Does your pet have a nickname and what is it?
20. Have you ever thought your pet any tricks if so, what?
21. I’m not really an animal person.
22. I’m allergic to animals.
23. My building doesn’t allow pets.

MUSIC

1) What Music Do You Like to Listen to

2) What’s your favorite Genre

3) Who’s your favorite musician

4) How well can you sing?

5) List the 5 songs you can all through sing from heart?

6) What’s the latest songs from your most favorite musician?

7) When last did you go to a concert?

8) Have you ever slept with a famous musician?

9) What do like the most about your favorite musician?

10) Which of your favorite musician would like to have a one-night-stand with?

11) Have you ever dreamed about dancing with a famous musician?

12) What’s the most popular song on YouTube at the moment?

13) Who would like to take to a concert or a celebrity show?

14) Which male musician do you think is the most handsome on the planet right now/

15)  Which female artist is the most beautiful in the world at the moment?

16) What’s the most beautiful song you’ve ever listened to?

17) Can you tell me your top 10 songs of all time?

20) What’s the sweetest and cutest dance style ever?

21) Would like to become a musician someday?

22) Do you how to write songs?

23) How good are you in lip singing?

24) What would you like your favorite musician to do for you?

25) What’s the birthday of your favorite musician?

26) Where would you like to go with your favorite musician?

27) How many songs do you listen to everyday?

28) How many music videos do you watch every day?

29) Name one of the most hilarious music videos you’ve ever watched?

30) Do you love hip pop?

31) Who’s your greatest hip pop star of all time?

32) Do you love country music?

33) What’s the most expensive music show you’ve ever attended?
34) If your favorite artist ask you to strip on a show, would you do it?

35) If your favorite musician ask you send him a nude of you, would you do it?

36) How fast can you rap?

37) How bad is the music industry today?

38) Would you compare the 1990s and 2000s music to today’s?

39) When do you think was the year of music?

40) Is Chris Brown a better singer than Justin Bieber?

41) What song touches your heart the most?

42) What song(s) makes you cry whenever it plays?

43) What songs bring back pleasant childhood memories?

44) When was the last time you listened to cartoony song?

45) When was the last time you played loud music in the public?

Questions About Their Childhood

1. What is your full name? Why did your parents select this name for you? Did you have a nickname?
2. When and where were you born?
3. How did your family come to live there?
4. Were there other family members in the area? Who?
5. What was the house (apartment, farm, etc.) like? How many rooms? Bathrooms? Did it have electricity? Indoor plumbing?
Telephones?
6. Were there any special items in the house that you remember?
7. What is your earliest childhood memory?
8. Describe the personalities of your family members.
9. What kind of games did you play growing up?
10. What was your favorite toy and why?
11. What was your favorite thing to do for fun (movies, go to the beach, etc.)?
12. Did you have family chores? What were they? Which was your least favorite?
13. Did you receive an allowance? How much? Did you save your money or spend it?
14. What was school like for you as a child? What were your best and worst subjects? Where did you attend grade school? High
school? College?
15. What school activities and sports did you participate in?
16. Do you remember any fads from your youth? Popular hairstyles? Clothes?
17. Who were your childhood heroes?
18. What were your favorite songs and music genres?
19. Did you have any pets? If so, what kind and what were their names?
20. What was your religion growing up? What church, if any, did you attend?
21. Were you ever mentioned in a newspaper?
22. Who were your friends when you were growing up?
Questions About the Family
1. What world events had the most impact on you when you were a child? Did any of them personally affect your family?
2. Describe a typical family dinner. Did you all eat together as a family? Who did the cooking? What were your favorite foods?
3. How were holidays (birthdays, Christmas, etc.) celebrated in your family? Did your family have special traditions?
4. How is the world today different from what it was like when you were a child?
5. Who was the oldest relative you remember as a child? What do you remember about them?
6. What do you know about your family surname?
7. Is there a naming tradition in your family, such as always giving the firstborn son the name of his paternal grandfather?
8. What stories have come down to you about your parents? Grandparents? More distant ancestors?
9. Are there any stories about famous or infamous relatives in your family?
10. Have any recipes been passed down to you from family members?
11. Are there any physical characteristics that run in your family?
12. Are there any special heirlooms, photos, bibles, or other memorabilia that have been passed down in your family?

Questions About Their Adult Life

1. What was the full name of your spouse? Siblings? Parents?
2. When and how did you meet your spouse? What did you do on dates?
3. What was it like when you proposed (or were proposed to)? Where and when did it happen? How did you feel?
4. Where and when did you get married?
5. What memory stands out the most from your wedding day?
6. How would you describe your spouse? What do (did) you admire most about them?
7. What do you believe is the key to a successful marriage?
8. How did you find out you were going to be a parent for the first time?
9. Why did you choose your children's names?
10. What was your proudest moment as a parent?
11. What did your family enjoy doing together?
12. What was your profession and how did you choose it?
13. If you could have had any other profession, what would it have been? Why wasn't this your first choice?
14. Of all the things you learned from your parents, what do you feel was the most valuable?
15. What accomplishments are you most proud of?
16. What is the one thing you most want people to remember about you?
Formal Greetings

 Hello
 Good morning
 Good afternoon
 Good evening
 It’s nice to meet you
 It’s a pleasure to meet you

Informal Greetings

 Hi
 Hey
 What’s up
 Nice to meet you
 Pleased to meet you
 It’s a pleasure

Introductions

 My name is ______. (introducing yourself)

 This is ______. (introducing someone else)

Polite Questions

 How are you?

 How are you doing?
 How have you been?
 How’s your day going so far?
 How’s it going?
 How are things?

Polite Answers

 I’m great or I’m fine

 I’m doing well
 I’ve been doing very well
 My day has been pretty good so far
 Not too bad
 Things are really good

You can also add “thanks for asking” at the end of any of these phrases to make them a little friendlier!
How to Make Small Talk in English

Conversation One: Books

Person 1: Have you read any good books lately?

Person 2: Not really. How about you?

Person 1: Yes, I just finished a really good mystery novel.

Person 2: What was it about?

Person 1: It was about a spy who needs to track down another spy to prevent an international catastrophe.

Person 2: That sounds interesting!

Person 1: It was! Do you like mystery novels? …

Conversation Two: Movies

Person 1: What kinds of movies do you like?

Person 2: I love horror movies!

Person 1: Oh, I love horror movies, too! But I can’t watch them alone.

Person 2: Me neither!

Person 1: What other kinds of movies do you like? …

Conversation Three: Weather

Person 1: Could we ask for better weather today?

Person 2: I know, right? It’s gorgeous outside!

Person 1: It really is. I think I might go for a run today.

Person 2: It’s a great day for it.

Person 1: Do you know of any good places to go for a run nearby? …

Conversation Four: Work

Person 1: I have a long day of work tomorrow.

Person 2: What do you do for a living?

Person 1: I’m an accountant. It can be a little stressful, but I enjoy the work on most days.

Person 2: My uncle owns an accounting firm.

Person 1: Really? What’s the name of the firm? …

Conversation Five: Hobbies

Person 1: What do you like to do for fun?

Person 2: I enjoy a lot of things, but painting is my main passion.

Person 1: That’s really cool! What do you paint?

Person 2: I mostly paint landscapes.

Person 1: That’s amazing. Do you have any pictures of your work?

GREETING-1

A: Hi, how are you doing?

B: I'm fine. How about yourself?

A: I'm pretty good. Thanks for asking.

B: No problem. So how have you been?

A: I've been great. What about you?

B: I've been good. I'm in school right now.

A: What school do you go to?

B: I go to PCC.

A: Do you like it there?

B: It's okay. It's a really big campus.

A: Good luck with school.

B: Thank you very much.

GREETING-2

A: How's it going?

B: I'm doing well. How about you?

A: Never better, thanks.

B: So how have you been lately?

A: I've actually been pretty good. You?

B: I'm actually in school right now.

A: Which school do you attend?

B: I'm attending PCC right now.

A: Are you enjoying it there?

B: It's not bad. There are a lot of people there.

A: Good luck with that.

B: Thanks.

GREETING-3

A: How are you doing today?

B: I'm doing great. What about you?

A: I'm absolutely lovely, thank you.

B: Everything's been good with you?

A: I haven't been better. How about yourself?

B: I started school recently.

A: Where are you going to school?

B: I'm going to PCC.

A: How do you like it so far?

B: I like it so far. My classes are pretty good right now.

A: I wish you luck.

B: Thanks a lot.

Formal Greetings

JAMES: Good morning, Professor Austin, how are you doing?

PROFESSOR AUSTIN: Good morning, James. I am doing well. And you?

JAMES: I’m great, thank you. This is my friend Emma. She is thinking about applying to this college. She has a few
questions. Would you mind telling us about the process, please?

PROFESSOR AUSTIN: Hello, Emma! It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m more than happy to speak with you. Please
stop by my office next week.

EMMA: It’s a pleasure to meet you, professor. Thank you so much for helping us.

PROFESSOR AUSTIN: Don’t mention it. Hopefully, I will be able to answer your questions!
Greetings 1

A : Hey man, how’s it going?

B : Yeah, good, good, oh, I got that job I interviewed for last week.

A : Hey that’s great! Hey, that’s really good to hear, I was hoping you’d get it. When do you start?

B : Not for another week, but do you wanna try to get together this weekend?

A : Uhm, does Friday work? I’ve got a really big weekend ahead.

B : Yeah, sounds good! Looking forward to it.

Greetings 2

A : Hiya, how’ve you been?

B : Yeah, not bad, actually I finally got a call back from that job that I interviewed for, and guess what? I got it!

A : Awesome! Yeah, well done, that’s really great to hear. Do you start right away?

B : Well, uhm yes and no, I go in for training tomorrow, but I don’t really start until next week. Do you have
some time this weekend, maybe we could get together?

A : I’ve got a lot planned this weekend, just running around, doing loads of stuff, but Friday’s pretty open.

B : That works pretty well for me, I’ll text you later about it?

Greetings 3

A : Mark, hey, what have you been up to? I haven’t seen you in a while.

B : Yeah, things have been really good, I’m gonna be starting that new job I interviewed for next week.

A : Wow, already? This month has been crazy, I’ve been so busy these past few weeks.

B : Yeah, we should try to meet up this weekend if you have some time.

A : You know, Friday night we’re actually already meeting up for drinks, you should meet us out.

B : Sure! Yeah, text me the info, and I’ll try to get away.
Greetings 4

A : Hey! How’ve you been I haven’t seen you in ages!

B : Yeah, it’s been such a long time, I guess it’s been, what, since that last time Megan got everyone together?

A : Yeah, I think I just missed you the last time she put something together.

B : Oh that’s right I had to leave early, work stuff.

A : Yeah I get that. What are you up to this weekend?

B : Uhm, nothing really, I was supposed to hang out with my family but those plans sort of fell through, do you
wanna try to get together? Maybe grab a coffee?

A : Sure, yeah, I’ll text you closer to Friday.

B : Perfect.

Greetings 5

A : Mark! Hey, how’ve you been, it’s been so long.

B : Yeah I can’t believe it’s been, what, like, a year since we had that trip to the river?

A : At least! I’ve been trying to get everyone together, but you know, it’s just hard to organize so many people.

B : Well, if you do plan something, let me know, Elaine and I are thinking of heading up to the beach next
month, we’d love it if you guys wanted to go.

A : Next month is really crazy with work, but I’ll facebook you if we get some time off.

B : Awesome, yeah, well, I’ve gotta head out, have a great weekend!

A : Thanks you, too.

Greetings 6

A : Kat, it’s been way too long, I heard you moved out of town?

B : Yeah, we’ve been house hunting forever, but we finally found something we like out in the suburbs, so, yeah,
we’re part of suburbia now.

A : Right, I get that, hey you should come over for dinner sometime, I’ve gotta run but send me a text if you’re
free this weekend or next.

B : Awesome! That would be so lovely, I’ll text you.

Greetings 7

A : Hey, Mark, how was your weekend?

B : Oh yeah, not too bad, didn’t really get up to much, which was actually pretty good for me.

A : Sometimes you need to just have some time to yourself to recharge, I get that.

B : What’d you get up to?

A : Oh, you know, just spent Sunday recovering from Saturday and binged on an entire season of Scrubs.

B : Haha, sounds about right.

Greetings 8

A : Hey, Kat, anything fun going on this weekend?

B : Yeah, actually, there’s uhm… there’s an outdoor movie screening at the park, I think it’s, oh I don’t remember
if it’s Friday or Saturday, I’d have to look it up. What are you and Lisa up to this weekend?

A : We’re finally moving into the new apartment, so we’ve got loads of packing to do.

B : Well, if you guys need any help you know you can always call me and Tom to help you guys out.

A : Thanks, yeah, we appreciate that.

Greetings 9

A : Hiya, anything good happening this weekend? My friends are coming into town, so we get to play tourist for
a few days.

B : Oh I love playing tourist. Uhm, actually you know, I’d gotten tickets to the Dynamo soccer game, but I’m
pretty sure I can’t go anymore, maybe we could work something out and you could take them off my hands?

A : Oh, yeah, yeah that’d be great, I’ll let you know later tonight?

B : Yeah, just text me about it later.

A : Will do!
Greetings
A : Hey man, whatcha got goin’ on this weekend?

B : Yeah, you know, I had plans to meet up with Danielle and them, but I think those kinda fell through, so who
knows? Got anything planned?

A : Well, I was thinking about having a little get together Saturday afternoon, nothing too big, just have people
come over and maybe swim and get the barbecue pit out.

B : Yeah, yeah that’d be great, what time were you thinking?

A : I dunno, maybe a late lunch? Like 1, 1:30?

B : Sure, yeah I’ll be there.

EXPRESSION OF GREETING AND LEAVE TAKING

Some expressions of formal greeting:

Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening / Good night

Hello,

Hello, good evening

Some expressions of informal greeting:

Hello, How are you doing?

What’s new?

How are you?

Pretty good, thanks.

Just fine

Great, thanks

Pre-Closing Ok, then . . . I’ve got to go now

So, I’ll see you next week

I think, I’d better be going right now

Well, it’s time for me to leave now

I think it’s already late at night

I must be going home

Formal Some of the responses of saying goodbye:

Goodbye.

It was nice to meet you.

I hope to see you soon

Goodbye

Nice too meet you too.

See you later

Informal Some of the responses of saying goodbye:

Bye-bye

Talk to you later

Nice seeing you

Bye

Goodbye

See you later

DIALOGUE - Raihan meets his old friend, Luna

Raihan : Good Morning, Luna. How are you?

Luna : Good morning. I’m fine, thanks, and you?

Raihan : Very well, thanks. Nice to meet you.

Luna : Nice to meet you, too. I haven’t seen you for a long time. What have you been doing lately?

Raihan :Oh, nothing much really and how is everything with you?

Luna : Fine, thanks. I have been busy lately.

Raihan : What have you been doing?

Luna : I have been working the home industries. I’ll export them next month.

Raihan : Really? Good luck to you.

Luna : Thanks. Well, I really have to go now. Glad to have met you, goodbye!

Raihan : Bye-bye!

Task 1

Complete the dialogues.

Raihan : Hello, Chelsea. (a)__ __ _ ?

Chelsea : Im great, thanks. How about you?

Raihan : (b) See you tommorow.

Chelsea : (c) _______, Raihan.

Rino : Good morning, Luna.

Luna : (d)________, Rino. What’s new?

Rino : Nothing special. (e)____________

Luna : Goodbye, Rino.

FULL NAME

- What is your name?

- What is your full name?

- What is your last name / surname?

- What is your (surname / full / last) name, please?

- May I know your (surname / full / last) name, pls?

- Can / Could you tell me your (surname / full / last) name, pls?

- May I have your name, pls?

- How may I address you?

- How is one to call you?

- How do they call you?

- I’m sorry. I’m terrible with names. What was your name again?

- Hang on, I’ve already forgotten your name. Would you mind saying it again (pls)?

JOB

- What is your profession?

- What is your occupation?

- What is your job? x

- Whatdo you do?

- What do you do for living?

- Can I ask what you do?

- What kind of work do you do?

- What line of work are you in?

Additional Qts:

- Where do you work?

- How long have you been doing that?

- How long have you been with the company?

- Have you been with the company long?

NICKNAMES

- What is your nickname?

- Do you have a nickname?

- Do you have any other nicknames?

- How many nicknames do you have?

- What does your family call you at home?

- Does your family call you by chosen name?

- What do your parents call you?

- What do your siblings call you?

- What do your friends call you at school?

- What do your best friends call you?

- What name do or did your family and friends once call you they would not use for you now?

- Did your parents ever tell you why they chose your name?

BORN

- Where were you born?

- When were you born?

- What is your birth month?

- What is your date of birth?

- What year were you born?

- What day were you born?

HEIGHT & WEIGHT

- How tall are you?

- What is your height?

- How much do you weigh?

- What is your weight?

HAIR COLOUR

- What is your hair color?

- What color is your hair?

- What is the color of your hair?

- What hair color do you have?

- What color hair do you have?

- Do you color / dye you hair yourself or go to a professional?

- How often do you color / dye your hair?

- What is the most common hair color people dye their hair?

- How long does hair color last?

- How can someone color his / her hair naturally?

- How can someone cover GREY hair without dying it?

- How can someone cover his / her gray hair naturally?

- How can someone darken his / her hair without dying it?

- How can someone darken his / her GREY hair naturally?

- How long does someone have to wait before re-coloring his / her hair with a different color?

FAMILY

- What is your family like?

- How many members are there in your family?

- What does your dad do for the living?

- Is your mom a housewife or a working woman?

- How many siblings do you have?

- Does your family usually eat dinner together?

- Who in the family helps you with your homework and assignments?

- How often do you engage in a conversation with your parents?

- How often do you get into an argument with your parents?

- Who do you think you take most after – your mom or your dad?
- How do your parents deal with the situation when you or your sibling commits a mistake?

- Does your family spend weekends together?

- What does your family like to do together during vacations?

- Where do your family head to during vacations?

- Do you visit your grandparents often?

- What do you love the most about your family and why?

- Who are you closest to in your family and why?

- Whom do you consider as your role model in the family?

- Who is the person you trust the most in the world?

EDUCATION

- Are you a graduate or a student?

- Where did you study?

- What did you study?

- Why did you choose your particular major?

- What influenced your choice of college?

- Who helped you decide which college to attend?

- Why have you not opted to pursue a master's degree?

- What other schools did you consider attending?

- Do you have any plan to study abroad?

- Which country would you like to go for study? Why?

- Which method(s) of studying is / are the best for you?

- When do you usually study your lessons - morning or evening? Why?

- What do you prefer - individual learning or group learning?

- What do you miss most during your school days?

- Do you think / agree College / University education is essential for everyone?

- What skills have you learned in college that apply to your career?
HOBBIES

- Do you have any hobbies?

- What are your hobbies?

- What do you do for fun?

- How do you spend your time when you're not working/going to school?

- How did that become your hobby?

- Do you see yourself continuing this hobby in the long run?

- What other hobbies have you had in the past?

- What's your favorite part of your hobby?

- How many hours a week do you spend on your hobby?

- Why do people need hobbies?

PETS

- Do you have a pet?

- Do you have any pets?

- Are you a cat or dog person?

- What’s its name?

- What are their names?

- How did you come up with the name?

- How old is your pet?

- When did you get your pet?

- How did you get your pet?

- What breed is it? or What breeds are they?

- What is your pets’ favorite food?

- What is the best thing about your pet has?

- What is the naughtiest thing your pet has ever done?

- What is the hardest thing about being a pet owner?

FAVOURITE FOODS

- What is your favourite food?

- Are there any foods that you really dislike to eat?

- Are there any foods that you wouldn't eat as a child that you eat now?

- Are there any foods that bring back special memories for you? What are they?

- Do you like to eat fast food?

- Do you usually eat dessert after dinner?

- Can you cook well? What food can you cook the best?

- Do you prefer to eat at a restaurant or at home?

- What is the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?

- Do you have any food allergies?

- Which country's food do you like the most?

FAVOURITE BANDS or MUSICIANS

- What is your favourite bands?

- Who is your favourite musicians?

- What music do you like to listen to? Or What is your favorite Genre?

- Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

- Which male musician do you like most?

- Which female artist is your favourite?

- What’s the most beautiful song you’ve ever listened to?

- How many songs do you listen to everyday?

- How many music videos do you watch every day?

- Do you like country music?

- What song touches your heart the most?

- What song(s) makes you cry whenever it plays?

- What songs bring back pleasant childhood memories?

- When was the last time you played loud music at home?
FAVOURITE CLOTHES

- What type of clothes do you like to wear?

- How important are clothes and fashion to you? [Why/Why not?]?

- About how much money do you spend on clothes a year?

- Do you like shopping for new clothes?

- Do you often buy new clothes?

- Do you think it is important to wear fashionable clothes?

- Do you think people feel different when they wear different clothes?

- What colors do you think look good on you?

- What colors do you choose to wear when you are happy?

- In what ways do you dress differently?

- Did your parents ever make you wear something you didn't like?

- Do you like to go shopping during the sales?

- Do you go to many shops before buying one particular item or do you just buy the first one you find?

FAVOURITE FILMS

- What is your favorite movie?

- Are there any kinds of movies you dislike?

- Do you usually watch movies at home or at a movie theater?

- What is the best and the worst movie you have ever seen?

- What was the last movie you saw?

- Which do you like better, action movies or comedy movies?

- Who is your favorite actor or actress?

- What is your favorite movie soundtrack?

- Do you like foreign films that are dubbed in your mother tongue or do you like watching the film in its original
form?

- What do you think about eating during movies at a movie theater?

- Have you ever thought about what super powers you would like to have?
FAVOURITE PLACE(S) for HOLIDAY

- What is your favorite place / vacation destination you have visited?

- What was / were the best thing(s) about your holiday you visited?

- What was the most memorable holiday you visited?

- Would you re-visit anywhere you went?

- What do you do to prepare for a holiday?

- What stressful things are involved in taking a holiday?

- Do you write out a list of things to pack?

- Where did you use to go on holiday when you were a child?

- What was the most memorable meal of the trip?

- Do you organise your holiday over the internet or do you use a travel agent?

- Do you consider environmental issues when you plan and take a holiday? Which issues do you consider?

- What are the differences between a holiday you take with your family and a holiday you take with friends?

- Do you usually eat out every day when you're on holiday?

- Have you ever experienced any holiday problems?

- Where would you want to go next time?

- What advice would you give someone visiting a place for the first time?

AMBITIONS

- What is your ambition in life?

- What are your short term and long term goals?

- How do you plan to achieve the goal you wish?

- What are your career goals?

- Is having a goal in life effective in becoming successful?

- Is having a goal helpful in motivating a person?

- How would you feel if you failed to achieve any of your goals?

- Where do you see yourself in next 5 years?

Ordering A Meal

Waiter: Hello, I’ll be your waiter today. Can I start you off with something to drink?

Ralph: Yes. I’ll have iced tea, please.

Anna: And I’ll have lemonade.

Waiter: OK. Are you ready to order, or do you need a few minutes?

Ralph: I think we’re ready. I’ll have the tomato soup to start, and the roast beef with mashed potatoes and peas.

Waiter: How do you want the beef — rare, medium or well done?

Ralph: Well done, please.

Anna: And I’ll just have the fish, with potatoes and a salad.

Ordering Food in a Restaurant

Waiter: Hello, Can I help you?

Kim: Yes, I'd like to have some lunch.

Waiter: Would you like a starter?

Kim: Yes, I'd like a bowl of chicken soup, please.

Waiter: And what would you like for your main course?

Kim: I'd like a grilled cheese sandwich.

Waiter: Would you like anything to drink?

Kim: Yes, I'd like a glass of Coke, please.

Waiter: Would Pepsi be OK? We don't have Coke.

Kim: That would be fine.

Waiter: (After Kim has her lunch.) Can I bring you anything else?

Kim: No thank you. Just the bill.

Waiter: Certainly.

Kim: I don't have my glasses. How much is the lunch?

Waiter: That's $6.75.

Kim: Here you are. Thank you very much.

Waiter: You're welcome. Have a good day.

Kim: Thank you. Same to you.

Dining at a Restaurant Alone

Waitperson: Hi. How are you doing this afternoon?

Customer (you): Fine, thank you. Can I see a menu, please?

Waitperson: Certainly, here you are.

Customer: Thank you. What's today's special?

Waitperson: Grilled tuna and cheese on rye.

Customer: That sounds good. I'll have that.

Waitperson: Would you like something to drink?

Customer: Yes, I'd like a coke.

Waitperson: Thank you. (returning with the food) Here you are. Enjoy your meal!

Customer: Thank you.

Waitperson: Can I get you anything else?

Customer: No thanks. I'd like the check, please.

Waitperson: That'll be $14.95.

Customer: Here you are. Keep the change!

Waitperson: Thank you! Have a good day!

Customer: Goodbye.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

 Could I have a menu, please?

 Here you are.
 Enjoy your meal!
 Would you like ...
 Can I get you anything else?
 I'd like the check, please.
 That'll be ...
 Have a good day!
 The spaghetti/steak/chicken looks good.
 How is the pizza/fish/beer?
 What would you recommend?
 I'd like my steak rare/medium/well done.
 Are there any nuts/peanuts? My child has allergies.
 Do you have any vegetarian dishes?
 Could I have a glass of water, please?
 Could you tell me where the restroom is?
 I'd recommend the lasagna/steak/pizza.
 Would you care for an appetizer/a beer/a cocktail?
 I'd like to have a beer/steak/glass of wine.
At a Restaurant With Friends

Kevin: The spaghetti looks really good.

Alice: It is! I had it the last time I was here.

Peter: How is the pizza, Alice?

Alice: It's good, but I think the pasta is better. What would you recommend?

Waitperson: I'd recommend the lasagna. It's excellent!

Alice: That sounds great. I'll have that.

Waitperson: Fine. Would you like an appetizer?

Alice: No, lasagna is more than enough for me!

Kevin: I think I'll have the lasagna as well.

Waitperson: Right. That's two lasagnas. Would you care for an appetizer?

Kevin: Yes, I'll take the calamari.

Peter: Oh, that sounds good! I can't decide between the chicken marsala and grilled fish.

Waitperson: The fish is fresh, so I'd recommend that.

Peter: Great. I'll have the fish. I'd also like a salad.

Waitperson: What would you like to drink?

Kevin: I'll have water.

Alice: I'd like a beer.

Peter: I'll take a glass of red wine.

Waitperson: Thank you. I'll get the drinks and the appetizers.

Kevin: Thank you. 

SHOPPING
Salesperson: Can I help you?

Gloria: Yes, I’m looking for a sweater — in a size medium.

Salesperson: Let’s see…here’s a nice white one. What do you think?

Gloria: I think I’d rather have it in blue.

Salesperson: OK…here’s blue, in a medium. Would you like to try it on?

Gloria: OK…yes, I love it. It fits perfectly. How much is it?

Salesperson: It’s $50. It will be $53 with tax.

Gloria: Perfect! I’ll take it.

Conversation 1
Situation: Lucy and Tui meet Bob at the university shop.

Lucy: Good morning, Bob. Nice to see you, how are you today?

Bob: Morning, Lucy. I’m great thanks. What are you buying?

Lucy: I’m here with Tui, she wants to buy something for the new semester. 

Bob: What do you want to buy, Tui?

Tui: I want to buy a maroon university jumper, but they all look too large and expensive.

Bob: You should ask the sales assistant to help you.

Tui: Excuse me, please. Do you have a small jumper which is not too expensive?

Sales Assistant: Please look at our sale items in the second aisle. The jumpers are cheaper but I don’t know what
we have in stock. You can try clothes on in the fitting cubicle. 

Tui: Thank you. Look at this one, Lucy. I really like it and it’s cheap as well. The label shows it’s only £10.50.

Lucy: That is the right size, it fits you and is not baggy. Put it back on the hanger and let’s go and pay for it.

Bob: Oh, Tui, I almost forgot, you can use my loyalty card to receive an additional 10% discount.

Tui: That is very kind of you, Bob. I have saved a lot of money today. I can now afford to buy some new books. 

Lucy: The book shop has a clearance sale next door. Would you like to go and have a look with us, Bob?

Bob: Yes, I also need some books. Come on, let’s go.

Conversation 2
Situation: Roommates Jane and Patrick discuss their weekly shopping trip.
Jane: We don’t have much food left in the cupboards, Patrick. Are you ready to do our food shopping?

Patrick: Yes, I’ll just put on my shoes and we will go.

Jane: It’s too far from the dormitory. Let’s buy our food online.

Patrick: I’ve never bought food online before. In America we don’t usually purchase things online. 

Jane: In the UK people often purchase all kinds of things online, especially food. It is very convenient.

Patrick: How long will it take to be delivered? 

Jane: The delivery service is free if we spend over £35 and we will get it tomorrow afternoon if we order
today.

Patrick: That is very good. Are products more expensive online?

Jane: No. The prices are the same and sometimes it can be cheaper. You can often see special offers like
buy one get one free.

Patrick: What if the item we choose is not in stock? 

Jane: The staff will choose an alternative of a similar price, or give us a refund.

Patrick: It all sounds very reasonable and convenient. Let’s order online.

Jane: I will go to get my computer and log in to the shop’s website.

Patrick: I will make a shopping list of what we need and you can order it.

Jane: Ok. I will get my purse, too. I will use my credit card to pay.

Patrick: Thanks. I will give you my share in cash from my wallet.

Jane:  Ok, that is fine.

Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks

Situation: Andrew goes to the clothes store to return a coat he bought last week. 

Sales assistant: Good afternoon, Sir. How can I help you?

Andrew: Hi, I want to _______(1)________.
Sales assistant: Please speak to my supervisor. She is in charge of returns.
Supervisor: Hello, how may I assist you?
Andrew: I’d like to return this coat, please. 
Supervisor: Is there anything wrong with it?
Andrew: Yes. The stitching has come apart near the hood.
Supervisor: I just need to know how you paid for this item and if you still have the receipt.
Andrew: I paid by cash, but unfortunately ____________(2)____________.
Supervisor: I am afraid I will only be able to offer you a store voucher. 
Andrew: I understand. I really like the design of the coat. Is it possible to have a replacement?
Supervisor: That is not a problem. I will check to see if we have another one in stock.
Andrew: Thanks.
Supervisor: I’m sorry. We don’t have that design in stock but we have a similar design which is the same price. We can do
an exchange for you. Here it is.
Andrew: I really like it. ________(3)________.
Supervisor: Would you like to try it on to make sure it fits you? The fitting cubicle is over there.
Andrew: No, thanks. ______(4)_________.
Supervisor: Is there anything else you want to buy today as we have a promotion on sportswear. 
Andrew: No, not today. I would just like the exchange, please.
Supervisor: Let me remove the security tag for you. Would you like the hanger, too?
Andrew: No, thanks. I have many at home.
Supervisor: Here is your receipt ______(5)_______. Have a nice day.
Andrew: Thank you for your help. Have a nice day, too.

***Choose the best option (A-D) in the following five questions to fill in the blanks in the shopping conversation given
above.

1) Which option is the best to fill in the first blank?

A) Return an item
    B) Buy a new coat
    C) Buy another coat
    D) Return an umbrella

2) Which option is the best to fill in the second blank?

A) Here is my receipt
    B) Yes. I have my receipt.
    C) I don’t usually keep receipts.
    D) I want a new coat

3) Which option is the best to fill in the third blank?

A) I don’t like the colour.
    B) It’s exactly the style I like.
    C) I want a refund.
    D) I don’t like that design.

4) Which option is the best to fill in the fourth blank?

A) I think I should try it on.
    B) Yes, I will try it on.
    C) I don’t like this style.
    D) A medium size always fits me perfectly.

5) Which option is the best to fill in the fifth blank?

A) For the refund
    B) For your exchange
C) For your purchase
    D) For your new jeans

Question set A

 Do you enjoy shopping?

 Where do you go shopping most often?
 Have you ever worked in a shop?
  Why do people go just window shopping?
 How often do you go shopping?

Question set B

 What types of shops do you like to visit?

 Do you spend a lot of money when you go shopping?
 Would you like to work in a shop?
 What do you dislike about shopping?
 Do you like to go shopping alone or with friends?

Put each of the following words or phrases in the correct gap.

tag, label, cashier, bargain, receipt, exchange, take back, try on, fit, advice, shop assistant, credit card,
check, select, cash, refund, size, sale

If you want to go shopping there are a number of things you have to consider. If you would like to find a _____
you should make sure to go to a _____. The only problem with a sale is that it is sometimes hard to _____
something once you buy it. Many stores also refuse to give a _____ on anything you have bought. If you are
looking for clothes, make sure to _____, check the _____ to make sure that it is a good _____. Another good idea
is to look at the _____ and _____ to see instructions for washing, etc. It's always a good idea to also ask the _____
for _____. Finally, when you go to the _____ you can usually pay by _____ or _____ if you don't have the _____.
Never forget to get the _____!

Answers
tag, label, cashier, bargain, receipt, exchange, take back, try on, fit, advice, shop assistant, credit card, check,
select, cash, refund, size, sale

If you want to go shopping there are a number of things you have to consider. If you would like to find
a bargain you should make sure to go to a sale. The only problem with a sale is that it is sometimes hard
to exchange something once you buy it. Many stores also refuse to give a refund on anything you have bought. If
you are looking for clothes, make sure to try them on, check the size to make sure that it is a good fit. Another
good idea is to look at the tag and label to see instructions for washing, etc. It's always a good idea to also ask
the shop assistant for advice. Finally, when you go to the cashier you can usually pay by credit card or check if
you don't have the cash. Never forget to get the receipt!

Shopping for a Sweater

Shop assistant: May I help you?
Customer: Yes, I'm looking for a sweater.

Shop assistant: What size are you?

Customer: I'm an extra large.

Shop assistant: Would you like a plain sweater or something else?

Customer: I'm looking for a plain blue sweater.

Shop assistant: How about this one?

Customer: Yes, that's nice. Could I try it on?

Shop assistant: Certainly, the changing rooms are over there.

Customer: Thank you. (goes into a changing room to try on the sweater)

Shop assistant: How does it fit?

Customer: It's too large. Do you have a large?

Shop assistant: Yes, here you are. Would you like to try it on to see if it fits?
Customer: No that's Okay. Thank you. I'll take it. I'm also looking for some nice slacks.

Shop assistant: Great. We have some very nice wool slacks over here. Would you like to take a look?
Customer: Yes, thanks for your help. 

Shop assistant: What are your measurements?

Customer: I'm a 38'' waist and a 32" inseam.

Shop assistant: What do you think about these?

Customer: They're nice, but I'd prefer cotton trousers if you have them.

Shop assistant: Certainly, our summer slacks collection is over here. How about these?
Customer: Yes, I like those. Do you have them in grey as well?

Shop assistant: Yes, here's a pair. You said you the measurements are 38" by 32", didn't you?
Customer: Yes, that's correct. I'll go try them on.

Shop assistant: Let me know if you need any help.

Customer: Thank you. (comes back) These are great. So, that makes one sweater and a pair of grey slacks.

Shop assistant: OK, how would you like to pay?

Customer: Do you take credit cards?

Shop assistant: Yes, we do. Visa, Master Card, and American Express.
Customer: OK, here's my Visa.

Shop assistant: Thank you. Have a nice day!

Customer: Thank you, goodbye.

Key Vocabulary
Phrases
  Could / May I help you?
 Could I try it (them) on?
 How does it fit?
 How would you like to pay?
 I'm looking for...
 I'd prefer...

Words

 Changing rooms
 Size - extra small, small, medium, large, extra large - Used with standard measurements
 Measurements - used with specific measurements for trousers, suits, etc. 
 Shop assistant/store clerk
 Trousers/Slacks/Pants
 Waist 
 Inseam 
 Credit cards

Quiz
Provide the missing word to fill in the gaps to complete this conversation with a store clerk. 

Store clerk: Hello, _____ I help you find anything?

Customer: Yes, I'm looking _____ a blouse and some matching trousers.
Store clerk: Great. What _____ would you like?
Customer: I'm _____ for a white blouse and black trousers. They're for an important job interview.

Store clerk: Okay. Please follow me to the business apparel section.

Customer: Thanks for your help.

Store clerk: It's my pleasure. Do you see anything you like?

Customer: Yes, that blouse looks nice.

Store clerk: What _____ are you?

Customer: I'm a small. Now, let's take a look at the pants.

Store clerk: These are nice. Would you like to _____ them on?
Customer: Do you have anything else?

Store clerk: Yes, we also have these trousers.

Customer: I like those, I'll try those _____ .

Store clerk: What are your _____ ?

Customer: I have a 26" waist and 32" inseam.

Store clerk: Here's a pair. Would you like to try them on?
Customer: Yes, where's the _____ ?

Store clerk: You can try them on over there.

Customer: Thank you. (tries the clothing on, walks out of the changing room) What do you think?

Store clerk: You look fantastic! I'm sure you'll get that job!
Customer: Thanks! I'll take them.

Store clerk: Would you like to _____ by cash or by credit card?

Customer: _____ , please. Here's my visa card.

Store clerk: Thank you. That will be $145.

Answers

 May/could/can
 For
 Color
 Size
 Try
 On
 Measurements
 Changing room
 Pay
 Credit card


SELF PROFILE
FULL NAME

JOB
NICKNAMES

BORN

HEIGHT

HAIR COLOUR

FAMILY

EDUCATION

HOBBIES

PETS

FAVOURITE FOODS

FAVOURITE BANDS

FAVOURITE CLOTHES

FAVOURITE FILM(S)

FAVOURITE PLACE(S) for HOLIDAY

AMBITIONS

Useful Language
- What’s your … (full name)?

- What are … (your ambition)?

- How old / tall …?

- When / Where … (were you born)?

- When / Where did you … (go to school)?

- Have you got … (a nickname/any pets)?

- Who is your … (hero/favourite singer)?

- Tell me about your … (family/hobbies)? / - What about …?

- What is / are your favourite place(s) for holiday?

Key Vocabulary Words and Phrases Related to Directions

 Take a right/left
 Got it
 I understand
 Do you understand?
 Go straight
  Opposite
 Take the first / second / third / right
 Go right / left / straight at the light / corner / stop sign 
 Continue straight on
 Turn right / left at the light / corner / stop sign 
 Get on the bus / subway at 12th Ave. / Whitman Street / Yellow Lane 
 Follow the signs for the museum / exhibition center / exit 

Common Questions When Asking for Directions

 Is it far? / Is it close? 
 How far is it? / How close is it?
 Could you please give me directions?
 Where is the nearest bank / supermarket / gas station?
 Where can I find a bookstore / restaurant / bus stop / restroom?
 Is the museum / bank / department store near here?

Practice Dialogue: Taking the Subway

John: Linda, do you know how to get to Samson's and Co.? I've never been there before.
Linda: Are you driving or taking the subway?

John: The subway.

Linda: Take the blue line from 14th Ave. and change to the gray line at Andrew Square. Get off at 83rd street.

John: Just a moment, let me write this down.

Linda: Take the blue line from 14th Ave. and change to the gray line at Andrew Square. Get off at 83rd street.

Got it?

John: Yes, thanks. Now, once I get to Andrew Square, how do I proceed?
Linda: Once you are on 83rd street, go straight, past the bank. Take the second left and continue going

straight. It's across the street from Jack's Bar.

John: Can you repeat that?

Linda: Once you are on 83rd street, go straight, past the bank. Take the second left and continue going

straight. It's across the street from Jack's Bar.

John: Thanks, Linda. How long does it take to get there?

Linda: It takes about a half-hour. When is your meeting?

John: It's at 10 a.m. I'll leave at 9:30.

Linda: That's a busy time. You should leave at 9.

John: OK. Thanks, Linda.

Linda: Not at all.

Practice Dialogue: Taking Directions Over the Telephone

Doug: Hello, this is Doug.

Susan: Hi Doug. This is Susan.
Doug: Hi Susan. How are you?
Susan: I'm fine. I have a question. Do you have a moment?

Doug: Certainly, how can I help you?

Susan: I'm driving to the conference center later today. Could you give me directions?

Doug: Sure. Are you leaving home?

Susan: Yes.

Doug: OK, take a left onto Bethany street and drive to the freeway entrance. Take the freeway toward Portland.
Susan: How far is it to the conference center from my home?

Doug: It's about 20 miles. Continue on the freeway to exit 23. Take the exit and turn right onto Broadway at the
stoplight.

Susan: Let me repeat that. Take the freeway to exit 23 and turn right onto Broadway.

Doug: That's right. Continue on Broadway for about two miles and then turn left onto 16th Ave.
Susan: OK.

Doug: On 16th Ave., take the second right into the conference center.
Susan: Oh that's easy.

Doug: Yes, it's very easy to get to.

Susan: How long does it take to get there?

Doug: If there's no traffic, about 25 minutes. In heavy traffic, it takes about 45 minutes.
Susan: I'm leaving at 10 in the morning, so the traffic shouldn't be so bad.

Doug: Yes, that's right. Can I help you with anything else?
Susan: No that's it. Thanks for your help.

Doug: OK. Enjoy the conference.

Susan: Thanks, Doug. Bye. 

Practice Dialogue: Directions to the Museum (On the street corner)

Tourist: Excuse me, can you help me? I'm lost!

Person: Certainly, where would you like to go?
Tourist: I'd like to go to the museum, but I can't find it. Is it far?
Person: No, not really. It's about a five-minute walk.

Tourist: Maybe I should call a taxi.

Person: No, It's very easy. Really. (pointing) I can give you directions.

Tourist: Thank you. That's very kind of you.

Person: Not at all. Now, go along this street to the traffic lights. Do you see them?

Tourist: Yes, I can see them.

Person: Right, at the traffic lights, turn left into Queen Mary Ave.

Tourist: Queen Mary Ave.

Person: Right. Go straight. Take the second left and enter Museum Drive.

Tourist: OK. Queen Mary Ave., straight on and then the third left, Museum Drive.
Person: No, it's the second left.

Tourist: Ah, right. The second street on my left.

Person: Right. Just follow Museum Drive and the museum is at the end of the road.

Tourist: Great. Thanks again for your help.

Person: Not at all.

Practice Dialogue: Directions to a Supermarket

Tom: Could you go to the supermarket and buy some food? There's nothing to eat in the house!
Helen: Sure, but I don't know the way. We've just moved in.

Tom: I'll give you directions. Not to worry.

Helen: Thanks. 

Tom: At the end of the street, take a right. Then drive two miles to White Ave. After that, it's another mile to...
Helen: Let me write this down. I won't remember it!

Tom: OK. First, take a right at the end of the street.

Helen: Got it.

Tom: Next, drive two miles to White Ave.

Helen: Two miles to White Ave. After that?

Tom: Take a left onto 14th Street.

Helen: Left onto 14th Street. 

Tom: The supermarket is on the left, next to the bank.

Helen: How far is it after I turn on to 14th Street?

Tom: It's not far, maybe about 200 yards.

Helen: OK. Great. Is there anything special you want?

Tom: No, just the usual. Well, if you could get some beer that would be great!
Helen: OK, just this once!

Asking & Giving Directions

Conversations 1

Jane: Excuse me! Can you tell me the way to the museum?

Mike: It’s this way. Go straight ahead at the traffic lights. Turn right. Go along the street. Walk past the park, and
keep going straight until you see the sign for the museum.

Jane: Great! Thanks for your help.

Mike: You’re welcome.

Conversations 2

Kate: Excuse me! How do I get to the post office?

Mary: Sorry, I’m not from around here.

Kate: Do you know where the closest bank is?

Mary: If you cross the street, you’ll find a bank there!

Kate: Thank you.

Conversations 3

Emily: Excuse me, I’m afraid I can’t find a petrol station. Do you know where one is?

Bill: There’s one near here.

Emily: How do I get there?

Bill: At the bus stop, take the first right and go straight on. It’s opposite the shopping mall.

Emily: Thank you so much!

Conversations 4

Rose: Excuse me! Is there a hospital near here?

Jack: Yes, there’s one near here.

Rose: How far is it to the hospital?

Jack: It’s not far, maybe about 200 yards.

Rose: Could you please guide me?

Jack: It’s that way. Go straight ahead. Take a right at the junction. This straight road will lead you to the hospital.

Conversations 5

Susan: Can you give me directions to the Thai restaurant?

Nicolas: Yes, sure. Do you know the supermarket?

Susan: Yes.

Nicolas: When you get to the supermarket, take the second left. You’ll pass a cinema. The Thai restaurant is next
to the cinema.

Susan: Thank you very much.

Nicolas: Go slow, there are many schools on the way.

Susan: I really want to thank you for your help.

Nicolas: Not at all.

Conversations 6

Alex: Pardon me, I’m lost. How do I get to the cafe?

Tom: I’m sorry, I don’t know. You could ask the bus driver.

Alex: Thanks for your suggestion.

Conversations 7

Brenda: Can you tell me where the airport is?

Mark: Go straight ahead at the traffic lights. Turn right. Take this road. This straight road will lead you to the
airport. It’ll be on your left.

Brenda: Thanks a lot.

Mark: It’s nothing.

Conversations 8

Linda: Can you tell me how to get to the bookstore from here?

John: I’m sorry. I’m not from here so I don’t know my way around. But I know a library near here.

Linda: How far is it?

John: It’s about a mile from here.

Linda: Will you please tell me where library is?

John: Go straight and turn right after the petrol station. Take this road. Go past the car park and you’ll find the
library.

Linda: Many thanks.

Conversations 9

Cindy: Sorry to bother you, but would you mind showing me the way to the train station?
Martin: Certainly.Take the first left when you enter Steven Road. After you pass a restaurant on your left, take a
right at the crossroad. Then you’ll see a hospital. It is behind the hospital.

Cindy: Sorry, but I don’t remember. Can you help me find it?

Martin: OK. Follow me. I’ll show you the way.

Conversations 10

Lisa: Would you show me the way to the clothes shop?

Jimmy: When you get to Steve Street, take your next right. It’s on the corner, across from the cafe.

Lisa: Thanks! I’ve just moved in, so I really don’t know my way around yet.

Jimmy: Oh, I know how you feel. We moved here a year ago, and I still don’t know where everything is!

Conversations 11

Scarlet: Is this the right way to Brington Resort?

David: You’re going the wrong way.

Scarlet: Please tell me how to get there.

David: I’ll give you directions. Not to worry.

Scarlet: How far is it to the resort from here?

David: It’s pretty far from here. On the way here, did you see a school?

Scarlet: Yes, I saw a primary school.

David: Turn right after the school. Take this road. You’ll pass a bakery on your left. It is behind the bakery.

Scarlet: Thank you so much.

Conversations 12

Clara: Do you know how to get to the gallery? I’ve never been there before.

Michael: Certainly. However, there might still be road repairs and diversions. You should be careful.

Clara: Thanks for your warning.

Michael: Go down this street for two blocks and turn left. Keep going straight ahead; you will see a park. Make a
left turn when you see the park. Go down there. The gallery is between a pharmacy and a skyscraper.

Clara: Thank you again. Have a nice day.

A Police Officer And A Tourist

Tourist: Excuse me officer, I think I am lost. Can you help me find my hotel, please?
Officer: Certainly, What's the name of your hotel?

Tourist: It's the GrammarBank Hotel.

Officer: Hmm, I think I know where it is.

Tourist: Is it far?

Officer: No, not really. Do you have a car, are you driving?

Tourist: No, I don't have a car.

Officer: Okay, actually it's only about 10 minutes walk. But if you want, I can call you a cab.

Tourist: No, thank you. I don't mind walking.

Officer: Okay then, let me give you the directions.

Tourist: Thank you. I appreciate that.

Officer: Now, go along this street until you get to the Bank. Do you see the tall building?

Tourist: Yeah.

Officer: So, at the traffic lights there, turn left to Great Sheva Avenue.

Tourist: Okay, I will turn left.

Officer: Correct. Then go straight on, take the second right and that should take you to the GrammarBank

Hotel.

Tourist: Okay, I will take the second left.

Officer: No, it's the second right.

Tourist: Ah, right. The second right.

Officer: Yes sir, left at the traffic lights near the bank and then the second right.

Tourist: Got it, thank you very much for your help.

Officer: No problem, have a nice day.

Conversation on asking for Directions

William: Excuse me, am sorry to trouble you, but could you tell me how I can get to the train station?
Kate: Yes no problem, it's that way. Keeping walking straight ahead then after you pass the library you have to
turn left. then take your first right and it's across from the bus station. You cannot miss it!

William: Thank you so much! I have only been in Manchester for 2 days, so I don't know how to get anywhere
yet.

Kate: Oh, I know that feeling. Me and my husband moved here a 6 months ago, and I still don't know how to find
certain places! Manchester is so big.

William: So just to double check Keep walking straight ahead till I pass the library, then I have to turn left and
take the first right. Then it's across the bus station. Is that correct?

Kate: Yes, that is correct.

William: Well thanks for helping me. I must go and catch my train, hopefully I haven't miss it!

Kate: OK, bye.

Useful Hints on Asking and Giving Directions

Questions you can ask about Directions

Can you please tell me how do I can get to Oxford Street?

Where is the nearest supermarket?

How can I get to the local market?

I'm trying get to Downing Street.

How do I get to the office?

What's the best way to get to your house next?

Where is Mc Donalds can you tell me please?

How to give Directions to Somebody else

Go straight on till you see the hospital then turn left.

Turn back, you have gone past the turning.

Turn left when you see a roundabout.

Turn right at the end of the road and my house is number 67.

Cross the junction and keep going for about 1 mile.

Take the third road on the right and you will see the office on the right.

Take the third road on the right and you will see the shop on the left.

Take the second road on the left and you will see the house on the left.

Take the second road on the left and you will see the hospital straight ahead.

The hospital is opposite the railway station.

The shop is near the hospital.

The house is next to the local cricket ground.

The shop is in between the chemist and KFC.

At the end of the road you will see a roundabout.

ASKING FOR AND GIVING DIRECTIONS

Before Asking For Directions:

Starting to conversation kindly is very good way. So, when we start talking, we can use the following forms:

 Excuse me / Excuse me sir or madam.

 I am new here.
 I’m lost.
 I am sorry to interrupt you, but…
 Excuse me, could you help me, please?
 I am sorry.
 Sorry, I am not from around here.
 Excuse me madam, I seemed to be lost.
 Hello / Hello sir or madam.

Asking Directions:

Sometimes we or someone need to find a place. And we need to ask someone else for help. When we’re asking for
directions to someone, we use some phrases given below;

 Can you give me directions to the nearest hospital?

 Are we on the right road for London?
 How do you get to the bus stop?
 Where is the carnival?
 Where can I find the nearest car park?
 How do I get to library?
 Is there a pet shop near here?
 Where is the nearest post office?
 Do you know where the shopping center is?
 Is there a sports shop around here?
 Can you tell me how to get to train station from here?
 How can I get to the pub?
 What’s the best way to get to the amusement park from here?
 What’s the quickest way to get to the airport from here?
 What’s the easiest way to get to the nearest drugstore from here?
 Could you tell me where the nearest grocery store is?
 Where are you exactly?
 How do you get to the supermarket from here?
 I am looking for this address, am I in the right place / how can I get there?
 Can you tell me the way to the Nature Hotel?
 Is this the right way for the campground?
 I am trying to find an exchange office. Could you tell me how to get there?
 I am trying to get to the police station, Can you show me on the map?
 Could you help me, please? I’m looking for the bank.
 Does this bus go to the center?
 Do you know the cafe?

Answering the Question:

1. If we don’t know the answer, we can say;

  I am sorry.
 I don’t know.
 I am stranger here myself.

2. If we or someone know the question, give the directions;

a. Giving Directions to Say ‘Go Straight’;

 Go straight.
 Go along the road.
 Go down there.
 Go down or walk down the street.
 Go up or walk up the street.
 Go straight along this road.
 Go past the bus stop.
 Go toward the church.
 Go ahead.
 Go straight ahead
 Go ahead and ask someone.
 Go on ahead.
 Go straight on until you come to the crossroad.
 Go straight on left / right.
 Go straight at the lights / at the roundabout /at the junction.
 Continue straight ahead  for about a mile.
 Continue past the petrol station. ( paas the station and continue)
 Continue straight on past two traffic lights.
 Continue straight ahead for about two kilometres.
 Keep going for another station.
 Keep going down this Street.
 Keep going for another shop hundred metres.
 Keep going straight ahead you will see it on the right.
 Keep on the straight road.
 Keep walking ahead.
 Take this road.
 Walk to the corner.
 Follow this street for 300 metres.
 Follow the road until you get to the bank.

b. Giving Directions to Say ‘Turn’;

 Turn right.
  Turn left.
 Turn left past the bank. ( pass the bank and then turn left )
 Turn back. ( go back)
 Turn left after the bridge.
 Turn right at the second turning ( turn left when you reach the turning )
 Turn right from the first alley.
 Turn left on to Daniel Street.
 Turn left at the end of the corridor.
 Turn right / left at the traffic lights / roundabout, etc.
 Turn right on after you pass the market on the right also.
 Turn left after you pass the bakery.
 Turn left past the phone shop.
 When you see a school on your right hand side, turn left in to European  Street.
 Turn left after you pass the bakery.
 Go right / left at the end of the road.
 Take the first right”.
 Take the first / second / third street on the left / right.
 Take the first left when you enter Steven Road.
 You need to take a left / a right at the next traffic lights.
 Take a right / left at the junction.
 Take the second exit at the T- junction and then turn right at the traffic rights.
 When you get to Paris Street, take your next right.
 After you pass the restaurant on your left, take a right at the next crossroad.
 If you take the road on the left, you’ll come to the post office.
 Take a left when you come to the main street.
 Round the corner from the post office.

c. Giving Direcitons to Say ‘Cross’;

 Cross the pub.

 Pass the school.
 You will cross some traffic lights.
 Cross the taxi rank and you are there.
 Go over the bridge.

Giving Locations:
  on the left.
 on left.
 on the right.
 on right side.
 on the straight ahead.
 on left after the gas station.
 straight ahead on the right.
 straight ahead of you.
 straight ahead on the left next to the book shop.
 opposite.
 opposite the bank.
 on opposite side of the Street.
 across the road.
 near my office.
 next to Mall.
 behind the hospital.
 in front of the bus station.
 between the our office and the supermarket.
 on the right in between the pet shop and the grocery store.
 at the end of Paris Street.
 on/at the corner of Daniel Road.
 over there, near the police station.
 just right / left around the corner.
 (just) around the corner.
 just around the corner on the left / right side.
 left around the corner next to the market.
 left around the corner from the subway.
 further down the road  on the left.
 the biggest / smallest building on the left.
 in the centre of the town.
 the first turning on the right after the bank.

Other Useful Phrases for Giving Direction:

 It is this way / that way.

 You are going to wrong way.
 You are going in the wrong direction.
 You will pass a bakery on your left.
 It will be on your left or right.
 This straight road will lead you to the hospital.
 You will see the entrance on the left.
 You will pass a taxi rank on your left.
 Follow the sign for the town centre.
 You will see the car park infront of you.
 You can’t miss it.
 Come off the motorway / highway at the junction.
 The signpost said “London 18 miles” or  “America”.
 Follow the signs to..
 You will come to a bus station.
 You will see the Black Lake.
Landmarks:

When giving directions we will often use landmarks help the other person understand where to find it.

These are listed below; traffic lights, crossroads, junction, level crossing, signpost, T-junction, dead end,
underpass, roundabout, flyover,  motorway, bridge, railway bridge, railway line, dual carriageway, pedestrian
crossing, zebra crossing, stop sign, hospital, police station, shopping centre, garage, petrol station, Airport, bus
stop,station, Bookshop, Building and etc…

 Asking for Repetation:

 Sorry, I didn’t catch that.

 Could you say that again please?
 Could you repeat it again please?
 What did you say the street’s name was?
 Could you speak up please?
 Could you speak a little louder?
 Could you show me please?

Finishing Conversation:

 Thanks for help. Bye .

 Thank you for help. Good bye.
 Thank you for spending your time with me. Have a nice day!
Greeting Dialogues for Everyday Conversations in English

Formal Greeting

Jane: Good morning, Doctor Rudra, how are you doing?

Doctor Rudra: Good morning, Jane. I am doing well. And you?

Jane: I’m great, thank you. This is my friend Leila. She is thinking about joining the hospital but she has a few
questions about the administration there. Would you mind telling her about the administration, please?

Doctor Rudra: Hello, Leila! It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m more than happy to speak with you. Please stop by
my chamber tomorrow.

Leila: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Doctor. Thank you so much for helping us.

Doctor Rudra: Don’t mention it. Hopefully, I will be able to help you out in this matter.

Informal Greeting

Rann: “Hey Harry, how have you been? Long time no see!”

Harry: “Hey! What a surprise! Yes, you are right, we haven’t seen each other in a long time. How have you
been?”

Rann: “There is an important campaign next week which is keeping me busy otherwise rest is going good in my
life. How about you?”

Harry: “Oh! I just finished a meeting with a very important client of mine and now I finally have some free time. I
feel relieved that I’m done with it.”

Rann: “Good for you then. Hey! Let’s make a plan and catch up with each other after next week. What do you
say?”

Harry: “Sure, why not? Give me a call when you are done with your project.”

Rann: Sure, then. Bye, take care.

Harry: Bye buddy.

Daily Life English Dialogues- Introduction

Formal Introduction

Aylin: Good morning Mr David, I’d like you to meet Dr Sen.

Mr David: Good morning. It’s nice to meet you, Dr Sen

Dr Sen: Pleasure to meet you, too.

Aylin: Dr Sen is from the UK. She just finished writing a book on cancer prevention.

Mr David: I also belong to that field. I work for the United Nations.

Dr Sen: If I am not wrong, are you from the development program team?

Mr David: Yes you are right but how did you know?

Dr Sen: I’ve read some of your previous articles. They’re very good.

Informal Introduction

Sourav: Who’s that woman in a red dress next to Reema?

Raunak: That’s her friend Surabhi. Didn’t you meet her at the picnic last month?

Sourav: No, I couldn’t make it to the picnic, my mother was not well at that time.

Raunak: Oh! Yes, I forgot that. Then let me introduce you to her now. Surabhi, this is my friend Sourav.

Surabhi: Hi, Sourav. Nice to meet you, hope you are doing fine.

Sourav: Yes, hope you are well too. Would you like to have some coffee?

Surabhi: Sure, let’s go get and have two cups of espresso.

Daily Conversation Dialogue in English for Coincidences

Srini: Hey!, hello there, Jenny! Long time no see!

Jenny: Srini! Hi! Wow! What a coincidence! It’s been ages that I haven’t seen you! What are you doing here?

Srini: Yes Jenny, you are right. Probably the last time we met was in 2006. Well, I just got a new job in the city, so
I’m shopping for some trousers. Hey, what do you think of this trouser?

Jenny: Hmmm … well, you know how much I love black. See? I am even wearing the top of the same colour!

Srini: Yes I already notice that. You always did have good taste!
Telephonic Dialogues for Everyday Conversations in English

Rancho: Hi, Aditi, it’s Rancho. How are you? What are your plans for today?

Aditi: Oh, hi, Rancho! I was just thinking about giving you a call. Well, I am free today, what about you?

Rancho: That’s nice. I was wondering if you’d like to go to a dinner party tonight

Aditi: Sure, I’d love to! Where is the party?

Rancho: It’s in the Park Hotel?

Aditi: Sounds great!

Rancho: Ok I’ll pick you up around 8:30. We will probably reach the hall by 9 p.m.

Aditi: Great! See you then. Bye!

Daily Life English Dialogues about Weather

Jenny: It’s like flooding outside! What happened to the weather report? I thought this depression was supposed to
pass.

Kim: Yeah, we all thought so too. That’s what I read online this morning. I missed my office for this too.

Jenny: I guess a thunderstorm is on its way too.

Kim: Can we go inside? I am already half wet!

Daily Routine Dialogue in English for Meal Ordering

Waiter: Hello, good evening. Can I start you off with some refreshing drink?

Rana: Yes. I’ll have iced tea, please.

Amal: And I’ll have a chocolate cold coffee.

Waiter: Ok. Should I take your order now, or do you need a few minutes more?

Rana: No no we are ready, you can take the order. I’ll have the corn mushroom soup to start, and the grilled
chicken with mashed potatoes and peas. And, please also bring a bowl of garlic rice.

Waiter: Sure sir. How do you want the chicken— low spicy, medium, or high on spice?

Rana: Medium spice, please.

Amal: And I’ll just have the beef, with bread and a salad.
Daily English Dialogues for Asking Directions

Magnolia: Excuse me. Could you tell me where the shopping mall is?

Neha: Yes, it’s that way. You go two blocks to Beckham Street, then turn left. It’s on the second building, across
from the library.

Magnolia: Thank you so much! I’ve only been in town two days ago, so I really don’t know my way around yet.

Neha: Oh, I totally understand how you feel. I also moved here a year ago for my job, and still, I don’t know
where everything is!

Daily English Conversation Dialogues for Beginners for Asking for Help

Param: Hey! That truck just ran a red light and hit that bus!

Giri : Oh ho! That’s bad. Is anyone hurt?

Param: Nobody knows that yet … I should call 911. … Hello? I’d like to report

An accident near the library on Henry Lane. It looks like a man who was probably the truck driver is hurt. Yes, it
just happened 2 minutes back. Thank you. Bye.

Giri: Good that you called. What did they say?

Param: I told them about the location. They assured that an ambulance will come here very soon.

Giri: Good, they’re here. I hope the driver is ok.

Param: I know. Hope everyone is fine. We should wait until the ambulance arrives.

Giri: Absolutely.
Daily Routine Conversation
A: Hi! My name is _________.What’s your name?

B: My name is _________.Nice to meet you.

A: Nice to meet you.How old are you?

B: I’m _________.And you?

A: I’m _________.Tell me,what time do you get up?

B: I get up at _________ o’clock.And you what do you do when you get up?

A: I _________and I _________.So what do you eat for breakfast?

B: I eat _________.What time do you go to work?

A: I start work at _________.Do you like your job?

B: I like my job.At work what is your main responsibility?

A: My main responsibility is _________.And yours?

B: My main responsibility is _________ because _________.

A: Where do you have lunch,at home or in the work canteen?

B: I have lunch __________.And you what time do you finish work?

A: I finish work at _________.What do you do in the evening?

B: I _________ and I _________.So tell me do you watch TV in the evenings?

A: Yes/No.Do you have any favourite program?

B: I like _________.Do you work alot.

A: Yes/No.What time do you go to bed?

B: I usually go to bed at _________.

A: Ok,__(name)_______ See you later.

B: See you.
TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS

Calling Someone at Work

Caller: Hello. This is [your name]. May I speak to Ms. Sunshine, please.

Receptionist: Hold the line a moment, I'll check if she is in her office.

Caller: Thank you.

Receptionist: (after a moment) Yes, Ms. Sunshine is in. I'll put you through.

Ms. Sunshine: Hello, this is Ms. Sunshine. How can I help you?

Caller: Hello, my name is [your name], and I'm calling to inquire about the position advertised on
JobSearch.com.

Ms. Sunshine: Yes, the position is still open. Could I have your name and number, please?

Caller: Certainly, My name is [your name]…

Leaving a Message
Fred: Hello. Could I speak to Jack Parkins, please?

Receptionist: Who's calling, please?

Fred: This is Fred Blinkingham. I'm a friend of Jack's.

Receptionist: Hold the line, please. I'll put your call through. (after a moment)—I'm afraid he's out at the
moment. Can I take a message?

Fred:  Yes. Can you ask him to give me a call? My number is 909-345-8965

Receptionist: Could you repeat that, please?

Fred:  Certainly. That's 909-345-8965

Receptionist: OK. I'll make sure Mr. Parkins gets your message.

Fred: Thank you. Goodbye.

Receptionist: Goodbye.
Making a Doctor's Appointment
Caller 1: Dr. Peterson's office. How may I help you?

Caller 2: I'd like to make an appointment to see the doctor.

Caller 1: Certainly, are you ill at the moment?

Caller 2: Yes, I'm not feeling very well.

Caller 1: Do you have a fever or any other symptoms?

Caller 2: Yes, I have a slight fever and aches and pains.

Caller 1: OK, Dr. Peterson can see you tomorrow. Can you come in the morning?

Caller 2: Yes, tomorrow morning is fine.

Caller 1: How about 10 o'clock?

Caller 2: Yes, 10 o'clock is fine.

Caller 1: May have your name?

Caller 2: Yes, it's David Lain.

Caller 1: Have you seen Dr. Peterson before?

Caller 2: Yes, I had a physical exam last year.

Caller 1: Yes, here you are. OK, I've scheduled for 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.

Caller 2: Thank you.

Caller 1: Drink plenty of warm fluids and get a good night's sleep.

Caller 2: Thank you. I'll do my best. Goodbye.

Caller 1: Goodbye.
Making a Dinner Reservation
Caller 1: Good Evening Brown's Grill. How may I help you?

Caller 2: Hello, I'd like to make a dinner reservation for Friday.

Caller 1: Certainly, I'd be happy to help you with that. How many people are there in your party?

Caller 2: There'll be four people.

Caller 1: And what time would you like to make a reservation?

Caller 2: Let's say at 7 o'clock.

Caller 1: I'm afraid we don't have anything available then. We could seat you at 6 o'clock or 8
o'clock.

Caller 2: Oh, OK. Let's make the reservation for 8 o'clock.

Caller 1: Fine, 8 o'clock on Friday evening for four people. May I have your name?

Caller 2: Yes, it's Anderson.

Caller 1: Is that Anderson with an "e" or an "o"?

Caller 2: Anderson with an "o."

Caller 1: Thank you. Great. I have a table for four for the Anderson party at 8 o'clock on Friday
evening.

Caller 2: Thank you very much.

Caller 1: You're welcome. We'll see you on Friday.

Caller 2: Yes, see you then. Goodbye.

Caller 1: Goodbye.
Asking a Question about a Bill
Caller 1: Good afternoon, Northwest Electricity, how may I help you?

Caller 2: Good afternoon, this is Robert Tips. I have a question about my electricity bill this month.

Caller 1: I'd be happy to help you with that Mr. Tips. Can I have your account number?

Caller 2: I'm afraid I don't have that with me.

Caller 1: It's no problem. I'll just look your name up in our database.

Caller 2: Great.

Caller 1: Could you give me your address as well?

Caller 2: It's 2368 NW 21st Ave., Vancouver, Washington.

Caller 1: Yes, I have your account up on my computer. How may I help you?

Caller 2: The last bill I received seemed too high.

Caller 1: Yes, I see that it was considerably higher than last year. Did you use more electricity?

Caller 2: No, I don't think we used any more electricity than the year before.

Caller 1: OK, I'll tell you what I can do. I'll mark this and have a supervisor take a look at the account.

Caller 2: Thank you. When can I expect an answer?

Caller 1: We should have an answer for you by the end of the week. I'll give you an inquiry number.

Caller 2: OK, let me get a pen... OK, I'm ready.

Caller 1: It's 3471.

Caller 2: That's 3471.

Caller 1: Yes, that's correct.

Caller 2: Thank you for your help.

Telephoning the School About Your Child
Caller 1: Good morning, Washington Grade School, this is Chris. How may I help you?

Caller 2: Good morning, this is Alice Smith, I'm calling for my daughter, Judy. She's not feeling well
today.

Caller 1: I'm sorry to hear that. I hope it's not too bad.

Caller 2: No, no she has a little fever and a cough. Nothing too serious.

Caller 1: Well, I hope she feels well soon.

Caller 2: Thank you. Do you think I could get her homework for today?

Caller 1: Is there any specific class?

Caller 2: I'm especially concerned about math and science.

Caller 1: OK, is it all right for me to give your email address to the teachers? They can then send the
homework along later today.

Caller 2: That would be great. Do you have my e-mail on file?

Caller 1: Just a moment... We have chrisp@gmail.com. Is that correct?

Caller 2: Yes, that is correct.

Caller 1: OK, I'll make sure Mr. Brown and Ms. White get your message and email.

Caller 2: Thank you very much.

Caller 1: I hope Judy feels well soon.

Caller 2: She should be fine by tomorrow. Thanks for your help.

Caller 1: My pleasure, have a nice day.

Caller 2: Thank you. Goodbye.

Caller 1: Goodbye.
Important Phrases for English Telephone Conversations
Introducing Yourself
Informal

 This is Ken.
 Hello, Ken speaking.

Formal

 This is Jennifer Smith speaking.

 Hello, Jennifer Smith speaking.

If you are answering for a business, just state the business name.

 Good morning, Thomson Company. How may I help you?

 Plumbers Insurance. How can I be of service today?

British / American Difference

 Hello, this is Ken
 Brighton 0987654

Asking Who Is on the Telephone

 Excuse me, who is this?
 May (Can) I ask who is calling, please?

Asking for Someone

 Can I have extension 321? (extensions are internal numbers at a company)
 Could I speak to...? (Can I - more informal / May I - more formal)
 Is Jack in? (informal idiom meaning: Is Jack in the office?

Connecting Someone
1. I'll put you through (put through - phrasal verb meaning 'connect')
2. Can you hold the line? Can you hold on a moment?

When Someone Is Not Available

1. I'm afraid ... is not available at the moment
2. The line is busy... (when the extension requested is being used)
3. Mr. Jackson isn't in... Mr. Jackson is out at the moment...

Taking a Message
 Could (Can, May) I take a message?
 Could (Can, May) I tell him who is calling?
 Would you like to leave a message?
Leaving a Message
Introduction: Hello, this is Ken. OR Hello, My name is Ken Beare.

State the time of day and your reason for calling: It's ten in the morning. I'm phoning (calling, ringing)
to find out if ... / to see if ... / to let you know that ... /
to tell you that ...

Make a request: Could you call (ring, telephone) me back? / Would you mind ... ?

Leave your telephone number: My number is... / You can reach me at .... / Call me at ...

Finish: Thanks a lot, bye. / I'll talk to you later, bye.

Message Example 1
Telephone: (Ring... Ring... Ring...) Hello, this is Tom. I'm afraid I'm not in at the moment. Please leave a
message after the beep... (beep)

Ken: Hello Tom, this is Ken. It's about noon and I'm calling to see if you would like to go to the Mets
game on Friday. Could you call me back? You can reach me at 367-8925 until five this afternoon. I'll
talk to you later, bye.

Message Example 2
Telephone: (beep ... beep ... beep).  Hello, you've reached Peter Frampton. Thank you for calling. Please
leave your name and number and reason for calling. I'll get back to you as soon as
possible. (beep)

Alan: Hello Peter. This is Jennifer Anders calling. It's about two pm right now. I'm calling to see if you'd
like to have dinner sometime this week. My number is 451-908-0756. I hope you're available. Talk
to you soon.
Telephone Role Play
Operator: Hello, Frank and Brothers, How can I help you?

Peter: This is Peter Jackson. Can I have extension 3421?

Operator: Certainly, hold on a minute, I'll put you through...

Frank: Bob Peterson's office, Frank speaking.

Peter: This is Peter Jackson calling, is Bob in?

Frank: I'm afraid he's out at the moment. Can I take a message?

Peter: Yes, Could you ask him to call me at ... I need to talk to him about the Nuovo line, it's urgent.

Frank: Could you repeat the number please?

Peter: Yes, that's ..., and this is Peter Jackson.

Frank: Thank you Mr. Jackson, I'll make sure Bob gets this asap.

Peter: Thanks, bye.

Frank: Bye.

Key Vocabulary
This is ...

May (Can, Could) I speak to...?

I'm calling ...

Hold the line a moment...

put someone through...

Who's calling...?

take a message

call, ring, phone

Telephone Cues
Use the cues to make telephone calls with a partner.
A telephones B in order to speak to the manager. Unfortunately, the manager is out. Leave a message.

B telephones A and would like to speak to a colleague, Ms. Anderson. A asks B to wait and puts B through to
Ms. Anderson.

A telephones B and wants some basic information about the company. B describes what the company does
and sells. 

B telephones A to complain about a broken product. A apologizes and redirects B to the appropriate
customer service department.

A telephones B to make an appointment with the personnel department. B suggests a time to speak to Mr.
Taylor who works in the department. A agrees to come in at the suggested time. 

B telephones A asking for information about store opening hours. A provides the appropriate information.

Recording a Message for Callers

***It's also important to record a message for callers when you are not available.

Introduction: Hello, This is Ken. OR Hello, you've reached Kenneth Beare.

State that you aren't available:  I'm afraid I'm not available at the moment. 

Ask for information: Please leave your name and number and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. 

Finish: Thank you./Thank you for calling. 

Message for Business

Introduce your business: Hello, you've reached Acme Inc. 

Provide opening information:  Our operating hours are Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm.

Ask your customers to leave a message (optional): Please feel free to leave your name and number. 

Provide options: For information concerning Acme Inc., visit our website at acmecompany dot com

Finish: Thank you for calling. / Thank you for your interest in Acme Inc. 

***You only need to make sure that you have stated all the most important information:

Your Name

The Time

The Reason for Calling

Your Telephone Number

TELEPHONE LANGUAGE
Answering the Phone:

Good morning/Good afternoon/ Good evening/ Hello!

England PC Services. ( This is ) Sarah speaking.

Sarah speaking.

How can/could/may I help you?

Asking for the Caller’s Name:

Who’s calling, please?

Could I take your name, please?

Hello, caller. Could/May I have your name, please?

Introducing Yourself:

Hello! This is Kevin Jelf calling.

Hello, this is Kevin Jelf from Friend Tecnology Firm.

My name is Kevin Jelf from England PC Services. 

Asking for Someone or Something:

Could/May/Can I speak to Charles Steven, please?

I’d like to speak to Charles Steven, please.

Could you put me through to Charles Steven , please?

Could I speak to someone who …

I am just calling to say…

Asking the Person Who is Being Called for the Phone Call:

If the person who is about to receive the call is available, you can ask;

Mr Steven? I’ve got a Mr Kevin Jelf on the line for you from Friend Tecnology Firm. Will you take the call?”

Yes, please put him though.

I’m not available right now.

Connecting Someone:
One moment (Just a second or moment), please.

I’ll see if he is in or if Mr Steven is available.

Please hold on. I will get you through him.

Could you hold the line, please? / Please, hold the line.

Certainly, Mr KevinJelf. I’ll just put you through.

Of course, Mr Jelf. I’ll just see if he’s available.

Mr Jelf? Thank you for holding. I’m just putting you through to Mr Steven.

I’ll connect you. / I’m connecting you now.

Explaining Absence:

I’m afraid Mr Steven isn’t in at the moment.

I’m sorry, he’s in a meeting at the moment.

I’m afraid he’s on another line at the moment.

I’m sorry but Mr Steven is away on business until Thursday.

I am sorry you have dialed a wrong number.

He is not in office now.

Taking A Message:

I am sorry, Mr Steven is out / busy at the moment.

Can I ask who is calling?

Can I take a message? / Can I give him/her a message?

Would you like to leave a message?

I will let him know you called. / I’ll tell Mr Steven that you called.

Is there anyone else you would like to speak to?

I’ll ask him to call you as soon as possible.

If you’d like to give me your number, I’ll ask her to call you back.

Could you call again after 2 hours?.

Leaving A Message with Someone:

Yes, it is Kevin Jelf here. Could you ask him to call me when he is available.

My number is…

No, that is okay. I will call back later.

Could you tell her that her friend Kevin called?

No, that’s all, thank you.

Thank you very much, you’ve been very helpful.

Problems / Making Special Request:

I’m sorry, I don’t understand. Could you repeat that, please?

I’m sorry, I can’t hear you very well.

Could you speak up a little, please?

I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong number.

I’ve tried to get through several times but it’s always engaged.

Could you spell that, please?

Sorry, my English is not good. Could you speak a little slower?

Could I ask you to spell your surname for me, please?

I’m so sorry. The line is very bad this end.

Could I ask you to repeat your name, please?

Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. Could you say your name again, please?

Confirming Information:

Let me repeat that just to make sure.

Finishing A Conversation:

Thanks for calling. Bye for now. / Thank you for calling, Mr Steven. Good bye.

I have to / need to hang up now.

I’ll talk to you soon. Bye.

Thank you for calling Friend Tecnology Firm. Have a nice day!
Formal Telephone Conversation
Helen: Midtown Computer Solutions, Helen speaking. How can I help you?

Ryan: Hello, this is Ryan Bardos. May I speak with Natalie Jones, please?

Helen: One moment please – I’ll put you through.

Helen: Mr. Bardos? I’m sorry, Natalie’s in a meeting at the moment. Would you like to leave a message?

Ryan: Yes, could you ask her to call me back as soon as possible? It’s pretty urgent.

Helen: Of course. Does she have your number?

Ryan: She has my office number, but let me also give you my cell – it’s 472-555-8901.

Helen: Let me read that back to you – 472-555-8901.

Ryan: That’s right.

Helen: And could you spell your last name for me?

Ryan: B as in Boston – A – R – D as in dog – O – S as in September

Helen: Okay, Mr. Bardos. I’ll give her the message.

Ryan: Thanks a lot. Bye.

Now let’s listen to the second part of the conversation, when Natalie calls Ryan back.

Ryan: Hello?

Natalie: Hi, Ryan, this is Natalie returning your call.

Ryan: Hi Natalie, thanks for getting back to me. I was calling about the shipment of keyboards for our office
– we haven’t gotten them yet.

Natalie: Oh, that’s not good – they were supposed to be delivered three days ago.

Ryan: Exactly, and we have a new group of employees starting on Monday, so we really need those
keyboards as soon as possible.

Natalie: Okay, I’ll look into it right away – if necessary, we can send you an emergency overnight shipment.

Ryan: Thanks, Natalie, I appreciate it.

Natalie: No problem, Ryan. I’ll call you back a little later, as soon as I have more information.

Ryan: Sounds good – talk to you soon.

Natalie: Bye.
Informal Telephone Conversation
Let’s listen to an informal telephone conversation, after Ryan gets home from work.

Linda: Hello?

Ryan: Hi Linda, it’s Ryan. How’s it going?

Linda: Pretty good, thanks. How about you?

Ryan: I’m fine. Sure glad it’s Friday. Hey, is Peter there?

Linda: Yeah, hold on, I’ll get him. Peter! Ryan’s on the phone.

Peter: Hey Ryan, what’s up?

Ryan: Not much. Are you up for going fishing this weekend?

Peter: What? There’s a lot of background noise – I can barely hear you.

Ryan: Sorry about that – I’m at the train station. I was wondering if you wanted to go fishing this weekend.
I’m heading up to Mountain Lake with some friends early tomorrow morning.

Peter: Uh, hang on a sec, let me just check with my wife to make sure we have no other plans.

Ryan: Sure.

Peter: Okay, she’s given me the green light!

Ryan: Sweet! We’ll pick you up at 6 tomorrow morning, is that OK?

Peter: Yup. Do you need directions to my place?

Ryan: Uh, you still living on Willow Street, near the community center?

Peter: Yeah, that’s right. The yellow house, number 30.

Ryan: Gotcha. I know how to get there.

Peter: All right – see you tomorrow, then.

Ryan: Take care.

Peter: Bye.

Notes:  (for formal language)

A person who identifies himself/herself by phone can say: “My name is…”, “This is…” or “It’s…”, but never: “I’m…”.

British English use speak  with “to”, American English use speak with  “with”.

If the caller is a woman, we had better to use the Ms title (this is a neutral alternative for Miss and Mrs) instead of saying “It’s Mary
Smith here“.

  Formal English on the Phone

In this table you'll be introduced to phrases that you can use when speaking formally on the
phone. Use them when calling businesses, making appointments with doctor's, or speaking with
anyone that you want to be extra polite to.
Could I speak with Mr. Park?
 
May I speak to Mrs. Wood?
 
I would like to speak to Mr. Foster.
 
May I ask who's calling?
 
Can I get your name?
 
This is David Park.
 
Hayes speaking.
 
Would you mind holding for a minute?
 
I'm sorry, Mr. Hayes is not available right now.
 
Would you like to leave a message?
 
May I take a message?
 
Could you call back later?
 
Could you repeat that, please?
 
Could you speak a bit slower, please?
 
Thank you for your call.
 
 

Hayes speaking

Hi Mr. Carter, this is William from PR.

Would you mind holding for a minute? or Please stay on the line.

Sure, I can hold.

Informal English on the Phone

This is David.
Is Steven there?
Is David free?
Who is this?
It's Owen.
Hang on a second.
Just a moment.
Sorry, she's not here right now.
When will Tyler be in again?
Could I leave a message?
Sorry, I think I dialed the wrong number.
Sorry, I didn't catch that.
Can you say that again.
I'll call back a little later.
I can't hear you very well.
Bye!

Sorry, I think I dialed the wrong number

No problem!.

Sorry, I didn't catch that

I said, do you want to hang out later today?.

Can you say that again

Yeah, do you know what time the team is meeting up tonight?.

Answers to the Most Common Questions

What are the most essential English phrases I need to know when talking on the phone?

Could I speak with Mr. Park?

Would you mind holding for a minute?
Is Steven there?
It's Owen.
Could you call back later?
Could you repeat that, please?
Hang on a second.
Could I leave a message?

Telephoning:
Can I speak to Peter Salin, please?

Speaking.

Are you busy?

Can I call you back?

-------
Please hold on.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

I’ll transfer you.

-------

What’s the area code for Dublin?

Dial 9 to get an outside line.

Press the star key twice.

-------

Would you like to leave a message?

Leave a message on my voicemail.

I’m in a meeting. I’ll call you back.

-------

I think we’ve covered everything.

Speak to you soon.

Bye for now.

Telephone Dialogue Examples:

Introducing Yourself:

-Hey George. It’s Lisa calling. (informal)

-Hello, this is Julie Madison calling.

-Hi, it’s Gerry from the dentist’s office here.

Asking to Speak with Someone

-Is Fred in? (informal)

-Is Jackson there, please? (informal)

-Cant talk to your sister? (informal)

-May I speak with Mr. Green, please?

Connecting Someone

-Justa sec. I’ll get him. (informal)

-Hang on one second. (informal)

-Please hold and I’ll put you through to his office.

-One moment please.

-All of our operators are busy at this time. Please hold for the next available person.

Making Special Requests

-Could you please repeat that?

-Would you mind spelling that for me?

-Could you speak up a little please?

-Can you speak a little slower please. My English is not very strong.

-Can you call me back? I think we have a bad connection.

-Can you please hold for a minute? | have another call.

Taking A Message for Someone

-Sammy is not in. Who’s this? (informal)

-I’m sorry, Lisa is not here at the moment. Can I ask who’s calling?

-I’m afraid he’s stepped out. Would you like to leave a message?

-He’s on lunch right now. Who’s calling please?

-He’s busy right now. Can you call again later?

-I’ll let him know you called.

-I’ll make sure she gets the message.

Leaving A Message

-Yes, can you tell him his wife called, please.

-No, that’s okay, I’ll call back later.

-Thanks, could you ask him to call Brian when he gets in?

-Do you have a pen handy. I don’t think he has my number.

-Thanks. My number is 222-3456, extension 12.

Confirming

- Okay, I’ve got it all down.

conversation practice, telephone dialogues
Business Phone Call Phrases for Greeting/ Introducing

 Hello
 Good morning/ good afternoon
 This is Sanem speaking
 Could I speak to Mr Ombre, please?
 I would like to speak to ___
 I’m trying to contact ___
 This is Reen from [company name].
 Hello. This is Reen. I am calling about… (your information, about your services, to make a reservation,
advertisement etc.)
 Good morning/ afternoon/ evening. XYZ Edutech. John Case speaking. How can I help you?
 This is Jenn Samuel speaking.
 Hello, Jenn Samuel speaking.
 Thomson Insurance. How can I be of service today?

Formal Dialogues in a Basic Phone Conversation in English for Asking

 I’d like to talk with Mr Can. Is he available?

 May I know where you are calling from?
 Is that definitely the right name/ number?
 May I ask who’s calling, please?
 Can I ask whom I’m speaking to please?
 Could you put me through to extension number 120, please?
 Hello, caller. Could/ May I have your name, please?
 Could I take your name, please?
 Could I speak to someone who ___?
 Who’s calling, please?
 Can I have extension 540?
 Is Ms Sanem available?
 May I speak to Ms Deren?

Some Useful Formal Telephone Phrases for Putting on Hold or Connecting

 One moment, please.

 I’ll see if he is in or if Mr Ombre is available.
 Please hold on. I will get you through him.
 I’m connecting you now.
 Could you hold the line, please?
 Please, hold the line.
 Certainly, Mr Nihat. I’ll just put you through.
 I’ll put you through
 I’ll just transfer you now
 Of course, Mr Nihat. I’ll just see if he’s available.
 Mr Ronn? Thank you for holding. I’m just putting you through to Mrs Jenny.
 Can you hold the line? Can you hold on a moment?
 I’ll put you through.
 Could you hold on a moment, please
 Just a moment, please
 Hold the line, please
 I’ll just put you through
 I’ll connect you.
 Sure, just a second, please.
Dialogue Example for Formal Phone Conversation Example for Leaving/ Taking a Message

 I am sorry, Mr Cenna is out / busy at the moment.

 Would you like me to connect you to her voicemail?
 She is away at the moment. May I ask who is calling?
 Can I take a message? / Would you like to leave a message?
 If you leave a message, I will be sure to get it to him as soon as he is available.
 Can I give him/ her a message?
 I’m sorry. She isn’t available at the moment. Can I take a message for her?
 I will let him know you called.

Some more Dialogues for Office Telephone Conversation in English

 Can you just repeat the spelling of that, please?

 Can I take your name and number, please?
 Is there anyone else you would like to speak to?
 Could you please ask Ms Aylin to call me back?
 If you’d like to give me your number, I’ll ask Mr Jane to call you back.
 Could you spell that for me, please?
 I’ll tell Mr Steven that you called.
 I’ll ask him to call you as soon as possible.
 Can I leave a message, please?
 Could you call again after 2 hours?

Telephone Conversation Dialogues for Greeting a Friend

 Hi! / Hey!
 Hey, Jenny. What’s up?
 How’s it going?
 How’re you going?
 How are things?
 Hi, James. How are you?
 Alright, yeah?
 Hi mate!

Suitable Phrases for Spoken English Telephone Conversation with a Friend

 Hang on just a second.

 Just chilling.
 Hanging out.
 I’m down for whatever.
 Catch you at ten.
 You seem a bit
 Had a good day?
 Looks like you’ve
 Can’t believe this!
 The weather sucks. What a crappy day!
 You’re joking!
 How are the folks?
 Sooo, I guess I better run
 You’ll never guess
 Say ‘hi’ to your folks for me!
 So do you fancy a drink?
 You won’t believe this
 No way!
  You’re kidding!

Informal Telephone English Phrases

 I’m not really sure what to say. What about you?

 Could be better, but not to worry. And you?
 Things are fine.
 How about we go to the restaurant?
 I’m sure I’ll manage fine.
 What about.
 I’m sure things’ll get better soon.
 How are things at your end?
 Yeah, you know how it is.
 Not good.
 Let’s go out tonight. What do you reckon?
 How about going to the pub?
 See you later!
 Take care!
 Well, better be off
 Hey let’s catch up
 Cool, see you there!
 Let me get back to you
 ‘Bye!
 Alright, later mate!
 Sounds good
 Great, see you then!
 Sorry, gotta go. I’ve got a class
 Well, guess I’d better go
 Take it easy!
 Catch you later!
 Later bro

John: Hi, Alice, it’s John. How are you?

Alice: Oh, hi, John! I was just thinking about you.

John: That’s nice. I was wondering if you’d like to go to a movie tonight.

Alice: Sure, I’d love to! What’s playing?

John: I was thinking about that new comedy “Lights Out.” What do you think?

Alice: Sounds great!

John: OK, I’ll pick you up around 7:30. The movie starts at 8.

Alice: See you then. Bye!

Language notes
 Hi, Alice, it’s John: Hi, ____, it’s ____ is a casual and friendly way to say hello on the phone. Although “it’s” means “it is,” it is
used to mean “I am” here.
 Oh, hi, John! Notice the rising intonation here. Alice is excited to hear from John and is very pleased that he called her.
 I was wondering if you’d like to … This is a polite and indirect way of asking “Do you want to …?” John is nervous and does not
want to appear too direct or bold. Notice how the question goes up at the end, which shows that he is not overly confident.
 Sure! I’d love to means “Yes, I would love to.” Notice that Alice is very enthusiastic and friendly. She wants John to feel
comfortable about asking her out on a date.
  I was thinking about … / What do you think? Again, John does not want to appear too bold. He wants to give Alice a chance to
suggest a movie.
 Sounds great! is an informal way of saying “That is a good plan.”
 I’ll pick you up is an informal way of saying “I’ll come to your house so that we can go together.”

Telephone English Phrases – Formal Conversation

BEGINNING A CALL

When Helen answers the phone, she says, “Midtown Computer Solutions, Helen speaking. How can I help you?”
This is a common way for a receptionist at a company or organization to answer the phone. Here are a couple
alternatives:

 “Thank you for calling Midtown Computer Solutions. How may I direct your call?”
 “Midtown Computer Solutions – good afternoon.”

To introduce yourself, you can say: “Hello, this is…” and if you want, you can add your company name:

 “Hello, this is Ryan Bardos.”

 “Hello, this is Ryan Bardos from Paramount Publishing.”

Then, ask to speak to somebody by using the phrases:

 “May I speak with…?”

 “Could I speak with…?”

You can also add the phrase “I’m calling about…” or “I’m calling to…” in order to give a reason for your call.
Use “I’m calling about…” to introduce a topic, and “I’m calling to…” to introduce an action:

 “I’m calling about the job opening I saw in the newspaper.”

 “I’m calling to register for the upcoming conference.”

To connect or transfer the call, the receptionist says, “One moment please – I’ll put you through.” A few other
phrases for transferring a call are:

 “Please hold.”
 “I’ll transfer you.”
 “May I ask who’s calling?” / “Who’s calling, please?”
If you forgot to identify yourself at the beginning of the call, the receptionist will sometimes use this phrase to ask for your
name.

TAKING / LEAVING MESSAGES

Unfortunately the person Ryan wants to speak to is not available, and the receptionist says “I’m sorry, Natalie’s in
a meeting at the moment.” Here are some additional phrases to use when another person can’t answer a telephone
call:

 “I’m sorry, she’s on another call.”

 “I’m sorry, Natalie has left for the day.”
 “I’m sorry, Natalie’s not in her office right now.”
 “I’m sorry, she’s out of town at the moment.”
 “I’m sorry, she’s not available at the moment.”
Then, there are two common phrases that are used for offering to take a message:

 “Would you like to leave a message?”

 “Can I take a message?”

If you don’t want to leave a message, you can say: “No thanks, I’ll call back later.”

There are two polite ways to leave a message. You can make a statement starting with “Please” or a question
starting with “Could you…” – usually followed by the verbs ask, tell, or remind and then “him” (if the message is
for a man) or “her” (if the message is for a woman).

 “Could you ask her to call me back?”

 “Please ask him to call me back.”
 “Please tell him/her that the documents are ready.”
 “Please remind him/her that he/she has a dentist appointment tomorrow.”

CLARIFYING/CONFIRMING INFORMATION

While taking the message, the receptionist used two phrases for checking and confirming information:

 “Let me read that back to you.”

 “Could you spell your last name for me?”

The verb “spell” means to say the letters of the word. Ryan replies:

 “B as in Boston – A – R – D as in dog – O – S as in September.”

It’s common to use phrases like “B as in Boston” and “S as in September” with letters that can be frequently
confused with others, such as B and D, S and F, or M and N.

FINISHING A CALL

When you want to finish the conversation, you can use “signal phrases” – these are phrases indicating that the
conversation is coming to an end:

 “Well, it was nice talking with you.”

 “Thanks for calling.”
 “Anyway… I should let you go / I should get going.”

If you want to promise future contact, you can use one of the phrases from the second conversation:

 “I’ll get in touch in a couple of days.”

(get in touch = contact you)
 “I’ll call you back a little later”
 “Talk to you soon.”

Then you can finish the conversation with one of these “final phrases”:

 “Bye.”
 “Take care.”
 “Have a nice day.”

Response: “You too. Bye.”

Telephone English Phrases – Informal Conversation

Let’s learn some of the different phrases used in an informal telephone conversation. In informal phone calls, most
people answer the phone by saying “Hello?” and the introduction is also different:
  Formal: “Hello, this is _______.”
 Informal: “Hi / Hey ________, it’s _________.”

We see two different greetings in this conversation: “How’s it going?” and “What’s up?” These greetings require
different answers. You can answer “How’s it going?” (or the similar question “How are you doing?”) with:

 “Great!”
 “Pretty good, thanks.”
 “Not so good.”

And the typical answers to “What’s up?” are:

 “Not much.”
 “Nothing much.”

The phrase “How about you?” is used to ask the same question to the other person. Notice that it is spoken like
this: “Howbout you?”

In the formal conversation, Ryan used the phrase “May I speak with…” – but in an informal conversation, you can
use these phrases:

 “Is Peter there?”

 “Is Peter around?”
 “Can I talk to Peter?”

If the person is not available, some informal responses are:

 “Sorry – he’s not home right now.”

 “He’s not here.”
 “He’s still at work.”
 “He’s at the gym.”

This conversation also contains some expressions for asking someone to wait:

 “Hold on.”
 “Hang on a sec.”
 “Just a minute” / “Just a sec”

The formal equivalent of these phrases would be “One moment please” or “Please hold.”

At one point, Peter can’t hear or understand Ryan. Here are some phrases to use if you’re having difficulty hearing
the other person on the phone.

 “There’s a lot of background noise – I can barely hear you.”

 “You’re breaking up. Could you call me back?”
(breaking up = you can only hear parts of what the other person is saying)
 “We have a bad connection.”
 “Sorry – I didn’t catch what you just said.”
 “Could you speak a little louder?”
(say this if the person is speaking too quietly)
 “Could you speak a little more slowly?”
(say this if the person is speaking too fast)
 “What did you say?” (informal)
 “Could you repeat that?” / “Could you say that again?” (more formal)

If the bad connection causes the call to fail, you can call the other person back and say this:

 “Hi, it’s Ryan again. Apparently we got cut off.”

“Cut off” is a phrasal verb that means the call failed or disconnected.
Towards the end of the conversation, Ryan uses the phrase “Gotcha” – this is a very informal phrase that means
“I understand.” Another option is “Got it.” or “Right.”

Simple Present
* Permanent states and repeated or habitual actions.

Jean works for a catering company.

She always takes the bus to school.

* General truths and laws of nature.

Water freezes at 0°C.

Mammals feed their babies on milk.

* Timetables and programmes.

The last train to London leaves at 9: 15 pm.

* Sports commentaries, reviews and narration.

In the end, Gail finds her mother and they all live happily ever after.

* Instructions and directions.

To get to my house, you take the first turning on the left.

Time Expressions:

usually, often, always, never, rarely, seldom, hardly ever, occasionally, sometimes, frequently, every
day/week/month/year , in the morning/afternoon/evening,at night/the weekend,on Mondays,once a week

Present Progressive
* Actions happening at or around the moment of speaking.

Tima is doing the dishes at the moment.

Kim and Jo are looking for a flat these days.

* Ttemporary activities and situations.

I'm only staying here for a short time.

* Fixed arrangements in the near future, especially when the time and place have been decided.

We’re going to the opera next Saturday.

* Situations which are changing or developing during the present time.

The hole in the ozone layer is becoming bigger and bigger.

Time Expressions:

now, at the moment, currently, at present, these days, still, nowadays, today, tonight, etc.
* Express annoyance, irritation or anger.

You’re always leaving your newspaper on the floor.

* Stative Verbs which express likes or dislikes:

like, love, dislike, hate, enjoy, prefer, etc.

* Verbs of the senses

see, hear, smell, taste, feel, look, sound, etc.

* Verbs of perception

know, believe, understand, realise, remember, forget, notice, think, see = understand

* Some other verbs such as:

be, contain, include, belong, fit, need, matter, cost, mean, own, want, , have=possess,
weigh, wish, keep = continue

Time Expressions and Example Sentences:

Use 1 (Present time)

 "Now, right now, at present, presently, for the time being, currently, at the moment, at
the present, nowadays,  this year " are common time expressions used with this tense.

 We are learning English now.

 We're watching TV right now.
 At present my father is working abroad.
 He is presently studying in Istanbul.
 We're using my old computer for the time being.
 The Director is currently having talks in the USA
 She's not waiting here at the moment
 Charles is taking three courses this year / this term.
 Car prices are getting higher nowadays /these days.

Use 2 (Future Time)

"Tomorrow, tonight, next week, next year"  are common time expressions used with future
meaning.

 I am not going to the party tonight.

 Is he visiting his parents next weekend?
 They are flying to Paris next week.
 Tom is staring a new job on Friday.
 My dad is retiring in June.

Use 3
When we use this tense with adverbs "always", "continuously" or "constantly" for complaining
something.

 She is always coming to class late.

 I don't think Daniel can lose weight. He is always eating something.
 He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.
 I don't like them because they are always complaining.
 He's continuously changing his mind.
 Nobody likes Ann at school since she is always having arguments with other students
Are you studying or working?
I left school 3 years ago. I’m working now.
Are you self – employed or working for a company?
I’m self-employed. I used to work for a company 2 years ago.
Are you running any business?
Yes, I’m running a small business.
What does your business sell?
I make and sell handmade cosmetics.
Do you have any difficulty running that business?
Yes, I had some difficulties attracting customers at first, but everything is getting better
now.
Is that an online or offline business?
I sell products online. It’s easier selling online than offline because I can take full
advantage of my social network.
When did you start the business?
I started running my own business 2 years ago.
What are some advantages of running your own business?
I can take some days off whenever I feel tired, and I can make much more money compared to
working for a company.

Connecting
Michelle: Hello, you've reached the marketing department. How can I help?
Male: Yes can I speak to Rosalind Wilson, please?
Michelle: Who’s calling please?
Male: It’s Richard Davies here
Michelle: Certainly.  Please hold and I’ll put you through.
Male: Thank you.
 
Michelle: Hello, marketing.  How can I help?
Male: Could I speak to Jason Roberts please?
Michelle: Certainly. Who shall I say is calling?
Male: My name’s Mike Andrews.
Michelle: Just a second -  I’ll see if he’s in. Hello, Jason, I’ve got Mike Andrews on
the phone for you ... OK - I’ll put him through. Hang on a moment, I’m just
putting you through.

Messages

Claire: Hello, finance department

Female: Hello, can I speak to Adrian Hopwood, please?
Claire: I’m afraid he’s in a meeting at the moment. Can I help?
Female: No I need to talk to Mr Hopwood, I think. What time will he be out of the meeting?
Claire: In about an hour. Can you call back later?
Female: Okay, I’ll do that.
Claire: Or can I take a message?
Female: Actually, would you mind? Could you tell him that Jennifer McAndrews called and
that I’m in the office all day if he could call me back.
Claire: Can I take your number, please?
Female: Yes, it’s 5556872.
Claire: 5556872.  Okay, I’ll make sure he gets the message.
Female: Thanks very much for your help, bye!
Claire: Goodbye!
Conversation 1
Situation: Jane is shopping in the supermarket and bumps into her friend Lucy.

Jane: Hi Lucy.

Lucy: I didn't know you were coming to Tesco this afternoon.

Jane: I always shop in Tesco on a Tuesday.

Lucy: Why on Tuesdays?

Jane: There are not so many shoppers on Tuesdays.

Lucy: I usually shop on a Monday but I didn't feel well yesterday.

Jane: Oh, I'm sorry. I hope you are feeling better today.

Lucy: Yes, thankyou.

Jane: I am going to buy some apples.

Lucy: I will come with you. I want to get some apples.

Jane: I like sweet red apples.

Lucy: I prefer the crisp green apples.

Jane: Bananas are my favourite fruit.

Lucy: Do you like pears?

Jane: Yes. I eat lots of fruit.

Lucy: The mushrooms look very good. I will buy a punnet.

Jane: Yes. I will also buy some mushrooms.

Lucy: When I get home I will make some mushroom soup.

Jane: I enjoy eating mushroom omelettes.

Lucy: I need onions.

Jane: To make my omelette I will need eggs.

Lucy: Would you like to try some of my soup when it's made?

Jane: That would be lovely.

Lucy: I'll bring some round at 6 p.m.

Jane:  Will you be able to stay and have an omelette?

Lucy: Yes I will, thank you. See you at 6 tonight.

Jane: Goodbye.

Conversation 2
Situation: Jane continues to shop in the supermarket and she meets her friend Tui.

Jane: Hello Tui. How are you?

Tui: I am fine thank you. I need to buy rice and also some fish.

Jane: What sort of rice do you need? There are so many different varieties, I find it very confusing.

Tui: I want long grain rice. The Tesco own brand rice is the best and it is cheaper than other brands. Can you
show me, Jane, where to find fish in the store?

Jane: Do you want to buy fresh fish, frozen or tinned fish?

Tui: I am wanting tins of Tuna.

Jane: They are stacked in aisle 19, the middle of the shelf. I used to work here on Saturdays a little while ago
so I remember where most products are displayed.

Tui: I notice that they keep changing the position of goods and I find that confusing and very time
consuming.

Jane: Yes, I agree. Here are the tins of tuna, next to the pilchards.
Tui: That's handy. I'll buy some pilchards as well. My cats love pilchards in tomato sauce.

Jane: You spoil your cats.

Tui: Yes I do but they only get pilchards occasionally.

Jane: My dog will eat anything including my slippers if I don't hide them!

Tui: Do you need to buy slippers?

Jane: No not today. I have finished shopping so will go and pay at the checkout.

Tui: Thank you for your help.

Jane: Goodbye. Hope you find all the other things that you need.

Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks

Situation: Jane meets her friend Lucy at Tesco.

I need to buy some apples baking apples for apple pie bananas mushroom omelettes
 
mushroom soup

Jane: Hi Lucy it's good to see you. How are you?

Lucy: I am fine now but I wasn't well yesterday.

Jane: I __________[1]___________.

Lucy: What variety do you like?

Jane: I like ___________[2]__________.

Lucy: I also want to buy some apples.

Jane: There are lots of different apples here.

Lucy: These _________[3]__________ look fine. I'll have two packets.

Jane: Bananas are my favourite fruit. I have one every day at lunch time.

Lucy: I want to buy mushrooms. I will get the Chestnut variety.

Jane: I enjoy making __________4_________.

Lucy: My quick and easy snack is scrambled eggs. I do occasionally make omelettes.

Jane: What will you make using your mushrooms?

Lucy: I going to make a large pan of _________5_________.

Jane: That sounds good.

Question A

How often do you go shopping at a supermarket?

What do you normally buy at a supermarket?

Have you ever worked in a supermarket?

How many different supermarkets are there in your home town or city?

Which is the best supermarket to shop at in your country?

Question B

Do you like shopping in a supermarket?

What is the best part of shopping in a supermarket?

What is the worst part of shopping in a supermarket?

Do you think it is difficult to be a checkout operator?

Do you think that supermarkets can be too big sometimes? Why?

Supermarket Conversation
Conversation-1
A: I can't seem to find the cereal aisle.

B: You'll find the cereal by the breakfast foods.

A: What breakfast foods?

B: They're over by the oatmeal and the breakfast bars.

A: I think I know what you're talking about.

B: Can I help you with anything else?

A: Could you tell me where the dishwashing detergent is?

B: You'll find that by the paper towels.

A: I didn't think of that.

B: That's where it'll be.

A: Thank you very much.

B: If you need anything else, please feel free to ask me.

Conversation-2
A: Could you tell me where the cereal is?

B: If you go to the breakfast aisle, you'll find the cereal there.

A: What aisle is that?

B: You'll find it by the oatmeal and breakfast bars.

A: I know where that is at.

B: Is there anything else you need help finding?

A: Could you point me toward the dishwashing detergent?

B: That's over by the paper towels and toilet paper.

A: I didn't even think about that.

B: That's where it is.

A: Thank you so much for helping me.

B: Let me know if you need anything else.

Conversation-3
A: I need to find the cereal aisle.

B: The cereal is over by the breakfast foods.

A: Where is that at?

B: It's by the oatmeal and breakfast bars.

A: I think I can find that.

B: Did you need help finding anything else?

A: Actually, I do need to find the dishwashing detergent.

B: That would be over by the paper towels and toilet paper.

A: I thought it was over there.

B: Yeah, you'll find it there.

A: I really appreciate all your help.

Conversation-4
Stocker: Can I help you find something?

Meg: Yes, I’m looking for coffee.

Stocker: That’s on aisle 3. Let me show you where it is.

Meg: Thanks. Hmm, I don’t see the Jitters brand that I normally buy.

Stocker: It looks like we’re out of stock. We should get another shipment next week.

Meg: Okay, I’ll check back. I’m also looking for the Fructose brand soda, but I didn’t see it in the soda
aisle.

Stocker: I’m afraid that’s been discontinued. Their parent company no longer makes soda.

Meg: Really? How about the Mushy brand bread? I didn’t see it when I checked the bread aisle.

Stocker: We no longer stock the Mushy brand. There were so quality control issues at the company, so
we’ve pulled all of their products from the shelves. Can I help you find anything else?

Meg: No, I guess I’ll just have to try some new brands. Oh, yes, do you carry Worm organic apples?

Stocker: We normally do, but they’re out of season right now. We won’t have any until early summer.

Meg: All of this shopping and I have nothing to show for it. I guess I’m going home empty-handed.

Stocker: We do have chocolate cakes and cookies on sale.

Meg: I’m there!

Conversation-5
Mr Bean has been shopping in the local Tesco store and as chosen is goods and is now about to have a
discussion with the checkout lady.

Checkout lady: - Hello, sir, welcome to Tesco how are you today.

Mr Bean: - Hello, am fine thanks and you.

Checkout lady: - Am fine thanks.  (The Checkout lady: - now totals Mr Bean’s goods he has chosen.)

Checkout lady: - Do you have a reward card?

Mr Bean: reward card am sorry I don’t understand.

Checkout lady: - Reward cards are for paying less in the future for your goods.

Checkout lady: - Do you want one?

Mr Bean: - No thanks, am only here on holiday.

Checkout lady: - Then that’s forty-eight pounds and sixty-three pence, please.
Mr Bean: - I think am going to need three plastic bags please?

Checkout lady: - OK, they’re three p each. Is that alright?

Mr Bean: - Sure, is it ok to pay using my visa credit card?

Checkout lady: - Yes, that will do just fine, just put your card through here, please.

Mr Bean: - Okay, Oh, the machine won’t accept my card. Maybe it is because my card is from Thailand?

Checkout lady: - That’s alright please don’t worry, it’s probably not chip and PIN. You can sign for your
shopping. I’ll put your card through here. And here’s your receipt. Have a nice day!

Mr Bean: - Thank you. 

Going shopping at the market conversation

The conversation   is about a girl called Laura’s Whose mother has asked her to go grocery shopping before she
went to work this morning, but Laura is still busy doing her homework, so she asks her sister Martha to go to the
market for her.

 Conversation between 2 sisters about going to the market

Laura: Mom had asked me to go grocery shopping before she left for work this morning, but I need to finish my
school project. Can you go for me, Martha?

Martha: I guess I can. I am done with my homework. What did mom want you to buy?

Laura: Well, she wanted me to buy enough groceries for the whole week. Besides meat, some fish and
vegetables, we can buy whatever else we want for snacks and breakfast.

Martha: What do you want for breakfast?

Laura: I guess some cereal as usual.

Martha: I do not want cereal every day. I will buy some pancakes and syrup then.

Laura: Get the new Fine Food pancakes in the frozen food section please. I want to see how it tastes.

Martha: Do we still have enough coffee and cream for mom and dad?

Laura: Yes, we do. Talking about coffee and cream, you better buy some milk also. We almost ran out of it.

Martha: Next, what do you want for snacks?

Laura: Some chips would be fine with me. You probably want your chocolate cookies.

Martha: I better write down all these things; otherwise, I will forget them by the time I get to the market. I would
hate to make two trips to take care of things.

Laura: Right! As far as meat, mom wants some pork and some chicken.

Martha: Just any kind of pork?

Laura: I forgot to ask mom about that. Anyways, you can ask the butcher for his opinion. He knows what is best.

Martha: How about fish?

Laura: Mom wants some salmon and some catfish. Make sure that they are fresh.

Martha: How much salmon and catfish should I buy?

Laura: Oh, buy four pieces of salmon filet and four pieces of catfish filet. Mom does not like to get the whole
fish.

Martha: Are these fish filets sold by weight or by the piece?

Laura: I am not very sure. Just buy four decent sized pieces. Not too big and not too small.

Martha: Do I need to buy some spices so mom can marinate the fish?

Laura: Yes, get some ground pepper and some garlic.

Martha: Now, how about vegetables? Mom probably wants carrots, potatoes, cabbages and some lettuce.
Laura: That would be fine. We need some fruits also. What do you want?

Martha: Dad always packs an apple for lunch everyday. I want the same thing.

Laura: We have already run out of eggs. So, get a carton of eggs also.

Martha: How about some soft drinks?

Laura: No, buy some bottled water instead. It is healthier for us. We need to cut down on our intake of sugar, as
too much sugar is not good for our bodies.

Martha: I need to put bread on the list before I forget. Should I get one loaf or two?

Laura: One loaf will be enough. Put down a bag of rice also.

Martha: Do we need anything for dessert?

Laura: Get a box of ice cream.

Martha: Ice cream? Isn’t ice cream packed with sugar?

Laura: Yes, but since I already drink water instead of soft drinks, one or perhaps two scoops of ice cream after
dinner is not too bad. Besides, mom loves ice cream, especially cherry vanilla.

Martha: OK, I will put down one box of ice cream if you say so. Do you want me to buy some pastries for you?

Laura: I know the pastries at the market are delicious; however, no is my answer. Do not tempt me, Martha.

Martha: Just asking, Laura.

Laura: You have quite a few items to take care of. You need to get going.

Martha: Yes, the list is quite long. By the time I get to the cashier to pay, I will probably have a full shopping
cart. OK, I am all set to go. I will be back soon.

Laura: Drive carefully please!

Martha: I will.

EXPRESSIONS

Go grocery shopping

Leave for work

I guess I can

I am done with my homework

Enough for the whole week

Frozen food

I want to see how it tastes

Run out of something

By the time
Take care of something gì

Right!

Marinate

Cut down on our intake of sugar

Loaf of bread

Besides

Don’t tempt me!

You need to get going

Shopping cart

I am all set to go

I will be back

A dialogue between two friends in the market

Emon : Hello, Sumon !.
 
Sumon : Hello, Emon!. It is a beautiful day isn't it?
 
Emon : Oh yes, it is very pleasant. That's because it rained hard all last night. By the by
where are you going?
 
Sumon : I'm going to the supermarket. I always do my shopping there. Where do you do
your shopping?
 
Emon : I'm not particular about. I buy things from any shop near by.
 
Sumon : But there are a lot of advantages at the supermarket. You can walk around,
choose you things leisurely and enjoy your shopping. All things are displayed on shelves
with their prices marked. All new products can be see at a glance. It is a self service store.
 
Emon : Do you do a lot of shopping?
 
Sumon : Yes, I do. Mine is a large family and naturally. I have to buy a lot of things.
 
Emon : But mine is very small and I don't have much to buy.
 
Sumon : Even then it is better to buy from a supermarket. They sell only first quality things.
All the items are packed, sealed, labeled and displayed.
 
Emon : Do you go to the supermarket often?
 
Sumon : It is not far from my house. I go there at least twice a week. I usually go with my
life. Today I'm little busy and I couldn't bring her along.
 
Emon : All right. I don't want to day you.
 
Sumon : I think I've forgotten my shopping list. I left it at home.

Write a dialogue between a shopkeeper and a customer.

Shopkeeper: Welcome to our shopping mall, sir.

Customer: Thank you.

Shopkeeper: How can I help you, sir?

Customer: I want a good watch for a gift.

Shopkeeper: Ladies or gents? What type do you want?

Customer: A lady’s watch, please. Do you have any?

Shopkeeper: Please have a look at this showcase. You can see all kinds of ladies watch.

Customer: Thank you. Please show me the forth once.

Shopkeeper: Of course, here it is. It is one of the best quality watches, sir.

Customer: Do you have any warranty for this watch?

Shopkeeper: Yes, sir. We give three years warranty on this product.

Customer: What’s the price?

Shopkeeper: Eight hundred and eighty taka only.

Customer: That’s too much.

Shopkeeper: Not at all. It’s a genuine Swiss watch.

Customer: But I want a cheaper one. Don’t you have one?

Shopkeeper: Why not? Look at this side. These are Japanese.

Customer: How much is the third one?

Shopkeeper: All these in this row have the same price and it is two hundred taka each.

Customer: But aren’t Japanese watches generally notorious for poor quality?

Shopkeeper: Don’t worry. These have originally come from Japan.

Customer: All right, pack this one.

Shopkeeper: Okay sir, Thank you.

Phrases that will be useful when shopping

Have you got? = Have you got any toothpaste?

 Do you have? = Do you have any first aids kits?

Which aisle is the tooth paste in? (Aisle is the walk way between the shelves)

Can I pay using my visa credit card? = Using your credit card or bank card to pay for your goods.

Can I have a plastic bag to put my shopping in, please? = plastics bags used to carry your shopping in. Some
supermarket’s you need to ask for plastic bags, most
times you will not have to ask for them.

Grocery Shopping in English

A grocery store is also called a supermarket or a greengrocer. Chain grocery stores are
referred to by name. Learn the names of these stores before you travel to a new country.
Superstores or department stores often have full grocery sections inside.

Shop Smart
Grocery stores are set up for you to buy more than you need. Fresh foods and staples are usually placed in the
outside aisles or at the far end of a grocery store.

At the front you will find convenience foods and sale items. At the checkout you will find things you probably
don’t need, such as chocolate bars and magazines. The store is counting on you to throw a few of these items into
your cart or basket. This is called impulse shopping. Can you resist the temptation?

Gathering and packing

Most grocery stores offer a variety of options for gathering and packing items. Don’t be surprised if you have to
buy your bags.

 shopping cart: pushcart on wheels (you may have to put a coin deposit in the slot)
 basket: plastic container with handles; useful for quick grocery trips when you only need a few items
 box: sometimes available for free at the checkout
 plastic or paper bags: you may have to pay for these
 reusable bags: bring your own (or buy and reuse)
Main Aisles and Sections
Here are the main aisles (or sections) in a grocery store as well as some example items you will find in them.

produce: fresh fruit and vegetables

frozen food: juice, pizzas, fruit and vegetables
bulk food: peanuts, candy, flour, snacks (You bag yourself. You choose the amount.)
baking: pre-packaged goods such as flour, sugar, salt, and chocolate chips.
breads: packaged breads, bagels, hamburger and hot dog buns
meat and seafood: packaged beef, chicken, fish
deli: freshly sliced meats and cheeses (You tell the butcher how much you want.)
bakery: fresh breads, muffins, cakes to order
dairy: milk, eggs, dairy, yogurt
pasta and rice: spaghetti, penne, wild rice, whole wheat pasta
ethnic foods: foods from countries in other parts of the world
canned foods: beans, pasta sauce, canned fruit and vegetables
condiments: ketchup, BBQ sauce, salad dressings, oil
snacks: chips, packaged candy, cookies, crackers
cereal: boxed breakfast cereals and bars, oats, granola.
beverages: juice, pop, coffee, tea,
household items: toilet paper, tissue paper, garbage bags, detergent, diapers
health and beauty and or pharmacy: make up, deodorant, feminine products, medicine

Checkout
Read the signs above you before you get into a line.

 express checkout: For people buying a few items. The sign will show how many items you are allowed to have (1-12).
 automatic checkout: You swipe and bag your own groceries and pay with a credit or debit card.
 closed: Many stores use a lighting system to show which line ups are open for service. If the light is on the aisle is likely open.

Questions to ask in a Grocery Store

You don’t always need to ask someone who works in the store. The shopper next to you may be able to tell you
where to find the sugar.

 Can you tell me where the produce section is?

 Can you do a price check for me?
 Do you have prepackaged candy?
 Do you have more flour in the back? (if a shelf is empty)
 Is this on sale?
 Do you sell stamps, lottery tickets, alcohol? (grocery stores in some countries are not licensed to sell alcohol)

Discounts
Do you have a discount card? Many clerks will ask this. Membership cards at grocery stores are usually free. They
provide you with a discount on many items. Are you going to use this store a few times? Fill out a form and get a
card! It will be worth your time. If you don’t have a card, don’t be fooled by the prices on food. Many foods are
advertised at membership prices. Without a card you’ll pay a higher price. Brand-name items are typically more
expensive than no-name or store-named items.

Common Courtesy
If the person behind you only has one or two items, you can invite the shopper to go in front of you. Say, “You
can go ahead of me. You’re just buying a few things.” If there is a divider (small stick) on the conveyor belt at the
checkout, place it after your items. This will allow the person behind you to start placing his or her groceries down
too.

Grocery Shopping Tips

Did you write out a list? Creating an English grocery list is a fun and simple way to practise English. You can
even create a master list using the sections above. Add subcategories for all the foods you normally buy. Leave
extra spaces for special items that you need once in a while. If you’re shopping with children, bring a snack or toy!

Food Idioms
It's not my cup of tea.

Here are some common idioms based on food and foods. Each entry includes the meaning of the idiom and shows
the idiom in context in an example sentence. At the end is a food idioms quiz to check your understanding.

idiom meaning example sentence

a person that is adored by Baby Jessica is the apple of her father's
apple of one's eye
someone eye.
(have a) bun in the I don't think Jan will come to the bar
be pregnant
oven because she has a bun in the oven.
a person who is often in I don't want my little brother hanging
bad egg
trouble around with the bad eggs on the street.
I thought I was just going to interview
big cheese very important person (VIP) the secretary, but they let me talk to the
big cheese himself.
Just explain the bread and butter of your
bread and butter necessities, the main thing
report. You don't have to go into details.
My husband has had to bring home the bacon
bring home the bacon earn the income
ever since I broke my leg.
be extra nice to someone
We'll have to butter Angie up before we
butter someone up (usually for selfish
tell her the news about the broken vase.
reasons)
Rick wants to have his cake and eat it
(have one's) cake and want more than your fair
too. He wants to be single but he doesn't
eat it too share or need
want me to date anyone else.
person with red or orange Simon is the first carrot top I've ever
carrot top
hair gone out with.
I love reading cheesy romance novels
cheesy silly
because I don't have to think.
I thought I was afraid of flying, but I
cool as a cucumber very relaxed was cool as a cucumber all the way to
England.
We hired the cream of the crop to
cream of the crop the best
entertain us at the Christmas party.
get upset over something
(don't) cry over The mirror is broken and we can't fix it.
that has happened and
spilled milk There's no need to cry over spilled milk.
cannot be changed
Let's stop for a cup of joe before we head
cup of joe cup of coffee
to work.
something you enjoy
(not my) cup of tea Opera isn't exactly my cup of tea.
(usually used negatively)
urge someone to do The gang tried to egg us on but we didn't
egg someone on
something want to fight.
freeze one's buns off be very cold I froze my buns off at the ice rink.
full of beans have a lot of (silly) The kids were full of beans after the
 energy circus.
extremely good pay for The unionized grocers have been enjoying
gravy train
minimal work the gravy train for twenty years.
(have something)
receive without working for The professor's daughter had her college
handed to someone on a
something diploma handed to her on a silver platter.
silver platter
difficult to understand Angelo is a hard nut to crack when
hard nut to crack
(often a person) something is bothering him like this.
a controversial or Choosing a location for our new store is a
hot potato
difficult subject hot potato right now.
in a nutshell simply In a nutshell, I'm having a bad day.
nuts about something,
like a lot I'm nuts about classical music these days.
someone
Harry has been out to lunch ever since he
out to lunch crazy or mad
lost his job.
Your daughter is one smart cookie. She
one smart cookie a very intelligent person
reads much higher than her grade level.
Except for a bit of peach fuzz, the baby
peach fuzz small amount of hair growth
came out bald.
piece of cake very easy The exam was a piece of cake.
Even though I'm majoring in Art, I'm
put all of ones eggs taking a maths course because my Dad says
rely on one single thing
in one basket I shouldn't put all of my eggs in one
basket.
made more powerful or The car was souped up with shiny rims and
souped up
stylish a loud stereo.
The new Harry Potter books sold like hot
sell like hot cakes bought by many people
cakes.
make something more I wanted to spice things up in the office,
spice things up
exciting so I bought some red and gold paint.
On Monday, I'm going to spill the beans
spill the beans reveal the truth
about my travel plans.
take something with a don't consider something Take Mandy's advice with a pinch of salt.
pinch (grain) of salt 100% accurate She doesn't always do her research.
You're going to have to really use your
use your noodle use your brain noodle on this crossword puzzle. It's an
extra difficult one.
At The Doctor’s
Conversation 1
Situation: Jane is unwell and visits the doctor.

Doctor: Hi, what’s wrong?

Jane: I feel unwell and keep vomiting all the time.

Doctor: How long have you felt like this?

Jane: Nearly two days. It started just before going to bed the day before yesterday.

Doctor: Let me examine you. I will press on your stomach to see if it hurts and then listen to your heart.

Jane: Ok. It doesn’t hurt when you press my stomach. I just feel tired.

Doctor: Ok. Did you eat anything different from usual before you started to feel this way?

Jane: Yes my boyfriend cooked dinner for me. He isn’t a very good cook and the food tasked a bit
strange.

Doctor: You’ve got food poisoning. It is not very serious and you should be better in another day.

Jane: Oh dear, what should I do.

Doctor: You need to drink lots of water and get plenty of rest.

Jane: Ok, thank you doctor.

Doctor: You’re welcome. If you are not better in 48 hours come and see me again.
Conversation 2
Situation: Andrew does not have an appointment and needs to see the doctor urgently.

Andrew: Cough, cough. I’d like to see the doctor please.

Receptionist: Do you have an appointment and what’s your name?

Andrew: No I don’t have an appointment. My name is Andrew Jones. I’m registered as a patient of
Doctor Crow.

Receptionist: Doctor Crow is making house calls all morning and all the other doctors have a full
schedule of appointments all morning. Make an appointment and come back tomorrow.

Andrew: Surely there must be something today. I really am very ill. I feel awful.

Receptionist: Someone might cancel an appointment. You can sit and wait if you want to.

Receptionist: Mr. Jones, the doctor will see you now. Please go to consulting room number 3.

Doctor: Good morning Mr. Jones. What is wrong?

Andrew: Morning. I feel very ill. I am coughing and sneezing, I have feel hot and cold all the time and
eating makes me feel sick.

Doctor: Let me take your temperature. How long have you had the symptoms?

Andrew: They started about a day ago.

Doctor: Yes your temperature is very high. You have the flu. You’ll have to go home and stay in bed
until it gets better. Drink lots of water.

Andrew: Can you give me some medicine?

Doctor: I can give you something to reduce your fever but you just need to get bed rest. I will write you a
prescription and you can collect the medicine from the pharmacy.

Andrew: Ok, thank you.

Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks

Situation: Lucy visits the doctor to get some test results.

Can you prescribe me some medicine if I need to come and see you at the surgery again

Please take a seat in the waiting room please go to consulting room one do you have an appointment?

Receptionist: Good morning, _________ (1) _________.

Lucy: Yes I do. My name is Lucy Smith and my appointment is at 10.30 am.

Receptionist: Yes, thank you. _________ (2) _________ and the GP will see you as soon as she is free.

Lucy: Thank you.

Receptionist: Ms. Smith, _________ (3) _________

Doctor: Good morning Ms. Smith. I have your test results here.

Lucy: Good. I hope that everything is alright.

Doctor: Yes everything is ok. There are no major problems. I would suggest that you try not to eat too much
food with a lot of cholesterol in it.

Lucy: Oh dear. Is my cholesterol level too high?

Doctor: It is quite high and you should try to stop it getting any higher.

Lucy: Ok. _________ (4) _________ to help reduce the cholesterol?

Doctor: No. It isn’t too high so it would be better for you to lead a healthier lifestyle rather than take
medicine.

Lucy: Ok doctor I will try.

Doctor: Ok that will be good.

Lucy: Thank you doctor. I’ll make another appointment _________ (5) _________
Conversation about Headache
Doctor: Hello! What can I do for you?

Patient: Good Morning Doctor. I don’t feel good.

Doctor: Come and sit here.

Doctor: Open your mouth.

Doctor: Since how long are you not feeling well?

Patient: Since yesterday.

Doctor: No problem. Did you have motions yesterday?

Patient: No Doctor. Not so freely.

Patient: Doctor I feel weak and do not feel like eating.

Doctor: Ok. And what else?

Patient: I feel like vomiting.

Doctor: Do you drink a lot of water?

Patient: No Doctor, I don’t have water too much.

Doctor: Did you took any medicine?

Patient: Yes Doctor, I took a Crocin.

Doctor: who asked you to take it?

Patient: No one Doctor. I took it myself.

Doctor: why did you take it?

Patient: Because I felt a headache.

Doctor: Nothing to be worried at.

Doctor: Do you need quick relief?

Patient: No Doctor. It is enough you give me medicines for now.

Conversation about Fever
Patient: Good Morning doctor.

Doctor: Good morning! You seem pale and your voice sounds different.

Patient: Yes doctor. I’m having a temperature and even a sore throat.

Doctor: Let me check.

Doctor: You have a moderate fever. Let me check your temperature.

(Doctor uses a thermometer to check the temperature of a patient by snapping around one of the fingers)

Patient: This thermometer is different from the last one you used.

Doctor: Yes, this is introduced newly by medical supplies companies. It’s much more comfortable and
doesn’t need cleaning after every use.

Patient: That’s really great.

Doctor: Yes it is.

(Now he removed the thermometer)

Doctor: Temperature is not too high, around 99.8. Let me check your blood pressure as well.

(He then continues with measuring blood pressure.)

Doctor: Your blood pressure is fine.

(Now, he checks the throat.)

Doctor: It seems a bit scruffy. Not good.

Patient: Yes, it has been quite bad.

Doctor: Do you sweat and shiver?

Patient: Not sweating, but I feel slightly cold when I sit under a fan.

Doctor: Ok. You have few signs of malaria. I would recommend you undergo a blood test. Nothing to
worry about. In most cases, the test comes out to be negative. It’s just careful, as there has been a
spurt in malaria cases in the last month or so.

Doctor: I am writing three medicines and syrup. The number of dots in front of each medicine name tells
you how many times in the day you have to take them. For example, the two dots here mean
you’ve to take the medicine twice in the day, once in the morning and once after dinner.
Doctor: Do you have any other questions?

Patient: No, doctor. Thank you.

Long Conversation Between Doctor and Patient About Cancer

Doctor: So, what makes you come here?

Attendant: Doctor, my father has been diagnosed with unusual growth of cells in the colon, which other doctors
so far have confirmed as a state of cancer.
Doctor: What tests have you conducted?
Attendant: On the recommendation of doctors in Delhi, we did blood tests, CT scan, and biopsy. We have taken
three views on the reports and all have come up with opined colorectal cancer. Here are the reports.
Doctor: Yes, this seems cancerous. We need to admit him today itself and get a few tests done. And let’s meet
tomorrow morning when you have the reports of these tests.
Attendant: OK. Thank you.
(The doctor formulates his observations on his letterhead and gives it over to the Patient. The person then admits
the patient and visits the doctor again the next morning with new reports in hand.)
Doctor: The cancer is just one stage before it will expand to other parts. In this case, the best course of action is
quick surgery to extract the affected part accompanied by radiation therapy.
Attendant: How many days of treatment will be needed?
Doctor: We can perform the operation in a couple of days. Consequently, we will keep the patient under
observation for 4-5 days. Radiation therapy has become pretty regulated and therefore you can get it done in any
tier-2 city, which will not only be useful to you but also decrease your cost.
Attendant: And for how long the patient will have to go through radiation therapy?
Doctor: The patient has to take one dose every two weeks for three months. You require to visit the hospital only
on days you obtain therapy. Once radiation therapy is done, you should discuss an oncologist every three months
in the beginning and every year later on to check for the remission of cancerous cells.
Attendant: OK. I’ve heard radiation therapy has side effects.
Doctor: Yes, radiation therapy has side effects. It can lead to hair loss, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Attendant: Thank you, doctor. We will get him admitted today.

Conversation About Stomach Pain With Doctor

Doctor: Yes, tell me. What problems you have?

Patient: I am suffering from stomachache and motions since last night. I have also vomited a few times last night.
Doctor: What did you have yesterday?
Patient: I had some snacks on the roadside stalls. It could be because of it.
Doctor: It is possible that you had contaminated food. Because of diarrhea, you have lost plenty of body fluids.
You require to be hydrated. Drink enough water regularly, at least 10-12 glasses. Mix some Glucon-D powder or
Electoral in water and have it. Fruit juice is also fine. Avoid caffeine, dairy products, and solid foods at least till
evening. And get plenty of rest.
Patient: Any medicines, doctor.
Doctor: Yes, I am prescribing a few to control diarrhea.
Patient: Thank you, doctor.

At the doctor

A: Hello, David.
B: Hello, Dr. Smith.
A: What can I help you with today?
B: I’m experiencing nausea.
A: Do you have any other symptoms?
B: I have a bad headache too.
A: Have you thrown up at all?
B: Yes, last night and again this morning.
A: Do you still feel like vomiting?
B: My stomach still feels upset.
A: Okay, what about your head, do you still have a headache?
B: Yes, it is very painful.
A: How would you describe the pain?
B: It feels like someone is squeezing my head really hard.
A: Okay, I’ll prescribe you something for the nausea.
B: Okay, thank you.
A: For the headache, take some paracetamol and get some rest. Come back if it doesn’t get better.
B: Okay, I will. Thank you for your help.
A: No problem. Hope you feel better soon.

Conversation with an eye specialist in a hospital

Support: Good morning sir. How may I help you?

Patient: Good morning. I had an appointment with the doctor at 9 AM.

Support: Have you registered with us earlier?

Patient: Yes.

Support: Please show me your registration card. Or I can search for your details through your mobile number.

Patient: That would be better. My mobile number is 989930xxx.

(She searches for the patient’s past records on her computer.)

Support: OK, I’ve found your details. You last visited us in August 2016.

Patient: That’s right.

Support: You can pay the doctor consultation fee here.

Patient: Sure. Here is my card.

(She swipes the card and hands over the invoice to the patient.)

Support: Pl take a seat, and feel free to help yourself with water, newspapers etc.

Patient: Thank you.

(After 15-odd minutes, the attendant calls the patient’s name, following which the patient proceeds to the doctor’s
cabin.)

Patient: Good morning doctor.

Doctor: Good morning. How’re you doing today?

Patient: I’m fine. Thank you. How about you?

Doctor: I’m good. So what brings you here?

Patient: I’ve come for a regular checkup for a suspected case of glaucoma. I don’t have it, but few years back a
doctor after examining my eye and knowing my family eye history advised me to undergo precautionary checkup
once a year.

(He puts the past reports on the table. The doctor peruses them.)

Doctor: I see that your optic nerve is thicker than the normal. That’s probably the reason why you were asked to
undergo precautionary tests every year. You can have the same two tests – visual field analysis and OCT – today
and once you’ve the two reports, we can meet again in the afternoon.

Patient: Alright.

(The doctor scribbles the names of the two tests on his letterhead and pushes it across the table.)

Patient: Thank you, doctor.

(The patient leaves the doctor’s cabin and again approaches the reception desk.)

Patient: I saw the doctor. He has asked for these two tests.

(He pushes the prescription towards the billing lady.)

Support: OK. The two tests will cost you xxx and you’ll get the reports in around two hours. Is that fine?

Patient: That’s fine.

(He slips his card toward her. She swipes it again and hands over the invoice a second time.)

Support: Please be seated there. Someone will call you for the first test in few minutes.

Patient: Thank you.

(Over the next two hours, he undergoes the two tests and receives the reports. Thereafter, he meets the doctor
again, this time with reports.)

Doctor: I hope you had a smooth experience going through those tests.

Patient: Yes, it was. And because I’ve taken these tests in the past too, I knew what was coming.

(The patient pushes the reports toward the doctor. The doctor pores through the pages, looking at the colored
images of the eye minutely.)

Doctor: Your reports are absolutely fine. Since these reports haven’t shown anything suspect in so many years, I
think you can now take these tests once in two years, and not once a year.

Patient: OK.

Doctor: Well, that puts glaucoma thing to rest. Does your work involve working on laptop for long hours?

Patient: Yes.

Doctor: In case your eyes get tired quickly, I would recommend xxx. It’s an eye drop, which you can use 2-3 times
in the day. Our eyes get dry when we look at the computer screen without blinking for long, a common reason for
tiredness in eyes. This eye drop will lubricate your eyes.

Doctor: Do you’ve any other questions?

Patient: Yes. I see few thin, black, wavy structures floating in front of my eyes and they don’t disappear even
when I close my eyes. What are they? Are they harmful?
Doctor: They’re called floaters, and most persons develop them to different extent as they age. They’re not
harmful.

Patient: Thank you doctor. Thanks for your time.

Doctor: You’re welcome.

Conversation about Stomachache

Patient: I’ve stomachache and loose motions since last night. I also vomited few times in the night.

Doctor: What did you eat yesterday?

Patient: I ate some snacks on the roadside eatery. It’s likely a result of that.

Doctor: Likely you ate contaminated food. Because of diarrhea, you’ve lost plenty of body fluids.
You need to be hydrated. Drink water regularly. Mix some Glucon-D powder or Electral in it.
Fruit juice is fine too. Avoid caffeine, dairy products, and solid foods at least till evening. And
get plenty of rest.

Patient: Any medicines, doctor.

Doctor: Yes, I’m prescribing few to control diarrhea.

Patient: Thank you, doctor.

Conversation about Headache

Patient: Doctor, I’ve headache since yesterday evening.

Doctor: Have you taken any medicine so far?

Patient: Saridon, but the headache hasn’t disappeared.

Doctor: You’ve a running nose. Looks like your headache is a result of sinus infection, and not the
regular one that results from anxiety and fatigue. Lemme check.

(The doctor checks the patient thoroughly.)

Doctor: It’s quite clear that the infection in your sinus is the reason for your headache. I’ll prescribe
an antibiotic to clear the infection and a pain reliever to relieve the pain.

Patient: Thank you, doctor.

Conversation about Fever & Sore Throat
Patient: Good evening doctor.

Doctor: Good evening. You look pale and your voice is out of tune.

Patient: Yes doctor. I’m running a temperature and have a sore throat.

Doctor: Lemme see. (He touches the forehead to feel the temperature.)

Doctor: You’ve moderate fever. (He then whips out a thermometer.)

Patient: This thermometer is very different from the one you used the last time. (Unlike the earlier
one which was placed below the tongue, this one snapped around one of the fingers.)

Doctor: Yes, this is a new introduction by medical equipment companies. It’s much more convenient,
as it doesn’t require cleaning after every use.

Patient: That’s awesome.

Doctor: Yes it is. (He removes the thermometer and looks at the reading.)

Doctor: Not too high – 99.8. (He then proceeds with measuring blood pressure.)

Doctor: Your blood pressure is fine. (He then checks the throat.)

Doctor: It looks bit scruffy. Not good.

Patient: Yes, it has been quite bad.

Doctor: Do you get sweating and shivering?

Patient: Not sweating, but I feel somewhat cold when I sit under a fan.

Doctor: OK. You’ve few symptoms of malaria. I would suggest you undergo blood test. Nothing to
worry about. In most cases, the test come out to be negative. It’s just precautionary, as there
have been spurt in malaria cases in the last month or so.

(He then proceeds to write the prescription.)

Doctor: I’m prescribing three medicines and a syrup. The number of dots in front of each tells you
how many times in the day you’ve to take them. For example, the two dots here mean you’ve
to take the medicine twice in the day, once in the morning and once after dinner.
Doctor: Do you’ve any other questions?

Patient: No, doctor. Thank you.

The conversation is about a lady called Laura who has not been feeling well lately. Today she goes to see her
doctor for a physical checkup. Fist she talks to the clerk then the nurse before seeing the doctor.

A VISIT TO THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE

Laura: Good morning, I have an appointment with Doctor Clark at 8:30.

Clerk: Let me pull your record. In the meantime, please sign-in and have a seat.

Nurse: Laura Nicholson.

Laura: Here.

Nurse: Follow me to Room A please.

Nurse: Here we are. What are your reasons for seeing Doctor Clark today?

Laura: Well, lately I have been feeling tired, and occasionally I have had really bad headaches and an upset
stomach. On top of that, I have had this persistent cough for the last two weeks.

Nurse: When did you start having these symptoms?

Laura: I started feeling tired about two months ago; then, a little bit after that the headaches came. I got the upset
stomach long before feeling tired.

Nurse: Are you taking any medications?

Laura: Only my vitamins.

Nurse: What vitamins are you taking?

Laura: I am taking a multi-vitamin tablet and extra Vitamin C every day.

Nurse: OK, let me take your vital signs.

Laura: How am I doing?

Nurse: Everything is good—normal blood pressure and no high temperature. Please wait here for a minute.
Doctor Clark will be with you in a moment.

Laura: Thank you.

Doctor: Good morning, Laura.

Laura: Good morning, Doctor.

Doctor: I see here that you started feeling tired two months ago, and then you started having bad headaches. You
also have had an upset stomach and a persistent cough. Did you run a fever too?

Laura: No, doctor.

Doctor: Let me do a quick physical check up.

Doctor: Please take a deep breath, hold your breath, and exhale. Do it again please.

Doctor: Were there any changes in your diet or your weight lately?

Laura: I ate the usual things, but I lost five pounds recently.

Doctor: Did you suffer from insomnia?

Laura: Well, it is pretty hard for me to fall asleep when I go to bed. I also woke up many times during the night.

Doctor: Do you drink? Do you smoke?

Laura: No.

Doctor: How are things at work?

Laura: There was a change of ownership three months ago, and I had to work a lot of overtime, even during the
weekend.

Doctor: It looks like you have pneumonia. Other than that, I do not see any problems. You are probably under
stress from changes at work, and the stress causes headaches, upset stomach, and sleeplessness. For now, try to
relax and exercise. It may solve your problems. Come back to see me again if the symptoms persist, and I will do
further tests. I am going to give you a prescription for your pneumonia. Are you allergic to any medications?

Laura: Not to my knowledge.

Doctor: OK, take this medication three times a day after you eat. Also, I want you to have some blood tests. Stop
by the laboratory on your way out and have the nurse draw your blood.

Laura: I am anxious to know my cholesterol level. When will I get the results of the blood test?

Doctor: The results will be available in two weeks. Don’t stress yourself. I think everything will be OK.

Laura: Thank you, Doctor.

Doctor: You are welcome.

EXPRESSIONS

Have an appointment with 

Pull somebody’s record

In the meantime
Have a seat, please

Here we are

Persistent cough

Upset stomach

Long before

Take somebody’s vital signs

The doctor will be with you in a moment

run a fever

Physical checkup

Suffer from insomnia

Change of ownership

It looks like

Sleeplessness

It may solve your problems

If the symptoms persist

Give a prescription

Be allergic to

Not to my knowledge

Blood test:

Stop by the laboratory on the way out

Draw somebody’s blood

The results will be available in two weeks

Don’t stress yourself!

What is the conversation 2 friends making plans about?

Laurie and Christie are both friends and are having a conversation about what to do at the weekend. They plan to
go to the movies have something to eat and then go shopping.

A conversation between 2 friends

Laurie: So, what are your plans for this weekend?

Christie: I don’t know. Do you want to get together or something?

Sarah: How about going to see a movie? Cinemax 26 on Carson Boulevard is showing Enchanted.

Laurie: That sounds like a good idea. Maybe we should go out to eat beforehand.

Sarah: It is fine with me. Where do you want to meet?

Christie: Let’s meet at Summer Pizza House. I have not gone there for a long time.

Laurie: Good idea again. I heard they just came up with a new pizza. It should be good because Summer Pizza
House always has the best pizza in town.

Sarah: When should we meet?

Christie: Well, the movie is shown at 2:00PM, 4:00PM, 6:00PM and 8:00PM.

Laurie: Why don’t we go to the 2:00PM show? We can meet at Summer Pizza House at noon. That will give us
plenty of time to enjoy our pizza.

Sarah: My cousin Karen is in town. Can I bring her along? I hate to leave her home alone.

Christie: Karen is in town? Yes, bring her along. Laurie, you remember Karen? We met her at Sara’s high school
graduation party two years ago.

Laurie: I do not quite remember her. What does she look like?

Sarah: She has blond hair, she is kind of slender, and she is about your height.

Laurie: She wears eyeglasses, right?

Sarah: Yes, and she was playing the piano off and on during the party.

Laurie: I remember her now. Yes, do bring her along Sara. She is such a nice person, and funny too.

Sarah: She will be happy to meet both of you again.

Christie: What is she doing these days?

Sarah: She graduated last June, and she will start her teaching career next week when the new school term begins.

Laurie: What grade is she going to teach?

Sarah: She will teach kindergarten. She loves working with kids, and she always has such a good rapport with
them.

Christie: Kindergarten? She must be a very patient person. I always think kindergarten is the most difficult class
to teach. Most of the kids have never been to school, and they have never been away from mommy for long.

Sarah:  I think Karen will do fine. She knows how to handle young children.

Laurie: I think the first few weeks will be tough. However, once the routine is set, it should not be too difficult to
teach kindergarten.

Christie: You are right. The kids might even look forward to going to school since they have so many friends to
play with.

Sarah: There are so many new things for them to do at school too. They do a lot of crafts in kindergarten. I am
always amazed by the things kindergarten teachers do. 

Laurie: Yes, I have seen my niece come home with so many neat stuff.
Christie: Maybe we can ask Karen to show us some of the things that we can do for this Halloween.

Laurie: Maybe we can stop by the craft store after the movie. What do you think, Sara?

Sarah: I will talk to her. I think she will like that. It will help her with school projects when Halloween comes.

Christie: Michael’s is a good store for crafts. It always carries a variety of things, and you can find almost
anything there.

Laurie: There is a Michaels store not far away from Cinemax 26. I believe it is just around the corner, on Pioneer
Avenue. We can even walk over there.

Sarah: So, we plan to meet for pizza at noon, go to the movies at two, and shop at Michael’s afterward. Right?

Laurie and Christie: Yes.

Expressions used in the conversation

Get together

It sounds like a good idea

Beforehand

Come up with

She is in town

Bring someone along

Off and on

What is she doing these days?

Teaching career

School term

Kindergarten

Have a good rapport with

Once the routine is set

Look forward to
Craft

School project

A variety of things

It is around the corner\

What is the conversation between 2 friends helping each other

about?
The conversation is about 2 friends called Tim and Henry, who both have a separate problem. Henry is having
problems with his homework and is friend Tim is having problems with building a doll house. They are hoping
they can help each other.

Conversation between 2 friends hoping to help each other

Tim: Henry, what are you doing?

Henry: I have been trying to solve this physics problem for the last half hour, and I still have no idea how to do it.

Tim: When do you have to turn it in?

Henry: It is due at the end of this week.

Tim: Well, it is only Monday. Why don’t you get some after-school-tutoring tomorrow?

Henry: I have to sign up for it first. I guess I will go sign up for the Wednesday session tomorrow.

Tim: You should reread the chapter before you show up for the session. It will help you understand the subject
matter better.

Henry: OK, I will do that.

Tim: Now that your problem is solved, I need you to lend me a hand with my problem.

Henry: What is up?

Tim: I need to build a new doll house for Nancy. I was putting her doll house away, and somehow I accidentally
dropped it. It was broken into pieces.

Henry: How clumsy of you! Does she know?

Tim: I told her about it. I could not lie to her.

Henry: How did she take it?

Tim: My sister really liked that doll house, and obviously she was not very happy. But, I told her that I would
build a better one for her. So, I need your help.

Henry: Me? Help you? I have never built anything in my life.

Tim: Me neither. But, don’t worry. Putting together pieces of wood is not going to be difficult.
Henry: It is more than just putting pieces of wood together. You need to put in windows and doors. Have you
thought about how you would do that?

Tim: Who says houses need to have windows and doors?

Henry: So, you are going to build a doll house with no windows and no doors?

Tim: Yes, I do not see anything wrong with that. Do you?

Henry: No. It makes the project easier to handle now. But, are you sure that Nancy will not mind having a doll
house with no doors and no windows?

Tim: Yes, I am sure.

Henry: Are you sure that Nancy will find this doll house with no doors and no windows prettier than the one you
broke?

Tim: No, I am not sure. Why do you have to make things so complicated?

Henry: I am not trying to complicate things. You did tell Nancy that the new doll house would be better than the
one you broke. I just want to remind you of your promise.

Tim: Ah, I wish I have not touched her doll house! What should I do then?

Henry: Get help from somebody who knows how to build a doll house. I would not be of any help to you in this
project.

Tim: Who do you suggest I ask?

Henry: Mr. Brown used to be a carpenter. He will be glad to help you out. Why don’t you give him a call, and see
whether he has some free time.

Tim: You are right. It will take us forever to build this doll house. With Mr. Brown’s help, I can finish it in no
time.

Henry: OK, now that your problem is solved, can you help me trim the trees in the back yard?

Tim: Who? Me? Trim the trees in your back yard? It will take us ages to trim those trees. Let’s see who is good at
trimming trees. Ah, you can ask Mr. Brown. He is also good at trimming trees. And, when you ask for his help,
please ask him to help me build a doll house also.

EXPRESSIONS

Have a problem with

Have no idea how to do something

It is due at the end of the week

It would be wise to

Subject matter

Lend a hand to

What is up?

Accidentally
Broken into pieces

How clumsy of you!

How did she take it?

Me neither

Don’t worry!

Have you thought about

Who says that

I don’t see anything wrong with it

Do you mind to?

I am sure

 Complicate

 Used to be

Have free time

Finish in no time 

The conversation is between Mrs Anderson and her daughter Debbie. Mrs. Anderson is baking cakes in the
kitchen when her daughter Debbie arrives home from school

 Conversation about an afternoon in the kitchen

Debbie: Mom, I am home.

Mrs. Anderson: How was school? How did you do on the test?

Debbie: School was OK, and I did great on the test. Mom, I was so worried about that test, but now I feel great.
What a relief!

Mrs. Anderson: I am glad to hear that. You have been studying so hard the past few weeks. Now, you can relax
and enjoy life.

Debbie: What are you cooking? It smells so good.

Mrs. Anderson: I am baking cakes. This is your favourite carrot cake.

Debbie: It looks really yummy. And I see muffins over there too. You were busy, weren’t you?

Mrs. Anderson: Yes. Jeff has to take something to school tomorrow. So, those muffins are for him. Don’t touch
them.

Debbie: Can I have a piece of carrot cake? I want to enjoy life right now.
Mrs. Anderson: You don’t want to wait until after dinner?

Debbie: It looks inviting, and I bet it is delicious.  No, I don’t want to wait. Can I, mom?

Mrs. Anderson: OK, go ahead.

Debbie: Did you see the new recipe that was posted on Today Cooking’s website? I believe it was called
Scrumptious Pie.

Mrs. Anderson: No, I did not. But I want to try that recipe. Your dad loves pie.

Debbie: So do I.

Mrs. Anderson: So does Jeff. Our whole family is crazy about pie.

Debbie: When do you want to try the new recipe? I want to learn too. Should we bake a cherry pie or an apple
pie?

Mrs. Anderson: Since this is the cherry season, let’s make a cherry pie. Tomorrow, I will get some cherries at the
supermarket, and we can start baking in the afternoon when you get home from school.

Debbie: I need to finish a science project, and I will not get home until 3:30. Will it be too late to start baking,
mom? If it is, you can start without me.

Mrs. Anderson: 3:30 PM is fine. I will prepare dinner early, and then I will have everything ready for our baking
session before you get home.

Debbie: Make sure that we still have enough sugar and eggs, mom. It seems like you were using a lot of sugar and
eggs baking the cakes and muffins today.

Mrs. Anderson: Don’t worry. We still have plenty of sugar and a lot of eggs, enough to make at least ten pies.

Debbie: Ten pies, huh? Ten sounds like a good number, but let’s not overdo it. Let’s make nine and a half pies
instead.

Mrs. Anderson: OK, we will make nine and a half pies tomorrow. No more, no less.

Debbie: It is a deal.

Mrs. Anderson: Enough about baking pies. I need to start working on today’s dinner. It is three o’clock already.
Your dad and Jeff will be home soon. I am sure they will be very hungry and will want dinner right away.

Debbie: What do we have for dinner tonight?

Mrs. Anderson: I will make roast beef and cream of mushroom soup.

Debbie: It has been a long time since you made cream of mushroom soup. Do you need any help, mom?

Mrs. Anderson: No, go do your homework and leave the cooking to me.

Debbie: Thanks, mom. Call me whenever dinner is ready. I do not want to be late for roast beef, cream of
mushroom soup, carrot cake and muffins.

Mrs. Anderson: The muffins are for Jeff. Do not touch them!

Debbie: I know, mom. Just kidding.

Expressions used in the conversation

I feel great
What a relief!
Enjoy life
It is a piece of cake
It looks inviting
It is delicious
Go ahead
So do I
Be crazy about something
In the afternoon
Get home from school
Don't worry!
Let's not overdo it
No more, no less
It is a deal
It has been a long time since
Do you need any help?
Leave the cooking to me
Just kidding

15 Business English Phrases for All Occasions

Back to the drawing board

To go back to the drawing board means to start over, and to look at a failed idea in a new way. You can also this
phrase when you need to rethink a decision.

This expression is commonly used to motivate a team of employees to rework a failure. To help with this
expression, you can imagine a group of employees removing a failed design from a chalkboard and drawing a new
idea. You can imagine that they are starting again by going back to the drawing board!

For example:

 “We didn’t sell any units of our new product.”

“OK, let’s go back to the drawing board and design a new one.” 

Get the ball rolling

This phrase means to start a new project or business activity.

It can also be used to describe a small action that leads to the beginning of something. This usually starts with one
person. For example, a person can get the ball rolling by doing a small task that will eventually become part of a
bigger project.

For example:

 “For our meeting today, Kate will get the ball rolling by talking about our budget goals for this quarter.”

A ballpark number / figure / estimate

This phrase, like many other business expressions, is related to sports. The ballpark is the sports ground or
stadium where baseball is played.

Giving a ballpark figure means giving an estimate of the value, time or number of something. It is used when the
specific amount or number is not yet known or agreed upon but an estimate is required.
A ballpark is very large! So, this expression is specifically used for giving a very rough estimate or a large range
in value.

For example:

 “To give you a ballpark figure, the new project will take between one and three months to complete.”

To learn the ropes

Imagine that you are on an old-fashioned sailboat. The first thing you would learn is how to tie knots and work the
sails. In other words, you would learn how all the ropes work! That is what this phrase is referring to.

To learn the ropes means to learn how to do your job or a particular task, especially if you have no prior
experience. Because of this, it is commonly used when referring to new employees in training.

If you change it to say “to teach someone the ropes,” you can use it to describe a boss or more senior person
helping a new employee understand their role and responsibilities.

For example:

 “Hey Paul, how’s your new job?”

“It’s great but I’ve only been there for two weeks so I’m still learning the ropes.“
 “I’ve got a great manager who’s been teaching me the ropes, so I’m learning quickly!”

A win-win situation

You might hear that something is a win-win situation, or that something is win-win in both business and regular
English. The phrase describes a situation where everybody involved in the event or deal benefits from the
outcome.

In business, it is often used during negotiations or trades, where both parties receive something that they need
from the other.

For example:

 “The deal is simple, we give them office space and they give us the new equipment that we need.”
“It sounds like a win-win situation to me!” 

To think outside the box

To think outside the box means to think in a creative way that is not typical or traditional. You can use this
expression in business when you are talking about ideas.

If someone tells you to think outside the box, then they are telling you to think of a creative solution or idea that
may be unexpected or not obvious.

You can imagine the “box” as a traditional and obvious solution and outside the box as a more creative or abstract
solution.

For example:

 “For our new advertising campaign, we really had to think outside of the box to come up with something that hadn’t been
done before.”

Hit the ground running

To hit the ground running is to begin a task or project with lots of energy and enthusiasm. The expression is
commonly used when talking about a new project or idea that requires immediate, fast and lively action.
It is also used when talking about taking advantage of an opportunity.

For example:

 “We really need to hit the ground running with this idea and get our product on the shelves before someone else does.”

To pencil it in

This expression is used to talk about setting a date for an upcoming event—like a meeting, presentation or lunch—
that might not happen on the scheduled time or date.

Since you are only using a pencil (and not something more permanent like a pen), you are leaving open the
possibility of canceling or rescheduling the event.

For example:

 “Hi Maria, can we meet next Tuesday at 1 p.m. to chat about the upcoming campaign?”
“I’m not too sure about my schedule. Let’s pencil it in and see closer to the date, ok?”

To brainstorm an idea

To brainstorm an idea is to openly discuss an idea with your colleagues in a relaxed and free environment.

This is commonly called a brainstorming session or simply brainstorming. The purpose of brainstorming in
business is to explore ideas in an open-minded and non-judgemental environment.

For example:

 “Hi everyone, in this meeting we’re going to brainstorm ideas for this year’s new product. Please feel free to add any ideas
you have”

Get up to speed

Did you take some time off from work? Or, did you miss the last meeting?

Either way, you will have to get up to speed with everything that you need to know. This expression means to
catch up on information, changes or updates that you have missed.

You can also say that the person who is teaching you the missing information is bringing you up to speed.

For example:

 “It didn’t take me long to get up to speed with the new laws as my co-worker explained them to me perfectly.” 

To keep an eye on the ball

Imagine this: You have stepped out on the stadium with the baseball bat in your hand. Thousands of people are
cheering your name but, in your head, you are thinking about one thing: You need to keep your eye on the ball.

To keep an eye on the ball means to focus on your task or goal closely. It can also be used to encourage someone
to pay attention or to watch out and maintain a high level of alertness.

For example:

 “When it comes to business negotiations, you really need to keep an eye on the ball.”

Word of mouth
Word of mouth refers to the spread of information verbally. In regards to business, it usually refers to people
telling other people about your business, product or service.

Note that this expression is commonly used to talk positively about something.

If someone has a good experience with your product, then they may tell their friend about it, and that friend might
tell another friend and so on—and before long, everyone is talking about your product! This is known as word-of-
mouth marketing.

For example:

 “Hi, if you don’t mind me asking, how did you find out about our shop?”
“I heard about it through word of mouth, everybody kept telling me how great your products are!”

To touch base

This is another phrase that comes from a sport. In baseball, the bases are where the batter runs to after striking the
ball. In business English, to touch base means to briefly connect with or re-contact someone.

This form of contact is often short and is used to check in with somebody. For example, if you are working with a
colleague on a project, you can touch base with them about their progress, or about a part of the project that you
are waiting for them to finish.

You will find that this expression is quite often used in emails.

For example:

 “Hi Sarah, I just wanted to touch base with you to see if we’re still scheduled to complete the first phase of the project by next
Monday.”

On the same page

To be on the same page means to be in agreement or to hold the same views about something with others.

This is a very common English expression and is used frequently in both everyday English and business English.

You might also hear this expression formed as a question, “Are we on the same page?” This is the same as asking,
“Do we agree?”

For example:

 “Next month we need to cut spending by 20%. Are we all on the same page about this?”

To cut corners

If you are cutting corners, then you are not giving your project everything that you should be! To cut corners is to
do something by skipping some steps to achieve an outcome as quickly or as cheaply as possible.

It is used in a negative way, because something that’s made through cutting corners might be missing an
important part, use cheap materials or not be as good quality overall.

For example:

 “The company cut corners when making their camera, so it’s very cheap but it stops working after a few months of use.”

49 Phrases for Conference Calls and Zoom Calls

Beginning a conference call

You will either hear these phrases or need to use them yourself while talking to people on a conference call.

 “Let’s give everyone a few more minutes to join.”

 “Are we all on?”
 “Can I ask that we all state our names, please?”
 “I’m here. It’s [your name] in [your city].”
 “Can everybody hear me?”

These are useful phrases to check if everyone is present and has joined the conversation. When asked, just respond
“yes” and give your name and position, or job at the company.

If you are using a video conference program, it may not be necessary to give your name since others can see your
information through your video icon. However, it is still good manners to say hello to everyone when you join.

You can use these phrases to get started:

 “Good morning / afternoon / evening, everyone.”

 “Hi everybody. Thanks for joining us today.”

It is also common to hear a bit of small talk before the actual meeting begins. Some phrases you might use or hear
spoken are:

 “How’s everyone doing today?”

 “How’s the weather where you are?”
 “Did everyone have a good weekend?”

Be aware that you will probably not receive actual answers to these questions. They are mostly rhetorical
questions (questions that you do not have to actually answer). Most likely, you will get a few nods or a simple
reply like “I’m doing fine, thanks.” Despite this, it is polite to ask, and is a natural way to fill the silence before the
actual meeting begins.

When it is time for the meeting to start, the person who is leading the meeting will signal that everybody shoulsd
quiet down and listen up. Listen for these phrases:

 “Okay, everyone, let’s get started.”

 “It looks like we’re all here.”
 “Thank you all for being here. Let’s talk about today’s objective.”

Asking for clarification during a conference call

When talking on a conference call, there is a chance that your internet connection will be poor, or that the quality
of the call will be bad. In these cases, you might miss out on something that someone said.

This happens to native speakers, as well! So, do not be afraid to speak up and ask for clarification. Here are some
phrases that you can use to make sure you do not miss anything important:

 “Could you speak more slowly, please?”

 “Could you repeat that, please?”
 “Would you mind spelling that for me, please?”
 “Could you explain that in another way, please?”
 “I’m afraid I didn’t get that.”
 “I’m sorry, but could you speak up a little?”
 “I didn’t quite hear that, sorry. Can you say that again?”
 “I didn’t catch that last bit. Can you say it again, please?”

Taking a break from the conversation

You might need to step away from a conference call. It is perfectly fine to excuse yourself, but make sure that you
are polite and clear when you do it. Try these phrases if you need a break:
  “[Your name] speaking. I need to leave for 10 minutes. Is that okay with everyone?”
 “I need a moment. I’ll be back in about 10 minutes.”
 “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need to step away from the call for a few minutes.”

If you are on a Zoom call, you can leave a message in the chat to avoid interrupting the speaker.

When you return, let everybody know you are back by saying:

 “[Your name] here. I’m back on the line again.”

 “This is [Your name], I’m back. Thanks for your patience / Thank you for waiting.”

Being an active participant in meetings

As the meeting goes on, you want to be an active participant. That means speaking up if you have any questions,
as well as giving your feedback when others speak.

If you accidentally speak over somebody or interrupt them when you speak, do not worry! It happens to everyone.
You can use these phrases if this happens:

 “Sorry, I interrupted you. You were saying…?”

 “I didn’t mean to interrupt you. Please, go on.”

Sometimes, you will have to interrupt to ask a question. In this case, you can politely signal that you have a
question

 “Am I to understand that…”

 “Sorry, but just to clarify…”
 “So, what we’re saying is…”
 “Sorry to interrupt, but…”

You can also participate in the conversation by agreeing and disagreeing with what others are saying.

Here are some useful phrases for agreeing:

 “That’s an excellent point, [person’s name], I agree with you on that.”

 “Okay, I think we’re all on the same page here…”
 “Yes, I see what you’re saying…”
 “I couldn’t agree more.”

You will not always agree with everyone else, and that is okay! Here are some phrases to disagree politely but
firmly:

 “I’m sorry but I think you may have that slightly wrong…”
 “From my perspective, it’s a little different. Let me explain.”
 “I see your point, but…”
 “I’m not sure I agree with that.”

Planning for future meetings

When it is time to end the meeting, you may want to set up the next meeting. Whether you are talking with your
co-workers, business partners or clients, here are some phrases to help you schedule future meetings:

 “I’d like to set up a meeting with you at your earliest convenience. When are you free?”
 “Are you free to talk again next week?”
 “When are you available for another meeting?”
 “How does 2:30 p.m. Thursday sound?”
 “Does Thursday at 2:30 p.m. suit you?”

After the person has agreed to the time, it is customary to confirm one last time just to make sure the other person
has really heard.
If you are working with a global team where there could be confusion as to the time, add the “a.m.” or “p.m.” and
the time zone if necessary, just to be sure you have been understood:

 “Great, let’s meet again on Thursday at 2:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time then.”
 “Okay, I look forward to seeing you at 2:30 in the afternoon on Thursday.”
 “Thursday at 2:30 p.m., EST. Looking forward to it, see you then.”
 “See you on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Bye for now.”

Giving a Presentation:Expressions for an Excellent Presentation

Starting Your Presentation

Hi everybody, my name is [your name] and I’m [your role in the company].

Good morning / afternoon / evening ladies and gentlemen, I’m [your name].

Hi everyone, I’m [your name]. I’ll keep this brief.

Thanks for having me here today. I’m [your name].

Introducing the Topic of Your Presentation

Today, I’m here to talk to you about…

I’d like to outline our plans for…

In this presentation, I’ll discuss…

*** After you introduce the topic, you can give the listeners a “map” of your presentation.

This presentation will take about 20 minutes.

First, I’ll start with some general information about…

First, I’ll talk about…

Then, I’ll look at…

Then, we’ll go over…

We’ll conclude with some information on…

Finally, we’ll talk about how to move forward with…

I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have at the end of this presentation.

To keep things moving, please hold your questions until the end of the presentation.

Ending your presentation

Well, that brings me to the end of my presentation

Thanks so much for listening to my presentation.

That’s it from me.

It was a real pleasure being here today.

I’ll be taking questions for the next 10 minutes.

That concludes my presentation. Does anyone have any questions?

Negotiating Successfully: 4 Phrases to Get the Best Deal

When you are taking part in a negotiation, you might get what you want, but sometimes you may not. Here are
some phrases that will work for each situation. Remember: Be polite but be firm.

I understand that we can’t do that, but can we discuss some other alternatives?”

I hear what you’re saying, but our bottom line is very clear on this one.”

This is a deal-breaker for us, we can’t budge.” (Budge means move, change or give up.)

Maybe we can find a compromise that works for both of us.”

 
Daily Use English Conversation Sentences - 1
- Talk the talk and walk the walk.

The politician talks the talk,but he doesn’t walk the walk.

- Take it with a pinch of salt.

Take what he said with a pinch of salt.

- Let me cut to the chase.

- Cat got your tongue?

Has the cat got your tongue?

- I will do it right away.

- Don’t while away your time.

- Stop fooling around.

- We had a whale of time on the trip.

- He is in a good / bad mood.

- Have you been keeping busy?

- All work and no play!

- Thank heavens, it’s (Friday).

- That’s one job I wouldn’t do.

- That sounds awesome.

- That’s just hearsay.

- Don’t get me wrong.

- What nonsense!

- What a ridiculous idea!

- You can’t force me to do it.

- I think he’s got a message.

- My point, exactly.
- Why is he / she so thick?

- I have been there, done that.

Daily Use English Conversation Sentences - 2

- You and I (We) have been together through thick and thin.

- I hate fair-weather friends.

- Just follow / go with the crowd.

I’m worried that my son will just go with the crowd at the party and end up doing things that he doesn’t want to
do.

I’m an independent thinker. I could never just follow the crowd.

- Don’t lose your temper.

- What a coincidence!

- I / You can read your / my mind.

- Don’t take anything for granted.

- Things didn’t turn out as expected.

- I was reluctant to ask for your help.

- Let me give you a hand.

- They two are different as chalk and cheese.

- It’s not the decision I take / make lightly.

This decision was not made lightly, but in the end was based on my desire.

My decision to leave the company was not taken lightly but I felt that it was necessary for me to help my sister
take care of my 85 and 83 year old parents.

- What you said was absolutely right / wrong.

- I couldn’t agree with you more.

- It is insulting to (womenfolk).

- I don’t get you.

- It’s too obvious.

- I’ll keep my word.

- Give me a break.
- He likes to keep to himself.

- He is a man of few words.

Daily Use English Conversation Sentences - 3

- We agree to disagree.

- I’ve heard alot about you.

- Will you do me a favour?

- It can’t be arranged.

- I’m content with my life.

- Work while you work, and play while you play. Or Work hard and play hard.

- He can’t take hints.

- We can’t go on like this.

- The sky’s the limit.

You can achieve anything if you really want to. The sky’s the limit.

- It’s better to forgive and forget.

- They are not on speaking terms.

- Don’t waste your breath.

- They expect some tea money.

- I’m feeling a bit under the weather.

- He is Jack of all trades. “Jack of all trades and master of none.”

- There you go again.

- Please behave yourself.

- I won’t do anything against your will.

- What you’ve done is a shameful thing.

- C’est la vie.

- I’ll do it by all means.

- I am not responsible for this work.

- My health isn’t as good as before.

- No news is good news.

- Don’t mess with him / her.

Daily Use English Conversation Sentences - 4

- We’re proud of your achievements.

- Pay attention to your (driving).

- I was so thrilled to see my old friends.

- Any news?

- He is itching for a fight.

- You need to calm down.

- I almost lost my temper.

- She’s good- tempered.

- He’s bad-tempered when he’s hungry.

- You need to speed up.

- I can’t catch up with you.

- Did anyone come when I was out?

- Shall we break for lunch?

- How often in a week do you work out?

- He drinks like a fish.

- My father is a teetotaler.

- Promises! Promises!

- I want to get it off my chest.

- He looks older / younger than his age.

- He is quite mature for his young age.

- You look as pretty as before.

- Sorry to disturb you when you’re busy.

- Please don’t interrupt when I’m talking.

- It’s too good to be true.

- Things are looking up.

- He is an avid Facebook user.

Daily Use English Conversation Sentences - 5

- He doesn’t mince words.

- He’s a sweet talker.

- He is easy to get along with.

- He is absent-minded.

- Please hear me out.

- He is a picky eater. Or He is particular about what he eats.

- My father is a strict vegetarian.

- You need to plan ahead.

- He is not a team-player.

- A good name never dies.

- I look the other way whenever I see him.

- I dare not go against my mother.

- He is so full of himself.

- He is quite arrogant.

- I quite agree with you.

- That’s not what I mean.

- Well, let me put it this way.

- It’s pointless to complain.

- We are in the same boat.

- Never leave your work unfinished.

- I’ve been thinking of a career change.

- I wasn’t myself.

- All my efforts have been in vain.

- I lost half of the day getting stuck in traffic jams.

- I want to stand on my own feet. / I want to be independent. / I want to be self-dependent.

- You don’t have to be sarcastic.

Daily Use English Conversation Sentences - 6

- I don’t know what you’re driving at.

- A good beginning makes a good ending.

- Don’t take what he said too seriously.

- You can’t be serious.

- I hate to repeat myself.

- This theory is beyond my understanding.

- Nip the problem in the bud.

- Your words have fallen on deaf ears.

- You are always full of excuses.

- It’s now or never.

- She is such a show-off.

- He didn’t even lift his finger.

- He always shirks his responsibilities.

- Please do it without any delay.

- It takes two to tango.

- I like to keep a low profile.

- I hope our paths will cross again.

- Are you allergic to any (medicine)?

- Potato doesn’t agree with me. “something (food) doesn’t agree with someone.”

- The bread is good on its own; no butter’s needed. “something is good on its own”

- You are grounded!

- I have nothing to do with it.

- Times are changing.

- My watch is gaining 5 minutes.

- My watch is losing 5 minutes.

- My watch keeps good time.

Looking for a Perfect Gift - 1

A: Can you help me pick out a gift for my daughter?

B: May I suggest a laptop , a Mac?

A: That sounds like a good idea. How much?

B: Well, a 15-inch Pro is $2,100.

A: That sounds great. I'll take it.

B: Great. How would you like to pay for it?

A: Here's my VISA.

B: Let me ring you up. Okay, sign here, please.

A: Everything I need is in this box?

B: It'll take her only a few minutes to get online.

A: Thank you for your help.

B: So long. Thank you for shopping here.

Looking for a Perfect Gift - 2

A: I'm looking for a gift for my daughter.

B: How about a laptop?

A: Yes, she needs something to help her at school.

B: How about a Mac?

A: That sounds good. How much is one?

B: Our newest 15-inch Pro is only $2,100.

A: Only $2,100? Okay, let me have one.

B: That's great. Will that be cash, check, or credit card?

A: Let me dig my VISA out of my purse.

B: If you'll just sign here, please.

A: Do I need to buy anything else?

B: All she has to do is open the box and follow the instructions.

A: Thank you so much.

B: Thank you. If you have any problems, just call.

Looking for a Perfect Gift - 3

A: I need help finding a gift for my daughter.

B: Would she like a laptop? And a Mac is a very popular brand.

A: That sounds great. She mentioned a Mac. How much is it?

B: A 15-inch Pro model is $2,100 plus tax.

A: That sounds like a great price. I'll take one.

B: This is a gift she'll cherish for years. How do you want to pay?

A: I'll use my VISA.

B: We're almost through. Just sign here, please.

A: Just take it home and plug it in?

B: She'll be online 20 minutes after she opens the box.

A: She's going to be so pleased with this.

B: Remember us for all your computer needs.

Looking for a Perfect Gift - 4

A: I wonder if you could help me find something for my daughter.

B: Do you think she'd like a laptop?

A: I think that would be perfect.

B: A Mac is something most people appreciate.

A: In fact, she prefers Macs. How much is one?

B: Our 15-inch Pro will cost you only $2,100.

A: She's going to be so happy. Let me have one.

B: You've made a good decision. How would you like to pay?

A: I'll pay for it with my VISA.

B: It's all yours after you sign here, please.

A: Are there any extras that she needs?

B: This is good to go. If she wants accessories, just visit us again.

A: You've been so helpful. Thank you.

B: Have a nice day, and thank you for shopping here.

Looking for a Perfect Gift - 5

A: I'd appreciate it if you could help me pick out a gift for my daughter.

B: Would she be interested in a laptop?

A: That's exactly what I was thinking of.

B: A Mac would be an excellent gift.

A: I like Macs. How much for a Mac?

B: You can take a 15-inch Pro home right now for only $2,100.

A: A Mac it is. I'll take one home with me.

B: She'll be very happy with this. And how do you plan to pay for it?

A: I'll use my VISA, if that's okay.

B: Now, if you'll just sign here, the Mac is all yours.

A: Will she need anything besides what's in this box?

B: Everything she needs is right here in the box.

A: I appreciate your help. Maybe I'll be back for more computer stuff.

B: Your daughter should get straight A's from now on. Good-bye.

Looking for a Perfect Gift - 6

A: Can you help me pick out a gift for my niece?

B: Most normal little girls go wild over Barbie dolls.

A: That sounds good. Let me see one.

B: Here's the latest model—Digital Barbie.

A: She's nice. How much is she?

B: Why, she's only $29.95.

A: That's reasonable. I'll take it.

B: Excellent. Would you like anything else?

A: No, thank you.

B: The total will be $32.42. Will that be cash?

A: Cash will be fine.

B: Here's your change. Thank you for shopping with us.

Looking for a Perfect Gift - 7

A: I'm looking for a gift for my niece.

B: Well, little girls seem to love Barbie dolls.

A: That's perfect. I want to see one.

B: Here you are—she's called Digital Barbie.

A: I like Digital Barbie! How much does she cost?

B: This Barbie is only $29.95.

A: That's perfect. Let me have her.

B: Very good. Is there anything else you would like?

A: No, that'll do it for now.

B: Including tax, your total will be $32.42. Cash or charge?

A: Let me give you cash, please.

B: Here's your change and receipt. Thank you.

Looking for a Perfect Gift - 8
A: Do you have anything for a little girl?

B: Well, we have some new Barbie dolls.

A: That's a great idea. Show me the Barbie dolls.

B: Here's one—the new, beautiful Digital Barbie. This doll is hot!

A: How lovely! How much is she?

B: It's only $29.95.

A: No problem. Let me have one.

B: That's great. Anything else?

A: No, thank you. That's all I need at the moment.

B: The grand total is $32.42. How would you like to pay?

A: I'll give you cash.

B: Thank you so much for shopping here. Here's your change and receipt.
Looking for a Perfect Gift - 9

A: I want to get something nice for my niece.

B: Well, I've never heard of a little girl that didn't love Barbie dolls.

A: I like that suggestion. Show me one, please.

B: Here you go—Digital Barbie.

A: My niece will love her! How much for her?

B: Barbie is our best seller. She's only $29.95.

A: That's great. I'll take her.

B: Your niece will love this. Anything else?

A: Thank you, but no. This will do it for now.

B: With the tax, your total is $32.42. Would you like to charge it?

A: I'll pay cash, thank you.

B: Thank you for shopping here.

Looking for a Perfect Gift - 10

A: Can you help me find a nice gift for my young niece?

B: Barbie dolls are quite popular, you know.

A: You're right. Girls love Barbie. Show me a Barbie doll.

B: Take a look at the newest Barbie—Digital Barbie.

A: She's beautiful. What's the price for Digital Barbie?

B: Our regular price for Digital Barbie is $29.95 plus tax.

A: Only $29.95? I'll buy it, of course.

B: Another one sold. Do you see anything else you would like?

A: Thank you, but no. This will do it for now.

B: Tax brings your total to $32.42. How would you like to pay?

A: Cash, please.

B: Here's your change. Thank you.