Express Yourself in English

Express Yourself In English - Second Edition
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BY
Mubarak Abdessalami
2ed Edition
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M. Abdessalami
CONTENTS
Functions
__
Pages
1.
INTRODUCTION----------------------------------------------------------03
2.
GAP FILLERS --------------------------------------------------------------06
3.
CARING---------------------------------------------------------------------06
4.
ASKING FOR THE TIME--------------------------------------------------06
5.
ASKING FOR DIRECTION------------------------------------------------06
6.
OPINION ------------------------------------------------------------------07
7.
ADVICE --------------------------------------------------------------------08
8.
SUGGESTING--------------------------------------------------------------08
9.
ASKING FOR HELP --------------------------------------------------------09
10. OFFERS---------------------------------------------------------------------09
11.
INVITATION -------------------------------------------------------------10
12. COMPLAINING------------------------------------------------------------10
13. APOLOGIZING ------------------------------------------------------------11
14. PROHIBITION-------------------------------------------------------------11
15. CERTAINTY----------------------------------------------------------------12
16. PROBABILITY--------------------------------------------------------------12
17. IMPROBABILITY ----------------------------------------------------------12
18. POSSIBILITY--------------------------------------------------------------12
19. IMPOSSIBILITY-----------------------------------------------------------13
20. LIKES & DISLIKES--------------------------------------------------------13
21. PREFERENCE---------------------------------------------------------------13
22. NECESSITY----------------------------------------------------------------14
23. PERMISSION--------------------------------------------------------------14
24. REQUEST------------------------------------------------------------------15
25. CAUSE & EFFECT----------------------------------------------------------15
M. Abdessalami

26. EXPRESSING A WISH----------------------------------------------------16
27. EXPLAINING & JUSTIFYING--------------------------------------------16
28. EXPRESSING FEAR--------------------------------------------------------17
29. EXPRESSING SYMPATHY-------------------------------------------------17
30. HYPOTHESIS---------------------------------------------------------------17
31. EXPRESSING REGRET-----------------------------------------------------17
32. INDIFERENCE--------------------------------------------------------------18
33. DISSATISFACTION-------------------------------------------------------18
34. CLARIFICATION-----------------------------------------------------------18
35. EXPRESSING THANKS----------------------------------------------------19
36. SAYING GOODBYE--------------------------------------------------------20
_____________________________________________
Introduction
The English language learners are not quite motivated to discuss an issue with
the others in the target language freely and without restrains because they lack the
very tools that help them achieve the great part of the elocution, notably how to start!
And how many people is my audience?! The best way to encourage them is twofold,
- First to arrange a talk session among the learners in small groups.
- Second to provide them with the necessary assisting expressions necessary to
launch the conversation without a complex of inferiority.
Once these two elements are provided the train of exchanging ideas started
and the discussion goes into expanded group level until they reach the level of whole
class debate. These level transitions are not random; they are excellent emotional
filters that lower if not chase away anxiety, bashfulness, hesitation and any other
emotional obstructions. When the students are armed and equipped with the
necessary tools to do the job correctly, they do it enthusiastically. Never expect from
the students who havent got vocabulary, idioms, expressions and diction enough to
express themselves clearly to jump into a chat precariously and make a jerk of
themselves.
3
M. Abdessalami
This worry however will gradually vanish the more the learner regains
confidence through the two main fundamental rudiments, notably to know how to
say what one has to say in the appropriate manner through mastering the suitable
functions. The small group settings, in which the students operate and use those tools
without much anxiety, are significantly of great utility for they provide the shy
students with the opportunity and the chance to speak out their minds. Thanks to
these elements, no matter how futile they may seem, all the opportunities to learn are
eventually presented.
For Teachers:
Many teachers are aware that the absence of these two factors participates in
the deterioration of the learners motivation and enthusiasm to learn the target
language. Teachers try to set up an atmosphere of trust and friendship through
ensuring them that relaxation is guaranteed. The small group setting is an effective
prove that relaxation in the learning process is really taking place if accompanied of
course by the expressions that make the interaction with the other members of the
group effortless and smooth. Still what expressions are needed?
During a normal natural conversation many different expressions are needed to
show the speakers level of intellectuality, politeness and coherence. These
expressions vary from asking for or giving opinion, inviting, apologizing,
complaining, suggesting, advising, asking or giving permission to using gap-fillers
while talking. Not only that but also coping with opposing view points and trying to
deal with them calmly and flexibly. Accepting the difference or refusing an idea has
also elevated polite styles. These functions help the learners overcome their
reluctance and dive into discussions among their groups using the basics at hand and
gradually acquiring new ones as well as the tones, intonations and pitches necessary
to make them convincing until a strong language repertoire is built. This technique
later results not only in participating in a discussion held in a 20 student-classroom
during an English session, but to the extent of negotiating or even giving a persuasive
speech in front of a large audience.
M. Abdessalami

To put it short, Id like to introduce you directly to this humble work that aims
at helping the students to regain some confidence by providing them with the
necessary
elements
needed
to
carry
on
conversation
without
much
misunderstanding or confusion. Once the students momentarily adopt and practice

them regularly in virtual or true to life conversations, theyll surely get acquainted
with expressing themselves in English. There are expressions that are like the ones
we use in our native language, but with a big difference in styles. If we dont get the
expression correctly in the target Language, from the very beginning, well surely try
to manage some sort of translation which will result in a confusion or clumsiness.
Thus, it is preferable to get those expressions in their originality as the native
speakers use them in their day to day life, then train on them in real conversation
contexts. While doing this the learners have to keep in mind that:
1. Nothing is easy
2. Every beginning is tough
3. Practice makes perfect
4. Respecting the others opinions is part of a successful conversation
For Students:
These expressions in their variety are meant to help you enrich your spoken
and written repertoire. It is not actually a handicap to learn some of them by heart on
condition that you frequently use them while talking to your classmates or friends or
even some English-speaking people. Gradually those expressions become yours and
you will use them normally and naturally. The more you practice them, the better you
master them. Take it for granted that the language is first and foremost a means of
communication. The more you practise it the more you become perfect. Finally,
remember that the world would understand and appreciate what you say if you said it
in the right way.
Mubarak Abdessalami
M. Abdessalami
GAP FILLERS
For oral use only:
- I mean....
- You see....
- Well, let me see...
- Look!
- Listen!
- If you see what I mean!
- Do you see what I mean?
- Lets get this into perspective.
- Watch it!
- Picture this.
- Look here!
- All right!
- Is that clear enough?
CARING
How are you today?

How do you feel?
How are you feeling?
Is everything OK?
Is everything all right?
What's wrong?
What's the matter?
Are you all right?
What happened?
Whats up?
ASKING FOR THE TIME
Excuse me, what time is it, please?

Excuse me, whats the time, please?
Excuse me; have you got the time, please?
Excuse me; do you have the time, please?
ASKING FOR DIRECTION
Excuse me sir, How do I get to the nearest gas station please?

Excuse me madam, Will you show me the way to the nearest post office, please?
Excuse me sir, Can you tell me how to get to the nearest post office, please?
Excuse me madam, Where is the nearest hotel, please?
Excuse me, How can I get to the closest supermarket; please?
Excuse me; do you know where the Rodeo Cinema is; please?
Excuse me; is there a cafeteria near here?
M. Abdessalami
OPINION
Asking for Opinion
I was wondering where you stood on the question of ..?
What's your position on .?
What's your opinion of ..?
What do you think of ..?
How do you feel about ?
Giving Opinion
In my opinion ...
As far as I'm concerned ...
From my point of view
As I see it ... .
I think / reckon / presume / gather .
In my view .
It would seem to me that ...
It seems to me that ...
I feel ...
I believe ..
I figure that
To my mind ...
According to me ...
What I think / mean / believe is that .. .
I may venture that
As for me ..
For my part .
I'd say that ..
Agreeing with an opinion
I agree.
My view about this is positive.
I agree with this idea.
I agree completely with this idea.
I can't agree more.
This idea is absolutely right.
I couldn't agree more on this.
I think this idea is perfect.
Partial agreement or polite disagreement
I agree partially with this idea.
This idea is partially right.
I see what you mean, but ..
That's one way of looking at it, but .
I see your point, but ..
I agree with you, but ...
I think this idea is possible, but ...
I'm not sure you're right there.
I'm not sure that I agree with this idea.
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M. Abdessalami
The project is feasible, but it needs some more efforts.
Disagreeing with an opinion

I think it is a bad idea.
I'm afraid I can't agree with this idea.
I'm afraid I entirely disagree with you.
I think this idea is impossible.
I guess this idea is impractical.
I see that this idea is bad.
I think it is a bad idea.
I don't agree with this idea.
I suppose this idea cannot be implemented.
ADVICE
Random Examples
If I were you, I would/nt .
Why don't you ?
You'd better ...
You ought to .
If you take my advice, you ...
You should ...
It might be a good idea to ...
You should consider ..
I advise you to ..
Declining to give advice
I don't know what to advise, I'm afraid.
I wish I could suggest something, but I can't.
I wish I could help.
I'm afraid I can't really help you. I have the same problem myself.
SUGGESTING
Making suggestions
Lets revise our lessons.
What about going to the cinema tonight?
How about playing cards?
Why don't we do our homework?
Couldn't we invite your grandmother to our party?
Shall we have a walk along the river?
What would you say to a cup of coffee?
Don't you think it is a good idea to watch TV?
Does it matter if we use your car?
Accepting
Ok. Yes, let's.
Yes, I'd like to
M. Abdessalami
Yes, I'd love to.

What a good idea!
Why not?
Yes, with pleasure.
Yes, I feel like taking a walk.
Disagreeing
No, let's not.
No, I'd rather not.
I don't feel like it.
I dislike doing homework.
What an awful idea!
ASKING FOR HELP

I am terribly sorry to trouble you at this inconvenient moment, but I am wondering if you
would be kind enough to spare a tiny little time to ..
Can you give me a hand with this?
Could you help me for a second?
Can I ask a favour?
I wonder if you could help me with this.
I could do with some help, please.
I can't manage. Can you help?
Give me a hand with this, will you?
Lend me a hand with this, will you?
Could you spare a moment?
I need some help, please.
OFFERS
Making Offers:
Can I help you?
May I help you?
Would you like some help?
Do you need some help?
What shall I do for you?
Are you looking for something?
Would you like me to check this computer for errors?
Shall I bring you a glass of water?
I'll buy you a coke. Shall I?
What/ Where/ Which ... would you like me to...?
Do you want me to post that letter for you?
Ill be glad to help?
Accepting an offer:
How kind of you! Thank you very much.
Thats very good of you!
Thats terribly kind. Thank you very much.
9
M. Abdessalami
Yes, please do.

What a good idea!
Yes, please.
Thanks. That would be excellent.
Yes.
Refusing or rejecting an offer:

Its all right thanks. I can manage that alone!
No, thank you. But I am very grateful
Thats awfully kind, but theres no need.
No, please don't bother.
No, thank you.
INVITATION
Inviting
I was wondering whether you would stay for dinner.
I'm going to my uncle's wedding party next Sunday. Would you like to come, too?
Come along!
Why don't you come?
Will you come, too?
You must come over?
You must pay us a visit.
You must come back some time.
We must get in touch...
I'll give you a call and fix something.
Look me up next time you are around (here).
Accepting the invitation
Ok. I'd like to!
Well, I'm free then. Thank you. I'd like to come.
Well, I'm not doing anything then. I'll come. Thanks.
I am not doing anything special then. Thank you. I'd like to come.
Ok!
Refusing the invitation
I'm afraid I can't. I'm busy then.
I'm sorry but I can't. I'm going somewhere that day.
COMPLAINING
Complaint
I have a complaint to make. ..............
I'm sorry to say this but.................
I want to complain about...................
I'm afraid I've got a complaint about...............
I'm angry about................
M. Abdessalami
10

Responding to a complaint
I'm so sorry, but this will never occur again.
I'm sorry, I promise never to.................
I'm really sorry; I'll do my utmost/best not to...............
APOLOGIZING
Apologizing
I do apologize for ___ing..........
I must apologize for ___ing.........
I am so sorry for ___ing.........
I shouldn't have...........
It's all my fault.
I'm ashamed of ___ing.........
Please, forgive me for ___ing.......
I'm terribly sorry for ___ing..........
Pardon me for this............
Please, forgive me for my........
Please, accept my apologies for ____ing.........
Accepting the apology
That's all right.
Never mind
Don't apologize.
It doesn't matter.
Don't worry about it.
Don't mention it.
That's OK.
I quite understand.
You couldn't help it.
Forget about it.
Don't worry about it.
No harm done.
PROHIBITION
Expressing Prohibition
You arent allowed to.........
You mustnt.........
Its forbidden..............
You arent permitted to...........
You arent to............
EXAMPLES
1. You arent allowed to smoke in public places.
2. Its forbidden to walk on the grass in public gardens.
3. You arent to wear indecent clothes in the street.
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M. Abdessalami

4. You mustnt drive fast.
5. You arent permitted to park your car here.
CERTAINTY
Expressing Certainty
Yes, I'm certain.
Of course.
I'm positive my grandmother repairs the car.
She must be excellent at mechanics.
I'm absolutely sure.
It's certain that she is a good mechanic.
PROBABILITY
Expressing Probability
It is probable that my grandfather repairs the car.
I guess he is fit for the job.
I bet my grandmother is better than he is.
I expect / suppose they are good mechanics.
I dare say / should say / presume they know what they should do.
She may have repaired the car while you were out.
Ali may come any minute.
Maybe / perhaps the problem wont be serious.
It will probably rain this evening.
Im likely to do the work myself.
IMPROBABILITY
Expressing Improbability
No, probably not.
I don't suppose my grandfather repairs the car.
I doubt my grandmother does, either.
S/he is unlikely to repair the car.
I don't think they can repair that car.
I'd be surprised if s/he repaired the car.
It's unlikely s/he will repair the car soon.
POSSIBILITY
Expressing Possibility
My grandmother may repair the car.
Maybe she will repair it.
Perhaps she will repair it.
Possibly, she will repair it.
It's possible she will repair it alone.
M. Abdessalami
12
She might repair it.

I suppose she might repair it.
There's a chance she'll repair it before sunset.
IMPOSSIBILITY
Expressing Impossibility
No, it's impossible to repair that old Chevrolet.
She can't possibly repair it.
I'm sure she doesn't repair it.
She definitely doesn't repair it.
She certainly doesn't repair it.
There's no way she repairs it.
LIKES & DISLIKES

Expressing Likes:
I like Couscous.
I like eating couscous with my bare hand.
I enjoy eating couscous.
I love couscous.
I adore eating couscous.
I'm fond of couscous.
Expressing Dislikes:
I hate pizza.
I don't like pizza.
I can't bear pizza.
I can't stand pizza.
I dislike pizza.
I detest pizza.
PREFERENCE
Asking about preference
Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Would you prefer tea or coffee?
Would you rather milk or Orange Juice?
Which would you prefer? Doing homework or watching TV?
Which would you rather, this bike or that one?
Would you prefer to stay here?
Would you rather have a drink?
Expressing Preference
I prefer tea (to coffee).
I'd prefer to have coffee.
13
M. Abdessalami
I'd rather have tea.
EXAMPLES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I prefer doing my homework to watching television.

I'd prefer to go out than to stay with you.
I'd rather go to bed than see that boring film.
I'd prefer to have a snack.
I'd rather go for a ride.
NECESSITY
In the present
I have to buy some more eggs for my famous cake.
I have got to repair that old car of mine. (informal)
I must see the doctor soon because I don't feel well.
It is necessary that I take a taxi. I'm late.
In the past
I had to work extra hours to pay my bills.
In the future
I'll have to borrow money.
* Lack of necessity *
In the present
I don't have to drive fast.
I don't need to write the report myself. My secretary can do that for me.
I needn't buy all these things.
In the past
I didn't have to tell him about my project.
In the future
I won't have to revise my lessons. I learn them by heart.
PERMISSION
Asking for Permission
Can I go out, please?
May I Open the window, please?
Please, can I have a look at your photo album?
Please, may I taste that hot spicy couscous dish?
Expressing Permission
*-* It is allowed *-*

Present & Future
M. Abdessalami
14
You might vote if you are 18.

You may speak to the manager.
You could see me this afternoon. I'm free then.
You can put on my jacket.
- It is not necessary -
In the present
You don't have to take your medicine if you feel better.
In the future
You won't have to come early tomorrow. There won't be much to do.
- It is not compulsory -
Present & Future
You needn't answer all the questions. Three are enough.
You don't need to have a visa to go from a European country to another.
REQUEST
Expressing Request
Can you close that door, please?
Will you turn down that radio, please?
Could you possibly give me that red pen over there?
Would you bring me a glass of water please?
Would you like to put that case on the reception desk, please?!
Would you mind sending these letters for me, please?!
CAUSE & EFFECT

There are many ways to express cause and effect relationships. Take this for example:
i.
He didn't come because he wasn't invited.
ii.
Since he wasn't invited, he didn't come.
The cause of his absence is that he was not invited.
He was not invited. So, the effect or the result of this is that "he didn't come". If he had been
invited he would have come. But he was not invited, consequently he didn't come.
EXAMPLES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
She didn't attend the meeting since she was not interested.
I'm glad the children are out, for I have got a lot of work to do at home.
She didn't tell the police because of fear.
Owing to his carelessness, the man had an accident.
I'm sorry for being late.
Thanks for your attention.
He went to hospital because he was not feeling well.
* Now, carefully study the following structures:

15
M. Abdessalami
The cause of failure is laziness.

One reason for failure is laziness.
Failure is caused by laziness.

Successive failures are due to carelessness.
The effect of laziness is failure.

The consequence of laziness is failure.
The result of laziness is failure.
One effect/consequence/result of laziness is failure.
He is lazy. Because of this, he fails.

She is hard-working. So, she succeeds.
He wasted his time. Consequently he didn't succeed in his exams.
She works hard. Therefore, she always succeeds.
She works hard. As a result, she always gets good marks.
He never revises his lessons. As a consequence, the teacher always punishes him.
II
III
IV
EXPRESSING A WISH
In the Present
I wish I knew!
If only I knew
In the past
I wish I had known
I wished I had known
If only I had Known
EXPLAINING & JUSTIFYING
The aim of the project is to promote the rural world.
The main reason behind this project is to help the students become autonomous.
It seems to me evident that technology has already affected our mode of life.
It seems to me obvious that computers become a necessity in our modern life.
Taking into consideration factors like unemployment and the fierce competition in the
labour market, then the students have to seek knowledge everywhere, and should not
rely on school sources only. They aren't enough.
M. Abdessalami
16
All things considered, I think students have to do their best to use all the possible
means of communication in the profit for their school projects.
EXPRESSING FEAR
What scares / frightens me most is.........

My chief / major/ main concern is......
I cant help being worried by.....
The problem is....
It is ............ that scares me.
Im dreading the final verdict.
EXPRESSING SYMPATHY
What a pity / shame that.....

How disappointing!
What bad / sad news!
Its a great disappointment!
How terrible!
Its terrible that........!
HYPOTHESIS
*//. Expressing hypothesis about the past
1. CERTAINTY
Yes, Im certain it was a ghost.

Im sure it was only a black cat.
It must have been a rodent.
2. PROBABILITY / POSSIBILITY
Perhaps it was a ghost.
It might / may / could have been a black cat.
3. IMPOSSIBILITY
It couldnt / cant have been an animal.

Im sure it wasnt a ghost.
EXPRESSING REGRET
Expressing regret about past mistakes
o I oughtnt to have sold my old books.
o I shouldnt have done that.
o I wish I hadnt made those mistakes.
17
M. Abdessalami

o If only I had helped the poor old woman.
INDIFERENCE
Expressing indifference
A. POLITELY
o Thats all right.
o It doesnt matter at all.
o I dont mind.
B. LESS FORMAL
o Its all the same to me.
o I dont care.
C. VERY INFORMAL
o Who cares?!
o So what?!
DISSATISFACTION
Expressing Dissatisfaction
Im fed up with someone or something.

Im tired of someone or something.
Im sick of someone or something.
Im sick and tired of someone or something.
CLARIFICATION
In order to avoid misunderstanding one has to ask for clarification to make sure one
understands the message in the right way. If one is asked for clarification one has to give
it and check for understanding. Here are some useful expressions you can use in both
situations:
Requesting Clarification:
Formal
Excuse me. What was that again?
Pardon me. Would you mind repeating that
Pardon me. Could you repeat that please?
I beg your pardon. Would you mind repeating that?
Im sorry. I didnt get the last part.
May I interrupt? Could you say that again please?
Informal (with friends)
What? I didnt catch that.

What did you say? I didnt get the last part.
Huh? (impolite) You lost me.
M. Abdessalami
18
I didnt get that. Can you make yourself clear?

I am completely in the dark.
Asking for clarification for good understanding
If I understand the terms correctly.............. Is that right?

Could you elaborate on that?
Do you mean......
I was under the impression that.........
Let me see if I have that right. .................. Is that so?
Use Question Tags.
I cant understand.......
I am not sure I got your point.
Would you clarify that a little, please?
Giving Clarification and checking for understanding.

FORMAL
I mean that......
What I mean is that....
Does that make sense to you?
Am I making sense?
Am I clear enough?
Do you get that?
Have I made myself clear?
Do you see what I mean?
Do you understand so far?
Are you following me?
INFORMAL
Did you catch that?

Do you understand?
Is that clear now?
Right?
Okay, so far?
Did you get that?
Got it?
EXPRESSING THANKS
19
I cannot thank you enough

Thank you very much
Thanks a lot
Thanks a bunch
Thank you
I appreciate that
Thanks
M. Abdessalami
SAYING GOODBYE
Nice to meet you.
It's been nice talking to you.
It was a pleasure talking to you.
I'm sorry, but I have to go now.
See you around!
See you later
So long!
Farewell!
Goodbye!
Bye!
_______________________________________________________________________
Copyright All rights reserved. - Madrasati @ Abdessalami On_Line
M. Abdessalami
20

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Express Yourself In English - Second Edition