Professional Documents
Culture Documents
5-Introductions in English
6-Expressing frequency
7-Making excuses
9-Apologizing in English
10-Opinions in English
11-Advice in English
13-Invitations in English
17-Making decisions
18-Preferences in English
22-Favours in English
24-Taking a taxi
25-Making conversation
Voicing ability
- I can type.
- Ill do what I can to help you.
- When she was younger she could ride a horse.
- When your mom was your age, she could play basketball like a professional.
- Shed probably be able to carry out the experiment.
- We could express it differently.
- Im sure you could have become a lawyer.
- Im a business man and I know how to manage my business.
- She is capable of great things.
- Im a good teacher.
- It becomes necessary for the team to start working with a database capable ofstocking all the
data.
- She is strong enough to lift that!
- Dont worry, I know how to use it.
- Its perfectly possible.
- That money will enable me to carry on.
Voicing inability
- Most students cannot write effective essays.
- He cant possibly stop smoking.
- She just cant imagine that!
- They wont be able to launch the product before next year.
- I couldnt skate at the time.
- He couldnt visit her mother in the hospital because he had to work a double shift.
- He is incapable of lying.
- I am totally unable to float on my back.
- You wont be capable of carrying so many bags.
- He didnt manage to land the plane safely.
- I dont know how to use the switchboard.
- Its impossible for us to take a different approach.
- It would be too difficult for them to tackle such a subject.
- Its beyond me!
- Susan is becoming famous in her high school. This is beyond my imagination !
- I am not fit enough to climb that rocky hill.
Asking someone what theyd like to do
Expressing doubt
- Im not sure.
- I cant decide right now.
- I cant quite make up my mind.
- Its a difficult choice.
- Im in two minds about this issue.
- Its an impossible choice.
Offer a solution :
- I guess I can deal with it.
- Shall I give you a hand.
- Try switching it off.
Introducing yourself
- How do you do?
- Hello, Im Elina.
- Hi, my names John.
- Id like to introduce myself. Im Adam.
- Pleased to meet you, Anna.
- Nice to meet you, Samuel.
- Im glad to meet you.
- May I introduce myself?
- Let me introduce myself.
- Allow me to introduce myself.
- We havent been introduced.
- I live in San Francisco.
- Im 30 and Im a computer systems analyst.
- Im Jennifers sister and I come from the same country.
- I was looking forward to meeting you.
- Ive been waiting to meet you for such a long time!
- I was dying to meet you!
- Ive been told so much about you!
- Ive heard so much about you!
- Id like to say how pleased I am to meet you!
- I think weve already met.
- The pleasures all mine.
- I havent had the pleasure yet.
- Its been a pleasure talking to you.
Introducing someone
- This is Michael, my lawyer.
- Id like to introduce you to Jane.
- Id like you to meet Mr. Nelson.
- Have you met Steven before?
- You know Louise, dont you?
- You dont know Mike, do you?
- You must be Toms brother?
- Im sure youve heard of MrsMollins?
- May I introduce you to my new assistant.
- Id be glad to introduce you to my wife.
- Have you met my colleague, Robert?
- Id like you to meet my colleague, Sophia.
- This is Ethan. He works in the editorial department.
- William, this is Denise.
Expressing frequency
\
Making excuses
When was the last time you made an excuse about something? What excuse
did you use? Did the other person believe you? What are some of the worst/
funniest excuses youve ever heard? Who was using them? Why?
Making excuses
- I wish I could, but I had to finish my homework.
- Sorry, I cant afford the prices in a fancy restaurant like this.
- I missed the bus.
Blaming technology
- Sorry, I couldnt make it. The traffic was so heavy.
- The bus broke down.
- The printer ran out of ink.
- The computer crashed.
- The internet wasnt working.
- I couldnt get a connection.
Blaming health
- Please serve yourself. Im on a diet and Im not supposed to eat hot dogs.
- I really want to help you out there but my doctor told me not to do any physical work.
- You know I cant help you Im on medication.
- I need to get some rest.
- I woke up feeling really bad.
Apologizing
- Im sorry, I didnt mean to hurt your little sister.
- So sorry, I had no intention to tell you that.
- Im sorry to have broken it.
- Im sorry but Ive got to go now.
- Im awfully sorry for what happened yesterday.
- Im deeply sorry. I know it was my fault and I couldnt sleep last night.
- I cant tell you how sorry I am!
- Im terribly sorry for that mistake.
- Sorry for being late.
- Im very sorry for telling you uncle that you were here.
- Im ashamed of being so stupid.
- How stupid of me!
- Excuse me, I didnt mean it.
- Im seeking forgiveness, please forgive me.
- Excuse my insisting, I didnt know he was listening.
- Excuse me for being so critical, but this is who I am.
- I thought I was doing right!
- I didnt do it on purpose!
- I do apologize about everything Ive done so far.
- Please accept my apologies, I feel terrible.
- I must apologize for not returning it on time.
- Pardon me!
- Pardon me for saying so.
- Its my fault!
- I am entirely to blame!
- Do forgive me for lying.
- Its unforgivable of me!
- I can only say once again how sorry I am!
- I hope youll understand that Im not fully responsible!
- I didnt mean it.
- I didnt do it on purpose.
- I didnt mean to vex him.
- I had no intention of shocking her.
- I didnt realize I was distrubing you.
- Im not entirely responsible for it.
- Im afraid Im a bit early.
- I shouldnt be so strict.
- I know I shouldnt have insisted but that was very important for me.
- If I had known you didnt like flowers, I wouldnt have brought them.
Accepting apologies
- Thats all right.
- Its OK.
- Never mind.
- You dont have to apologize.
- Forget about the whole thing.
Opinions in English
Asking for someones opinion
Giving advice
Accepting an invitation
- Yes, of course!
- Yes, for sure!
- Yes, Im free tonight.
- Yes, I will.
- Yes, with pleasure!
- Yes, it will be a big pleasure!
- That would be nice. Thanks.
- It would be a pleasure for me too.
- Yes, Id love to!
- Im sure Ill enjoy it!
- Of course, I dont mind having a drink here.
- Sure, I wont miss your baby shower party.
- Oh thank you, its very kind of you!
- Thank you very much for your invitation.
- Im looking forward to seeing you next Sunday.
- What time does your play start?
- Yes, Ill come, it sounds like fun. Thanks for inviting.
- I would be so glad to have you as my Facebook friend.
Refusing an invitation
Expressing indifference
- I really dont mind. (you dont feel strongly about it)
- It doesnt make any difference to me.
From certainty to improbability
- Definitely!
- Absolutely!
- Im 100% certain.
- Im positive on that point.
- I know for sure taht shes pregnant.
- She is sure shell win this year.
- I am convinced it mustnt be taken seriously.
- Its quite certain that your dog has swallowed the key of my house.
- Im quite sure hes going to call her tonight.
- I could swear that there will be another battle.
- Its undeniable that they know each other.
- Theres no doubt in my mind.
- There can be no doubt.
- Its beyond all doubt that he witnessed the accident.
- I have no doubt about the answer.
- Its obvious that she will refuse our suggestion.
- I can assure you he gave me a green light to go ahead.
- He is bound to arrive last.
- The chances are that hell eventually win the elections.
- There is a good chance that they will agree.
- The odds are that it will be over by September.
- It seems highly likely that shell be appointed at the head of the firm.
- I bet you $100 he wont come this morning.
- I bet shell apologize to everyone.
- I think shell remember me.
- It seems to me that I know them.
- I guess hell come, too.
- I expect shell spend all her money in this shop.
- I suppose it will be published by next month.
- I believe such theories will develop in the East.
- I assume that hell be identified sooner or later.
- There is reason to believe that theyve met before.
- She must be his girl. Dont you see how they are close to each other?
- She must have been surprised!
- They must have made money with that!
- You cant have voted for that man!
- Its more than probable that he wont understand.
- Its probable that the situation will improve.
- Theyll probably win the elections.
- It will probably not be long before he realizes his mistake.
- This is likely to lead to more inflation.
- The new emergency room is not likely to open in the end.
- I wouldnt be surprised if he changed his mind.
- It may be the only possibility.
- The newcomers may take over from them.
- It may not work out in the end.
- There may have been a genetic reason.
- The new legislation might prove successful.
- Perhaps the sea will be warm.
- Maybe it will be easier than the first time.
- Theres some doubt in my mind.
- I doubt that theyll ever be able to raise so much money.
- Its doubtful whether its true.
- Im rather sceptical about their superiority.
- Im highly dubious about the wisdom of their decision.
- I am not at all convinced that theyll be expelled.
- I wonder if theyre married.
- I am not too sure that they will cooperate.
- I am not really sure that this material doesnt shrink.
- Im not quite sure it will be a success.
- It isnt known for sure whether theyre married.
- He isnt likely to follow your advice.
- Its highly improbable that they could win the war.
- Its very doubtful whether her book will be translated.
- Theres but a small chance that hell be admitted.
- Its hardly to be expected that such an experiment will be carried out.
Permitting and forbidding
Asking for permission
Granting permission
- Of course, do!
- By all means, do!
- Yes, go ahead!
- Yes, you can buy it if you like it.
- Yes, darling, you may have your cake now.
- He allowed us to attend the lecture.
- Of course, I dont mind, come!
- The peasants will be allowed to own some of the land.
- She let me watch the film yesterday.
- Of course, do stay, there is no reason why you shouldnt accompany us.
- You have my permission to leave.
- She was permitted to smoke.
- Im quite happy for you to take it.
- I have no objection at all to your writing my name on that list.
Refusing permission
- Are you free on Sunday? Its just I need someone to babysit my two-years-old daughter Emma.
- Are you busy this week? Ive got to finish this project and I need you experience.
- Ive got to move house this week, I dont suppose you could help me out.
- About that favour you owe me, could you take care of my sister?
- I am not very good at this, could you handle it?
- I need to call in that favour I did for a while ago.
- You know a lot about computer programming, dont you? Could you show me some of your
code sources?
- Youre perfect at this, could you help to understand whats the difference between the passive and the
active voice?
- I know this might sound a bit cheeky, but could you tell your husband to forgive me about what
happend yesterday?
- Youre strong, arent you? Could you help me move this heavy piece of furniture from there?
Thanking someone
- OK. No problem.
- Yes, I could help with that.
- No problem at all.
- Of course! what can I do for you?
- It would be a pleasure.
Saying no
Giving Permission
- Yes, you can.
- Yes, of course.
- Yes, of course you can.
- Of course that would be all right.
- Yes, thats fine.
- OK, just give me a minute and I will be right there.
- Sure, you can move it.
- Go ahead, feel yourself free to sit anywhere you want.
- No problem, you can take my coat.
Refusing permission
- Im sorry but you can not.
- No, you cant.
- Well, you cant, this is a private place and you need a badge.
- Of course you cant.
- Actually, you arent allowed to do that.
- Actually, Id rather you didnt.
- No, Im sorry but you cant.
- Im afraid you cant do that.
- Yes, I would. (in answer to, Would you mind if .. .?)
- Im not sure.
- I think youd better wait until Samuel gets back.
Taking a taxi
Learn the kind of English you need for social occasions. Here are some expressions you may use to take a
taxi, and others to hear from the taxi driver.
Beginning a conversation
- Hello, how are you?
- I dont think weve met. My name is Abraham.
- This is my first visit to this amazing exhibition and Im looking to meet young artist today.
- Isnt this weather lovely?
- This place is just horrible. Dont you think?
- youre a doctor, arent you?
- So, what brings you here?
- So, Is this your first time here?
- I hope I can find someone who could tell me more about this event.
- Your earrings are beautiful. Where did you get them?
- They must have quite a story. Id love to hear it!
Maintaining a conversation
- So, did you see that news story about ocean pollution?
- What do you think about that, sir?
- Can you give me your opinion about the new system of education?
- You know, I read this article that said people sleep better when they fall asleep to the sound of the rain.
- Since youre a lawyer, What do you think about this case?
- How did you get into law?
- So, did you see last nights game?
- What kind of music do you listen to?
- What type of books do you like?
- What sort of movies do you like to watch?
- Whats your favourite baseball team?
- So, what do you like to do in your free time?
- So, tell me more about your childhood.
Ending a conversation
- Thanks for your time. It seems like we have a lot in common. Can I send you a friendship request in
Facebook?
- It was lovely talking to you.
- Well, I think the presentation is starting. It was nice to meet you, Casey.
- Im terribly sorry, but I have to go.
- Ive really enjoyed talking to you.
- I hope to see you soon.
- Its been a pleasure talking with you.
- I hope to see you soon, Joey.
Expressing hope and despair
- If only we could save them!
- If only it stopped snowing!
- If only I knew how to start my own business like my cousin.
- It has been a while since we last met. Lets hope that he will recognize us!
- I do hope that one day those beverages will be prohibited!
- She only hopes for a little attention from the others.
- I hope things will work out in the end.
- He hoped his son would outlive him.
- Hopefully, it will trigger off a positive answer!
- We remain hopeful that the war will soon be over.
- What is to be hoped is that she finds the witness.
- It would be so nice if these demonstrations stopped!
- It would be great if it took place here.
- After my bad first interview for this job, It would be just fine if we got a second interview.
- Wouldnt it be wonderful if they stopped polluting the earth?
- Hes been dreaming of living in the United States of America since he was a child.
- Im looking forward to getting an answer as soon as possible.
- They wish to introduce anti-apartheid groups here too.
- I wish my boyfriend was more self-confident.
- Los Angeles is a wonderful place to visit. I wish I could go with you.
- I wish I could!
- Sometimes I wish that we were together.
- I wish you wouldnt point out all the mistakes.
- Keep your fingers crossed!
- You never know!
- Never say die!
- I am at my wits end!
- Im done for!
- Im done here!
- What shall I do now?
- Theyve given up all hope.
- They despair of ever coming to an agreement.
- Shes driving me to despair!
- I guess he is giving up on me!
- Its no good asking for a rise.
- We all know the truth. Its no use trying to lie.
- Its useless trying to help her.
- Whats the point of writing?
- Theres no point in asking them.
- Im at the end of my tether.