Giving news

 Guess what? I….

 I have some/good/bad news
 Have you heard?
 You won’t believe this but…

Responding to good news

 I’m glad
 We need to celebrate
 That’s great/amazing/fantastic!
 Congratulations/congrats!
 I’m so happy for you

Responding to bad news

 That’s horrible/terrible/awful
 You need a drink
 Don’t worry
 Can I help in anyway?
 I’m so sorry to hear that…

Asking permission

 Do you mind if….?

 Is it OK if…?
 Can/Could I…?
 Would it be OK if….?
 Would you mind if…?

Requesting someone to do something

 Can you…?
 Could you do me a big/small/huge/tiny favor?
 Would you mind (+verb-ing)
 Do you think you can/could…?
 Do you mind (+verb-ing)

Can (informal) / could (formal)