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Some useful expressions with examples.
1-Making and Responding to Requests
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: Could I trouble/bother you to lend me 200 DHs?
B: (positive) Of course, it's no problem/trouble (at all).
B: (negative) It's impossible for me because I've only got 150 DHs.
- A: Could you please take me to the airport tomorrow morning?
B: (positive) Certainly.
B: (negative) I wish I could, but I've got an appointment at 8:30.
- A: Will you help me fix this error, please?
B: (positive) Sure. I'll be glad to.
B: (negative) I'm afraid I can't. I don't know anything about computers.
- A: Would you mind letting me borrow your book?
B: (positive) No, not at all.
B: (negative) I'm sorry, but I need it for next week's exam.
- A: I'd like you to buy some books for me on the way home, if you have time.
B: (positive) No problem.
B: (negative) I can't do that because I won't be back until 23:00.
- A: How/What about cleaning your room today?
B: (positive) No sweat.
B: (negative) Sorry. I'm going out with Lucy.
2-Making Complaints
Here are the expressions= formula
Examples:
| Formula | Example Finish |
| I'm sorry to have to say this but | I think you need to fix rewrite this essay. It is full of mistakes. |
| I'm sorry to bother you, but | I think you need to refine this layout. |
| Maybe you forgot to | include his name and number. |
| I think you might have forgotten to | finish the report on time. |
| Excuse me if I'm out of line, but | your work has not been good. |
| There may have been a misunderstanding about | what I expected from you. |
| Don't get me wrong, but I think we should | concentrate on the Smith account for the moment. |
3-Lack of understanding and asking for clarification
Expressing lack of understanding | Asking for clarification |
What do you mean? | Could you be more explicit? |
Would you repeat, please? | |
I’m afraid I really don’t understand what you mean/you are saying. | Could you explain what you mean by this, please? |
Do you mean……………………………..? I can't get what you mean! I’m sorry, I’m not sure if I understand what you mean. | Do you mind clarifying more? I would be thankful if you put it differently. So, are you saying that (finish your sentence)…? |
Example:
teacher : Today we are going to speak about learning styles.
Student:I am I’m afraid I really don’t understand what you mean by learning styles? Could you explain what you mean by this, please?
Teacher: Learning styles stand for the ways we use to learn. there are basically seven learning styles.
4-Making and responding to apologies
| Apologies | Accepting |
| Sorry ... | That's OK. |
| I'm terribly sorry. | Don't mention it. |
| Do forgive me ... | Don't worry about it. |
| I'm very sorry indeed. | Never mind. |
| Please accept our apologies. |
5-Expressing and responding to opinion
6-Agreeing or disagreeing | ||||||||||||||
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7-Expressing regret
8-Requests and Offers | ||||||||||||
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9-Asking for and giving pieces of advice
Asking for Advice What do you suggest? What would you do (in this situation)? Giving Advice I think you should get a lawyer. Maybe you should try someplace else. Why don't you call the company? If I were you, I would tell her. 10-Expressing certainty or uncertainty 11-Responding to good and bad news What do you think I should do?
Make and Do | ||||||||
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There are no rigid rules about when we use "make" or "do". | ||||||||
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