Conversational English

Could you repeat that? I'm having a problem understanding you. What's that again? (this phrase is also used on the telephone)  Example Dialogues

 Person 1: Hi, my name is Peter. What's your name?  Person 2: Hi, I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.  Person 1: It's a beautiful day today, isn't it?  Person 2: I'm having a problem understanding you. What's that again?

Apologizing in English It's common to use 'Excuse me, ...' before interrupting someone to ask for something in English. Another, more formal form is 'I beg your pardon ...'  Example Dialogues

 Person 1: Excuse me, do you know what time it is?  Person 2: Yes, it's two o'clock.  Person 1: I beg your pardon. Would you minding helping me a moment?  Person 2: Certainly. What can I do to help?

In these cases, people are asking for help but begin the conversation by apologizing. If you would like to apologize for  something that you have done wrong, or misunderstood, the following phrases are appropriate:

I'm very sorry for / that ... I apologize if I ... I apologize for (+ ing form of verb)  Example Dialogues

 Person 1: I'm very sorry for stepping on your foot!  Person 2: Don't worry about it. It's very crowded on this train.  Person 1: I apologize for my mistakes on this quiz.  Person 2: That's why you take quizzes - to learn!

Beginner Dialogues - Introducing Yourself  Introductions

1. Hello. My name's Peter. What's your name? 2. Janet. 1. Where are you from Janet? 2. I'm from Seattle. Where are you from? 1. I'm from Madrid. 2. Are you American? 1. Yes, I am. Are you Spanish? 2. Yes I am.  Key Vocabulary

My name is... What's (is) your name ...

Where are you from? I'm from... Are you (Spanish, American, German, etc.) Hello and Goodbye - Three Short Conversations Hello

1. Hello, Peter. How are you? 2. Fine, thanks. How are you? 1. I'm fine, thank you. Goodbye

1. Goodbye, Janet. See you tomorrow! 2. Bye bye, Peter. Have a nice evening. 1. Thanks, you too! 2. Thanks.  Key Vocabulary

Hello... How are you? I'm fine, - OK, - well, thank you Goodbye, - bye bye See you tomorrow Have a nice evening, - day

Beginner Dialogues - In a Shop Shopping for a Sweater

1. Can I help you? 2. Yes, I'm looking for a sweater. 1. What size are you?

2. I'm an extra large. 1. How about this one? 2. Yes, that's nice. Can I try it on? 1. Certainly, there's the changing rooms over there. 2. Thank you. 1. How does it fit? 2. It's too large. Do you have a large? 1. Yes, here you are. 2. Thank you. I'll have it, please. 1. OK, how would you like to pay? 2. Do you take credit cards? 1. Yes, we do. Visa, Master Card and American Express. 2. OK, here's my Visa. 1. Thank you. Have a nice day! 2. Thank you, goodbye.  Key Vocabulary

Can I help you? Can I try it (them) on? size - extra small, small, medium, large, extra large How does it fit? changing rooms How would you like to pay? credit cards

Beginner Dialogues - At a Restaurant Ordering a Meal

1. Hi. How are you doing this afternoon? 2. Fine, thank you. Can I see a menu, please? 1. Certainly, here you are. 2. Thank you. What's today's special? 1. Grilled tuna and cheese on rye. 2. That sounds good. I'll have that. 1. Would you like something to drink? 2. Yes, I'd like a coke. 1. Thank you. (returning with the food) Here you are. Enjoy your meal! 2. Thank you. 1. Can I get you anything else? 2. No thanks. I'd like the check (bill - UK English), please. 1. That'll be $6.75. 2. Here you are. Keep the change! 1. Thank you! Have a good day! 2. Bye.  Key Vocabulary

Can I see a menu? here you are

Enjoy your meal! Would you like ... Can I get you anything else? I'd like the check (bill - UK English), please. That'll be $6.75. Have a good day!

Beginner Dialogues - In a Motel / Hotel Getting a Room for the Night

1. Good evening. Can I help you? 2. Yes, please. I'd like a room for the night. 1. Would you like a single room, or a double room? 2. A single room, please. How much is the room? 1. It's $55 per night. 2. Can I pay by credit card? 1. Certainly. We take Visa, Master Card and American Express. Could you fill in this form, please? 2. Do you need my passport number? No, just an address and your signature. 1. (fills out the form) Here you are. 2. Here's your key. Your room number is 212. 1. Thank you.

2. Thank you. If you need anything, dial 0 for the reception area. Have a good stay!  Key Vocabulary

Can I help you I'd like a room single, double room Can I pay by credit card? fill in this form  passport number  room number  reception

Beginner Dialogues - Telling the Time What time is it? - I

1. Excuse me. Can you tell me the time, please? 2. Yes, of course. It's seven o'clock. 1. Thank you. 2. No problem. What time is it? - II

1. What time is it? 2. It's half past three. 1. Thanks. 2. You're welcome.

 Key Vocabulary

Excuse me. Can you tell me the time, please? What time is it? It's half past... It's quarter past... It's ten to... It's quarter to... o'clock 

Beginner Dialogues - Asking for Directions Directions I

1. Excuse me. Is there a bank near here? 2. Yes. There's a bank on the corner. 1. Thank you. 2. You're welcome. Directions II

1. Excuse me. Is there a supermarket near here? 2. Yes. There's one near here. 1. How do I get there? 2. At the traffic lights, take the first left and go straight on. It's on the left. 1. Is it far?

2. Not really. 1. Thank you. 2. Don't mention it.  Key Vocabulary

Is there a _______ near here? on the corner, on the left, on the right straight on, straight ahead traffic lights Is it far?

Beginner Dialogues - At the Airport Checking In

1. Good morning. Can I have your ticket, please? 2. Here you are. 1. Thank you. Would you like smoking or non-smoking? 2. Non-smoking, please. 1. Would you like a window or an aisle seat? 2. An aisle seat, please. 1. Do you have any baggage? 2. Yes, this suitcase and this carry-on bag. 1. Here's your boarding pass. Have a nice flight. 2. Thank you. Passport Control

1. Good morning. Can I see your passport? 2. Here you are. 1. Thank you very much. Are you a tourist or on business? 2. I'm a tourist. 1. That's fine. Have a pleasant stay. 2. Thank you.  Key Vocabulary

Can I have your ticket? smoking, non-smoking window, aisle seat  baggage, suitcase, carry-on bag  boarding pass flight Can I see your passport? tourist, business

Dialogue: What's in Your Office? What's in Your Office? David: I've got a new office now… Maria: That's great! Congratulations. David: I'll need a desk and some cabinets. How many cabinets are there in your office? Maria: I think there are four cabinets in my office.

David: And do you have any furniture in your office? I mean other than the chair at your desk. Maria: Oh yes, I've got a sofa and two comfortable armchairs. David: Are there any tables in your office? Maria: Yes, I've got a table in front of the sofa. David: Is there a computer in your office? Maria: Oh yes, I keep a laptop on my desk next to the phone. David: Are there any flowers or plants in your office? Maria: Yes, there are a few plants near the window. David: Where's your sofa? Maria: The sofa is in front of the window, between the two armchairs. David: Thanks a lot for your help Janet. This gives me a good idea of how to arrange my office. Maria: My pleasure. Good luck with your decorating!

Dialogue: The City and the Country The City and the Country David: How do you like living in the big city? Maria: There are many things that are better than living in the country!

David: Can you give me some examples? Maria: Well, it certainly is more interesting than the country. There is so much more to do and see! David: Yes, but the city is more dangerous than the country. Maria: That's true. People in the city aren't as open and friendly as those in the countryside. David: I'm sure that the country is more relaxed, too! Maria: Yes, the city is busier than the country. However, the country is much slower than the city. David: I think that's a good thing! Maria: Oh, I don't. The country is so slow and boring! It's much more boring than the city. David: How about the cost of living? Is the country cheaper  than the city? Maria: Oh, yes. The city is more expensive than the country. David: Life in the country is also much healthier than in the city. Maria: Yes, it's cleaner and less dangerous in the country. But, the city is so much more exciting. It's faster, crazier and more fun than the country. David: I think YOU are crazy for moving to the city. Maria: Well, I'm young now. Maybe when I'm married and have children I'll move back to the country.

Beginner Dialogues - Giving and Requesting Personal Information Personal Information

What's your surname (family name)? Smith 1. What's your first name? 2. Fred 1. Where are you from? 2. Atlanta, Georgia 1. What's your job? 2. I'm a teacher. 1. What's your address? 2. 34 White Street 1. What is your phone number? 2. 308-6730 1. How old are you? 2. 54 1. Are you married? 2. Yes, I am.  Key Vocabulary

surname, family name, first name Where are you from? What's your job? address? phone (telephone) number? How old are you? Are you married? married, single, divorced, separated

Travel Greetings Social Language Here are a number of phrases used when saying goodbye to friends or family as the depart on trips, both short and long. Long Trips, Vacations, etc. American English

Have a good trip. Enjoy your vacation. Have a good time in (destination) Long Trips, Vacations, etc. British English

Have a good journey. Enjoy your holidays. Have a good time in (destination) Short Outings

Enjoy! (American English) Have a good time at (destination place such as a restaurant) Have a good time in (destination city)

When your friends or family return home it is common to use one of the following phrases: How was your vacation? (holiday in British English) Did you enjoy your time in (destination) How was your journey / flight / trip?

Speaking to Strangers - Social Language Here are a number of polite phrases used when trying to get the attention or help from people. The use of more formal language is common when speaking to someone you do not know: Interrupting

It is common to first apologize before interrupting another   person, or asking for help if you do not know the person. Excuse me, could I ... Sorry, do you think I could ... Excuse me, do you know ... I beg your pardon, could you help me? (formal) Asking Someone to Repeat

When asking for information you may have a hard time understanding in public places which can be very noisy (train stations, restaurants, stores, etc.). Here are phrases commonly used to ask someone to repeat what he has said: Excuse me, I'm afraid I didn't understand. Could you repeat that? (formal)

I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. (informal) What? (very informal!) I beg your pardon.

Beginner Dialogue: Cooking Cooking

(At a friend's house) Carol: This is a lovely house! Martha: Thank you. Carol, we call it home. Carol: It's very close to work, isn't it? Martha: Yes, it is. I always walk to work - even when it rains! Carol: I usually take the bus. It takes so long! Martha: How long does it take? Carol: Oh, it takes about 20 minutes. Martha: That is a long time. Well, have some cake. Carol: (taking a bite of some cake) this is delicious! Do you  bake all of your own cakes? Martha: Yes, I usually bake something at the weekend. I like having sweets in the house. Carol: You're a wonderful cook! Martha: Thank you, it's nothing really.

Carol: I never cook. I'm just hopeless. My husband, David, usually does all the cooking. Martha: Do you often go out to eat? Carol: Yes, when he doesn't have time to cook, we go out to eat somewhere. Martha: There are some wonderful restaurants in the city. Carol: Too many! You can eat at a different restaurant every day. Monday - Chinese, Tuesday - Italian, Wednesday Mexican, on and on ...

Dialogue: The Meeting The Meeting

(Two workers in an office) James: Hi Alice. How are you today? Alice: Hi James. I'm fine, and you? James: Great, thank you. Remember, the meeting is at 3 o'clock. Alice: Excuse me, which meeting? James: Which meeting?! The meeting with the boss! Alice: Are you sure there is a meeting today? James: Alice, Alice, every month there is a meeting with the  boss. This month that meeting is this afternoon.

Alice: Calm down. OK, there's a meeting this afternoon. What time is it? James: Alice, this is important. The meeting is at three o'clock  sharp! Alice: Thank you James... By the way, what time is it now? James: It's quarter past eleven. Alice: It's time for lunch! James: Lunch, now? Lunch time is at twelve. Alice: Well, I'm hungry now. James: You're funny Alice. This is an office. Alice: I'm hungry ... it's just a snack ...

Dialogue: Personal Information Personal Information

(Two friends filling in a form together) Jim: Your painting is fantastic Roger! Roger: I'm happy you like it. It's for a competition. Here's the form. Jim: Right. OK, here are the questions.... Your hands are dirty. Roger: ... from painting! What are the questions? Here's a pen (gives him a pen to fill the form in) Jim: What's your name? Roger: oh, that's difficult ... Roger!

Jim: Ha, ha. What's your surname? Roger: I'm not sure ... Jim: Very funny! OK, surname - Tailor  Roger: Yes, that's it! Jim: Next question please. Are you married or single? Roger: Single. I'm sure about that! Jim: What's your address? Roger: 72 London Road. Jim:... and what are your hobbies? Roger: hmmm.... painting, going windsurfing and watching TV. Jim: ... OK, last question. What's your telephone number? Roger: 0343 897 6514 Jim: 0343 897 6514 - Got it. Where's an envelope? Roger: Over there ...