Practical English
Everyday English
Ordinary life needs a surprisingly small number of phrases. Learn these and most days will look after themselves.
Situation by situation
Greetings and small talk
- Good morning. How are you? — Very well, thank you. And you?
- How is everything? — Not too bad, thanks.
- Nice weather today. / It looks like rain.
- How is your family?
- Nice to meet you. (first time) / Nice to see you again.
- I must go now — see you later.
Shopping
- How much is this? / How much are these?
- Do you have this in a larger size?
- Could I see that one, please?
- Do you accept cards?
- Could I have a receipt, please?
- I would like to return this — it does not fit.
- Is there a discount on this?
Travel and directions
- Does this bus go to Kandy?
- One return ticket to Galle, please.
- What time does the next train leave?
- Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the hospital?
- Is it far from here? — About ten minutes' walk.
- Turn left at the junction and it is on your right.
- I think I am lost. Could you help me?
Appointments
- I would like to make an appointment, please.
- Are you free on Tuesday morning?
- I am afraid I cannot come on Friday. Could we change it?
- I am running about fifteen minutes late.
- Sorry to keep you waiting.
- Shall we say ten o'clock, then?
On the telephone
- Good morning. Could I speak to Mr Perera, please?
- Speaking. (when it is you)
- Hold on a moment, please. I will put you through.
- I am afraid he is not in at the moment. Can I take a message?
- Could you ask her to call me back? My number is…
- Sorry, the line is not very clear. Could you repeat that?
At the doctor's
- I have had a headache since yesterday.
- It hurts here. / It has been getting worse.
- I am allergic to…
- How often should I take this?
- Do I need to come back?
With neighbours
- Sorry to trouble you, but…
- Would you mind if I…?
- Could you keep an eye on the house while we are away?
- Thank you very much — that was very kind of you.
- Do not mention it. / It was no trouble at all.
Apologising and thanking
- I am very sorry — that was my fault.
- I do apologise for the delay.
- Excuse me (to get attention or to pass) / Sorry (when you have done something)
- Thank you very much indeed.
- You are welcome. / Not at all. / That is quite all right.
Three phrases that solve almost anything
- "Could you…, please?" — the politest and most useful request in English. It works for everything.
- "I am afraid…" — softens any refusal or bad news. I am afraid I cannot. I am afraid we are closed.
- "Sorry, could you say that again, please?" — never be embarrassed by this one. Everyone uses it, including people who grew up speaking English.
Politeness in English
English marks politeness mainly by adding words rather than by changing them. The more words you use, the more polite it sounds.
Give me a pen is an order. Could you give me a pen? is a request. Could you possibly lend me a pen for a moment? is very polite indeed. None is more grammatical than the others; they differ only in courtesy.
As a general rule, use more words with strangers and people in authority, and fewer with friends and family. If you are unsure, more is safer than fewer.