Practical English
Skip to the content belowPractical Conversations
Read each one aloud. Then cover one side and say that part yourself. Then have the conversation for real.
How to use these
- Read the whole conversation aloud, both parts, twice.
- Cover one side and speak that part from memory. Get it roughly right, not perfectly.
- Change the details — a different day, a different item, a different problem. This is where the learning happens.
- Use it for real within a week. A rehearsed conversation used once becomes permanent.
Introductions
Meeting someone for the first time
- A: Good morning. I do not think we have met. I am Kamal Perera.
- B: Nice to meet you, Mr Perera. I am Anushka Silva. I work in the accounts section.
- A: Nice to meet you too. Have you been here long?
- B: About six months. And you?
- A: I joined last week, actually. I am still finding my way around.
- B: Well, if you need anything, my desk is just along the corridor.
- A: Thank you, that is very kind.
Introducing two people
- A: Malini, have you met Rohan? Rohan, this is Malini — she runs the training programme.
- B: Nice to meet you, Rohan.
- C: Nice to meet you too. I have heard about the programme — it sounds interesting.
- B: Come and see us any time. We are on the second floor.
On the telephone
Calling an office
- A: Good morning, Silva and Company.
- B: Good morning. Could I speak to Mrs Jayasinghe, please?
- A: May I ask who is calling?
- B: My name is Nimal Fernando. I am calling about an invoice.
- A: One moment, please. I will put you through. … I am afraid she is in a meeting. Can I take a message?
- B: Yes, please. Could you ask her to call me back on 077 123 4567?
- A: 077 123 4567. And that was Mr Fernando?
- B: That is right. Thank you very much.
- A: Not at all. Goodbye.
When the line is bad
- A: Sorry, I did not catch that. The line is not very clear.
- B: I said the meeting has been moved to Thursday.
- A: Sorry — Tuesday or Thursday?
- B: Thursday. T for Thomas.
- A: Thursday. Got it. Thank you.
Shopping and complaints
In a shop
- A: Excuse me, do you have this shirt in a larger size?
- B: Let me check. … Yes, we have it in large and extra large.
- A: Could I see the large one, please? … How much is it?
- B: Two thousand four hundred rupees.
- A: Is there a discount if I take two?
- B: I can give you ten per cent on two.
- A: All right, I will take two. Do you accept cards?
- B: Yes, certainly. Would you like a bag?
Returning something
- A: Good afternoon. I bought this kettle here on Saturday and it has stopped working.
- B: I am sorry to hear that. Do you have the receipt?
- A: Yes, here it is.
- B: Thank you. Would you prefer a replacement or a refund?
- A: A replacement, please, if you have the same model.
- B: We do. I will get one from the store room. It will take about five minutes.
- A: That is fine, thank you.
Appointments and travel
Making an appointment
- A: Good morning. I would like to make an appointment with Dr Weerasinghe, please.
- B: Certainly. Have you been here before?
- A: No, this is the first time.
- B: Then I will need your name and telephone number. … When would suit you?
- A: Would Wednesday afternoon be possible?
- B: We have three fifteen or four thirty on Wednesday.
- A: Three fifteen, please.
- B: That is booked. Please come ten minutes early to complete the form.
Asking for directions
- A: Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the post office?
- B: Yes — go straight on to the traffic lights, then turn left. It is about a hundred metres along, on your right, opposite the bank.
- A: Straight on, left at the lights, opposite the bank. Is it far?
- B: No, about five minutes' walk.
- A: Thank you very much.
At work
Asking for help
- A: Sorry to disturb you — do you have a moment?
- B: Of course. What is it?
- A: I am preparing the monthly report and I am not sure which figures go in the second column.
- B: Ah — those are the totals from the previous month, not this one.
- A: That would explain it. Could I show you what I have done, just to be sure?
- B: Yes, bring it over.
Explaining a delay
- A: I am afraid there is a problem with the Friday deadline.
- B: What has happened?
- A: The supplier has not sent the figures we need. I have chased them twice.
- B: How long do you think it will take?
- A: If they send them tomorrow, I can finish by Monday. I have started the sections that do not depend on them.
- B: All right. Let me know tomorrow either way.