Some Useful Expressions To Help You Communicate In English

Questions Used To Get Opinions / Ideas From People:

* What do you think about ___? * What's your opinion?
* How / What do you feel about ___?

Expressions For Giving Your Opinions / Ideas To People:

* I think ... * I believe ... * I feel ... * In my opinion, ...

Asking Someone To Give More Information About Their Opinion:

* Why? * Why do you say / think that? * How come?

Ending a Conversation:

* Well, I have to go now. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!
* It was nice talking with you. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!
* It was a pleasure speaking with you. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!
* I enjoyed talking with you. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!
* Well, I'll let you go now. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!
* Sorry, but I've got to run. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!
* Sorry, but I must go to ___. Goodbye / Bye / See ya!

Strong Expressions:

* I really like ___!
* I like it a lot!
* I think it's excellent!

Neutral / Weak Expressions for Preferences or Dislikes:

* It's O.K..
* It's all right.
* I prefer _____.
* It's not too bad.
* I don't really like / care for / feel like ____.

Strong Agreement:

* Absolutely! * Certainly! * Definitely * You're Right!

Weak Agreement:

* I don't mind. * I suppose so. * O.K., I guess. * If I have to.

Asking For Directions:

* Excuse me. Can / Could / Would you tell me where the ___ is?
* Excuse me. Can / Could / Would you direct me to the ___?
* Excuse me. Can / Could / Would you show me how to get to the ___?
* Excuse me. Where is the ___?

Possible Instructions From People:

* Turn right / left at ___, and you will see the ___.
* Go right / left at ____, and then walk / go _______.
* Go / Walk along this street, and then turn / go _____.
* You will see the ___ (next to / beside / across from / near) the ___

Thanking Someone For Their Assistance / Help:

* Thank you very much!
* Thanks a lot!
* Thanks!
* Thank you for your help / assistance!



Prices and shopping

( If the clerk speaks first )
* May / Can / Could I help you? * What can / may I do for you?
* Would you like some help? * What would you like?
* Are you looking for something?

(Customer's answer)
* Yes, please. I'd like to know how much this _____ costs?
* Yes, please. How much is / are the ____?
* Yes, please. What's the price of _____?

( If the customer speaks first)
* Excuse me, can / could you please tell me where the _____ is / are?
* I wonder if you can / could help me? I'm looking for the / some ___.

Answer the phone (a host family is not home)

* Hello, She/ He is not home. Please call her/him back later
Can I take a message ?

Answer the door (a host family is not home)

* Hello, She / He is not home right now. Please come again.

At the dinner table your host family is asking you to eat more, but
you do not want to eat.

* Thank you, but I am full.
* Thank you, but I am saving room for desert.

Your host family is asking you to go shopping or go
somewhere else but you do not want to go there.

* Thank you, but I do not feel like it. I would like to stay home and
relax.
* Sounds great but I have to study. Perhaps another time.

You will go out and not eat supper with your host family

* I will be late for supper tonight. I will be home around 7:00.
* Please leave some food for me.
* I will not eat supper at home.

You are going to go a book store and want your host family to
drive you there

* Would you please give me a ride to the book store ?

You want your host family to come to the book store and pick you
up at 6:00

* Would you please pick me up at the book store at 6:00 ?

You have lost your way home and ask for help from
somebody.

* Can you help me ? I have lost my way home. Here are my
address and telephone number. Can you make a phone call for me ?