Concluding
Summarizing
Interrupting
Moving on
Checking agreement
Asking for clarification
Beginning the discussion
Stating objects
Opening
Asking for clarification
Asking for more information
Introducing a topic
PHRASES FOR CONVERSATIONAL SITUATIONS
Supplement VIII.
Supplement VII.
Oven Temperatures
| Slow Moderate Hot | ° Fahrenheit | Gas mark | ° Celsius |
US and UK Transport Terminology - The Differences
| US Term | UK Term | Comment |
| add | couple | vehicles to a train |
| bi-level | double deck | type of a passenger vehicle |
| conductor | guard | The term “conductor” is now often used in the UK if the guard collects fares. |
| engineer | driver | a person who drives a vehicle |
| freight train | goods wagon | for cargoes |
| head end | front | of train |
| one-way | single | ticket |
| round trip | return | ticket |
| schedule | timetable | of trains |
| subway | underground | railway or metro |
| train station | railway station | for trains |
| trolley or street car | tram | now often called a Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) |
Interviewing language
Could I start by asking you about … (your first job)?
Perhaps I could ask you first about …
I wonder if you could tell me …
Could we talk about … now?
You say (you find this job exciting). Could you explain in what way?
You pointed out (that you participated in the project). May I ask for some details?
You mentioned (this is a crucial factor). Could you explain why?
You said (you visited this place). Could you expand on that?
By (saying you saw him), do you mean (that you actually were there)?
Could you explain what you mean by (ASL)?
Chairing a discussion
Right. Shall we start?
OK. Let’s start.
The aim of this discussion is to …
In this discussion we must decide first … and second …
We need to decide …
This discussion has to achieve two aims …
So, what are your views?
Could you begin, please?
Sorry, I don’t quite follow you.
Could you explain what you mean by …?
Could you explain that again?
Would you mind repeating that?
Could you go over that again?
So, are all in agreement?
Do we all agree then?
Can we get back to the main point?
Good. Then let’s move on to the next topic…
Just a minute, could I just ask something?
Before you go on, could I say something?
Excuse me. Could I come in here?
So, to sum up …
We’ve agreed that …
Unless you want to add anything, that’ll be all.
Well, I think that’s everything.
To my mind we achieved our aims.
Requests and offers
| Requesting | Agreeing | Disagreeing |
| Could you possibly … (help me now)? | Yes, certainly/sure. | I’m sorry but that’s not possible. |
| Do you think you could …? | Yes, that’s no problem. | I’m afraid not … |
| Would you …? | Yes, of course. | I think that’ll be very difficult. |
| Could/Can you …, please? | Yes, I’ll do that. | Sorry, but … |
| Would you mind … (being interviewed)? | No, of course not. | I’m sorry, there’s a problem. |
| Do you mind … (taking a taxi)? | Not at all. | I’m afraid I do … |
| Let’s go, shall we? | Yes, let’s. | I’m afraid I’ll have to stay. |
| Bring me this document, will you? | (No answer is required) | I’m sorry but it’s just being typed. |
Talks and presentations