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