9. Apologizing

• When you have made a small mistake (for example, if you accidentally stand on someone's foot). Don't say pardon or pardon me in this situation

Sorry Excuse me

• when you have done sth wrong or upset someone

Sorry..., Sorry about (+ N, Gerund)..., Sorry that (+ sentence)..., I’m really sorry... I apologize (use this in formal spoken situations, such as meetings) Apologies for (in written form)

• when sth bad has happened to sb

I’m sorry Bad luck

Conversations, situations

1. - I heard about your father’s death. I’m very sorry/I really am sorry.

2. - I’ve failed my exam in maths.

- Bad luck, Nick. I’m sure you’ll pass it next time.

3.- I am sorry that you weren't told about the meeting.

4. – I am sorry about the noise. I was really ma fault.

3. Apologies for not replying to your letter sooner.

5.I apologize for saying/mentioning it again, but we still haven't made a decision

10. Saying thank you

• when someone gives you sth or says that your work is good or you look good; when someone has done sth for you or has offered to do sth

Thank you/Thanks Thank you/thanks very much

• when you are writing a letter to thank sb

Thank you for... Many thanks for ...

• possible answers to thanks

That’s OK You’re welcome No problem Don’t mention it Sure

Conversations

1. - This dress really suits you.

- Thanks very much. I bought it last month.

2 . - Thanks for letting me stay, Mrs. Parker.

- Oh, you’re welcome.

3. - Thank you for all your help.

• Don’t mention it.

10. Directions

It is polite to say excuse me at the beginning of your question, and please at the end. If you use both, you will sound quite formal. Could is more polite than can.

• asking for directions

Excuse me, how do I get to ... ? Could/can you tell me the way to ...? Could you tell me where ... is?

• giving directions

Go straight (Am) Go straight on (Br) Turn right Take the first turn on your left Keep going until you get to ...

Conversation

1. - Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the library, please?

- Yes, sure. Go straight on until you get to the post office, then turn left,

and keep going until you get to the crossroads. Turn right at the crossroads

and the library’s on your right.

- Thanks very much.

2. - Excuse me, is there a bank near here, please?

• Yes, take the second turn at your left.

- Thank you very much.

12. Agreeing, disagreeing

• when you agree strongly

Absolutely Exactly You’re telling me (informal)

• when you agree

Yes/Yeah I know I agree Right/That’s right/You’re right

• when you agree, but not strongly

I suppose so I guess so (Am)

• when you disagree, but want to be polite

Yes, but ... I see/take your point, but... I’m not so sure But don’t you think...?

• when you disagree strongly

No, it isn’t That’s not true You must be joking!/No way

I can’t accept that (formal) Rubbish (Br. informal)

Conversations

1. - She shouldn’t have come if she didn’t want to.

- Exactly.

2. - I think we’re wasting our time here.

- You’re right. Let’s go home.

3. - We should have the party at a restaurant..

- But don’t you think it might be too expensive?

4. - I believe we should close the department until next year.

- I’m sorry, I can’t accept that this is the best solution.

5. - I’m too tired to do the washing up.

• Rubbish! You haven’t done anything all day.