Common English Expressions

Dong Ho 13 Jun 2019 Speaking · about 41 mins read

Tìm kiếm

1. Greetings
2. Saying Goodbye
3. Making apologies
4. Introducing yourself and others
5. Thank you
6. Talking about time
7. Do you speak English?
8. Giving compliments
9. Making Complaints
10. Likes and dislikes
11. Certainty and Uncertainty
12. Making Invitations
13. Making Requests
14. Making Offers
15. Asking and Giving Permission
16. Making suggestions and giving advice
17. Expressing Sympathy
18. Asking for information
19. Guessing
20. Demanding explanations
21. Hopes and desires
22. Asking for Opinions
23. Giving Opinions
24. Making an Appointment
25. Fear and Anxiety (n) sự lo ngại, sự băn khoăn, lòng ham muốn
26. Making promises
27. Admitting mistakes
28. Expressing preferences
29. Expressing Cause and Effect
30. Talking about feelings
31. Making and Answering Phone Call
32. Making friends
33. Asking and giving directions
34. Talking about jobs and occupations (n) occupation: nghề nghiệp, việc làm
35. Agreeing and Disagreeing
36. Checking for Understanding-Asking for Clarification
37. Expressing Regret (v/n) sự hối tiếc, sự hối hận
38. Congratulations and Best Wishes
39. Expressing Obligation (n) Nghĩa vụ, bổn phận
40. Expressing Indifference (n) Thờ ơ, hờ hững, thái độ trung lập
41. Interrupting people
42. Talking about health and Illness (n) tình trạng ốm, tình trạng đau yếu
43. Ability (n) Có khả năng, tài năng, sức lực
44. Giving good news
45. Giving bad news
46. Expressing Disappointment (n) Thất vọng, thất hứa, nản lòng
47. Asking and Giving Instructions
48. Expressing Prohibition (n) Sự cấm
49. Expressing Shock
50. Blaming and Accusing (v) Accuse: Cáo buộc, tố cáo

1. Greetings

General greetings (Formal)

Hello
Good morning/ Good afternoon/ Good evening
How are you?
How are you doing?
Nice to meet you
It’s nice to meet you
I’m pleased to meet you.
It’s a pleasure to meet you.
I’m glad to see you.
How do you do?

General greetings (Informal)

Hi
Hey
What’s up?
How’s it going?
How have you been?
What’s new?
What’s going on?
How are things?
How’s your day?
How’s your day going?
Good to see you.

Greeting someone you haven’t seen for a long time.

Long time no see.
It’s been a while.
It’s been a long time.
It’s been such a long time.
It’s been too long.
I’m so happy to see you again.
Wow, it’s so good to see you again!
What have you been up to?

Useful responses when greeting people

I’m doing very well, thank you. And you?
I’m fine, thank you.
Great, thanks. How are you?
Not bad. You?
Couldn’t be better? How about you?
Wonderful, thank you.

2. Saying Goodbye

Goodbye
Bye
Bye for now!
See you!
See you soon!
See you later!
Talk to you later!
Catch up with you later.
I hope to see you soon.
See you next time.
I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.
It was nice meeting you.
It’s been really nice knowing you.
It has been a pleasure, we’ll speak soon.
It was really great to see you, catch you later.
All the best, bye.
Take care!
Stay in touch.
I’m really going to miss you.
I’ve got to go now.

3. Making apologies

Apologies Expressions

I’m sorry…
I’m so sorry…
I’m very sorry…
I’m terribly sorry…
Sorry, I didn’t mean to do that.
Sorry about that.
Can you forgive me?
I apologize for…
Please forgive me.
I owe you an apology.
You can blame me for this.
How should I apologize to you?
I beg your pardon.
Sorry, it’s my fault.
Sorry for keeping you waiting.
Sorry, I’m late!

To accept an apology, you can use these sentences and expressions:

That’s all right!
Don’t worry about it.
Forget it!
No problem.
Never mind. It doesn’t really matter.
No big thing.
It’s not your fault.
Please don’t blame yourself.
Think nothing of it.

4. Introducing yourself and others

Introducing yourself

Hello. My name is …
Hi. I’m …
Nice to meet you. I’m …
Pleased to meet you. I’m …
It’s a pleasure to see you. I’m…
May I introduce myself? I’m…
How do you do? My name is…
Let me introduce myself. I’m …
I’d like to introduce myself. I’m …

Introducing others:

John, I’d like to introduce you to Mary.
John, please meet Mary.
John, I’d like you to meet Mary.
John, have you met Mary?
John, let me introduce you to Mary.
John, this is Mary. Mary, this is John.

Useful responses when introducing yourself or other people:

Nice to meet you.
I’m pleased to meet you.
It’s a pleasure to meet you.
Glad to meet you.
How do you do?

5. Thank you

Express thanks and gratitude:

Thank you.
Thanks.
Thank you very much.
Thanks a lot!
Many thanks.
Sincerely Trân trọng thanks.
Thank you so much!
Thanks a million for your help.
I really appreciate (v) đánh giá cao your help.
You are so kind.
I don’t know how to express my thanks.
There are no words to show my appreciation (n) sự đánh giá cao)!
What you’ve done means a lot to me.
That’s so kind of you.
You’ve made my day.
I owe you a great deal
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything.
How can I ever possibly có khả năng thank you?

Useful Responses:

You’re welcome!
It was my pleasure.
My pleasure.
Don’t mention it.
Forget it.
No big deal.
It’s was nothing.
Think nothing of it.
I’m glad that I can help you.

6. Talking about time

What time is it?
What’s the time?
Could you tell me the time?
Do you know what time it is?
How long have you been waiting?
Do you have free time this afternoon?
What time can we meet?
What should we do to kill time?
It’s ten o’clock.
It’s midnight.
It’s 6 A.M now.
See you at 8 P.M.
I can’t tell you exactly what time we will arrive.
It’s too late now.
My watch is stopped.
My watch is slow.
Don’t waste your time doing nothing.
I didn’t think it was so late.
We have plenty (n) trạng thái nhiều, sự phong phú of time.
Give me a little more time.
It’s time to leave.
It’s almost time to go home.
Time went by so fast.
The supermarket opens at 9 a.m.
The class starts at 8 in the morning.

7. Do you speak English?

Can you speak English?
How long have you been learning English?
Could you speak up a little, please?
Could you please say that again?
Could you please repeat that?
Would you mind spelling that for me?
How do you pronounce this word?
What do you mean by this?
I’m sorry, what do you mean?
What is this thing called in English?
How many languages can you speak?
I speak a little English.
I can speak English very well.
Your English is excellent.
I wish I could speak English fluently like you.
Please speak slowly.
Please repeat what you said.
I’m afraid to speak English.
Sorry, my English is not quite good.
How often do you speak English?
I can read English very well, but I can’t speak.
I would like to improve my English speaking.
You have good pronunciation.

8. Giving compliments

Giving Compliments:

Good job!
Well done!
Fantastic!
Perfect!
That’s great!
Nice work!
Excellent!
That’s really remarkable (adj) đáng chú ý.
Good grades!
What a nice dress!
You look great.
This dish is delicious (adj) thơm ngon.
You look very good in that suit.
This tie looks nice on you.
You have a nice voice.
You look very handsome.
I like your haircut (n) sự hớt tóc.
What a beautiful house!
What a nice apartment!
I really must express my admiration (n) sự hâm mộ, sự khâm phục for your speech.

Receiving compliments (n) compliment: lời khen:

How kind of you to say so.
It’s nice of you to say so.
It’s very kind of you to say that.
Really? I’m not sure about that, actually.
Thank you.
Thanks a lot.
I’m glad you like it.
It was nothing really.
I’m delighted (v/n) delight: hâm hoan, khoái lạc, vui mừng to hear that.
Thanks for your compliment.

9. Making Complaints

Making a complaint

I’m sorry to say this but…
I hate to tell you but…
I’m angry about…
I have a complaint to make…
There seems to be a problem with…
I’m afraid there is a slight (v/adj) khinh bỉ, coi thường, không kính trọng problem with…
Sorry to bother you but…
I’m not satisfied with…
Wouldn’t be a good idea to…
There appears to be something wrong with…
I was expecting… but…
Sorry to bother you but…
I want to complain about…
I’m afraid I’ve got a complaint about…
I have to make a complaint about…
I don’t understand why…
Excuse me but there is a problem…
Would you mind…?

Accepting a complaint

I’m so sorry, but this will never happen again.
I’m sorry, we promise never to make the same mistake again.
I can’t tell you how sorry I am.
I wish I never happened.

Rejecting a complaint

Sorry, there is nothing we can do about it.
Sorry but it’s not our fault (n) sai lầm, thói xấu, trạng thái dở dang.
I’m afraid there isn’t much we can do about it.

10. Likes and dislikes

Expressing Likes:

I like…
I love…
I enjoy…
I adore (v) yêu thích, sùng bái…
I‘m crazy about…
I’m mad about phát điên vì…
I’m keen on ham mê…

Examples:

I like dogs.
I love cooking.
I enjoy playing football.
I’m crazy about pizza.
I’m fond of thích rock music.
Do you like tennis? Yes, I do.

Expressing dislikes:

I don’t like…
I dislike…
I hate…
I can’t bear…
I can’t stand…

Examples:

I don’t like him.
I can’t stand these people.
I can’t stand this smell.
I don’t like washing dishes.
I hate going to the dentist.

11. Certainty and Uncertainty

Asking for Certainty (n) sự chắc chắn:

Are you sure?
Are you sure about it?
Are you certain about it?
Do you think it is true?
Do you think so?
How sure are you?

Expressing Certainty:

Yes, I am certain.
I’m a hundred percent certain …
I’m absolutely sure.
I have no doubt (v) nghi ngờ, chưa chắc, không chắc about it.
I’m sure about it.
I don’t think there can be any doubt about ….
Of course.
I’m positive (adj/n) tích cực, cương quyết, quả quyết.
I’m quite sure about it.
I’m no doubt about it.
I’m absolutely certain that…

Expressing Uncertainty:

I’m not sure about it.
I doubt it.
I’m not really sure about…
I don’t know for sure…
It’s very unlikely (adj) không chắc, không có khả năng.
I have my own doubts.
I don’t think so.
I don’t believe this is true.
There’s some doubt in my mind that …
I’m not a hundred percent sure.
I don’t know yet.

12. Making Invitations

Making invitations:

Do you feel like going for a walk?
Do you want to go to the movies tonight?
Would you like to play cards?
Would you like a cup of coffee?
What about a cup of tea?
I would like you to have lunch with us tomorrow.
Would you be interested in going to the movies tonight?
Why don’t you have lunch with me tomorrow?
How about joining me for a walk?
I invite you to have breakfast with me tomorrow morning.

Accepting an Invitation:

Thank you for your kind invitation.
I’d love to, thanks.
I’ll be glad to do so.
Thanks, I’d like that very much.
That’s a great idea.
Thanks for inviting me to dinner.
It’s very nice of you.
Many thanks for your kind invitation. I’ll join you.
Sure. Thank you.
With pleasure!

Refusing an Invitation:

I’m sorry to refuse your invitation.
I can’t, sorry. I have to work.
Thanks for your invitation but I’m busy now.
I’m afraid I won’t be able to come.
I’m afraid I am busy tomorrow.
Sorry, I’d love to but I have an appointment.
I really don’t think I can, sorry.
That’s very kind of you, but I can’t accept your invitation.

13. Making Requests

Making requests:

Will/Would/Can/Could you please…
Do you mind…?
Do you think you could…?
Do you think it would be possible to…?
Would it be possible for you to…?
Would there be any possibility of…
Would you be kind enough to…?
Would you mind…?
Can/could you… for me, please?
Could you possibly…
I’d appreciate it if you could…
Can/Could I ask you to…?
You couldn’t… could you?

Examples:

Can you give me the book?
Could you please take off your raincoat?
Could you please take me to the dentist?
Would you mind opening the window for me, please?
Would you be kind enough to repair my computer?
Do you think you could take me to the supermarket?
Could I ask you to take me home?
Can you tell me what happened?
Would you come to my birthday party?
Would it be possible for you to come here at 8 A.M?

Accepting Requests:

Sure, I’d be glad to…
I’d be happy to …
Sure. Just a moment.
No problem.
Of course
Certainly.
All right.

Refusing Requests:

I’m sorry, I can’t.
I’m sorry, but …
I’d loved to, but …
Sorry to say that …
It sounds great, but …

14. Making Offers

Making Offers:

Can I…?
Shall I…?
Would you like me to…(do something)?
Would you like…(something)?
Do you want me to…(do something)?
Do you want…(something)?
Let me…(do something)
I can…If you’d like
I’d be happy to…(do something)
May I offer you… (something)?
I will…If you’d like

Examples:

Would you like something to drink?
Would you like me to open the door?
Can I help you?
Can I give you a hand?
Let me help you.
Would you like me to answer the phone?
Do you want some more tea?
Do you want me to turn down the TV?
I’d happy to take you to the airport.
May I offer you a cup of coffee.

Accepting Offers:

Yes, please.
Yes, I’d love to.
Yes. That would be great.
Yes please, that would be lovely.
Yes, If you wouldn’t mind.
That’s very kind of you.
That sounds nice.
Thank you. I’d like to.

Refusing Offers:

No, thanks.
It’s Ok. I can do it myself.
Thank you for your kindness but I can do it myself.
Don’t worry. I can do it.
I appreciate that but I can do it myself.

15. Asking and Giving Permission

Asking for permission:

Can I use your pen, please?
Can I sit here?
Is it okay if I sit here?
Can I ask you a question?
May I use your computer?
May I come in?
Can I take a look at your book?
Do you mind if I turn down the TV?
Do you mind if I use your phone?
Would you mind if I opened the window?
If you don’t mind, I’d like to smoke.
I wonder if I could borrow your car for a few days.
Would it be all right if I borrowed your phone?

Giving permission:

Sure.
Sure, go ahead.
No problem.
Yes, you can.
Please feel free.
I don’t mind.

Refusing permission:

I’m afraid not.
I’m afraid, but you can’t.
I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.
No, you cannot.
You couldn’t do that.
Sorry, you are not permitted.

16. Making suggestions and giving advice

Making suggestions and giving advice:

You should try to learn English everyday.
I think you should go home early.
Why don’t you join an English club?
You’d better wake up early.
Let’s have dinner together.
What about having a cup of coffee with me?
How about going to the cinema?
Don’t you think it would be a good idea to have a picnic this Sunday.
If I were you, I’d call her.
I suggest that you take a nap.
You may want to try on this T-shirt.
Perhaps you could take an umbrella with you.
I strongly advise you to do more work out.
I recommend that you get some rest.
It’s better for you to sleep a little more.

Accepting Suggestions:

Thanks, I’ll do it.
It sounds good.
That sounds like a good idea.
Thanks. It’s a good suggestion.
I think you’re right.
Why didn’t I think of that?

Refusing suggestions:

No, I’d rather not.
I don’t think so.
I don’t feel like it.
No, I don’t this it’s a good idea.
What a bad idea!

17. Expressing Sympathy

Expressing sympathy (n) sự cảm thông, sự chia buồn, lòng thương hại, lòng trắc ẩn:

That’s too bad.
That’s so sad.
I’m sorry. What bad luck!
I hope things get better soon.
It would be OK soon.
I hope you feel better soon.
What a pity (n) điều đáng tiếc, lòng từ bi!
Oh, that’s terrible.
Be patient, it would be better soon.
I can’t tell you how sorry I am.
Oh, I am sorry to hear that .
I know how it feels.
I take my sympathy to you.
You must be very upset about it.
I sympathize with your condition.

Responding:

It’s very kind of you.
Thank you very much.
It would be Ok, thanks.
Thanks for your sympathy.
Thanks for your support.

18. Asking for information

Asking for Information:

Could you tell me how to get to the bus station?
Do you know that old man?
Do you know how much is this car costs?
Do you happen to know where to buy an umbrella?
Can you tell me what the time is?
I’d like to know your name.
I’d like to know what you think about this idea.
I wonder if you could tell me why the meeting was canceled?
Do you have any idea how to use this machine?
Could you find out where she lives?
I’m looking for a book about gardening.

19. Guessing

It looks like you’re new here.
It looks like you don’t know what happened.
Perhaps she knows the answer.
I’d say it’s over 9 A.M now.
If I had to take a guess, I’d say he’s 40.
Maybe he wants to quit his job.
Maybe it’s going to rain.
Chances are you’re doing it wrong
He could be right about it.
I guess you are over 30 years old.
It’s difficult to say, but I think this is the best English course.
I’m not really sure, but I think this is the last morning train.

20. Demanding explanations

Can you explain why you were so late?
How come it has taken you so long to reply to my email?
I don’t understand why you never finished the work on time.
Can you tell me why you didn’t attend the meeting this morning?
Why is it that you didn’t tell the truth?
Do you expect me to believe you did this by yourself?

21. Hopes and desires

I hope to see you soon.
Let’s hope he will get better soon.
I believe things will get better.
Hopefully, it’ll be sunny tomorrow.
I keep hoping that she will win the show.
I wish it would stop raining.
If we’re lucky, we’ll arrive there on time.
With any luck, she will go home early tonight.
I would like to buy a new car.
I want to be a doctor.
What I really want is to have an apartment.

22. Asking for Opinions

What do you think about this problem?
What do you think of my new house?
Do you have any thoughts on that?
How do you feel about that?
What is your opinion?
Do you have any idea?
Do you have any opinion on this matter?
What’s your view?
Please tell me your opinion on this subject.
What is your opinion about that?
Can you give me your thoughts on the report?
What are your feelings about his behavior?
I’d like to hear your views on this matter.

23. Giving Opinions

Expressing opinions:

I think we need to buy a house.
In my opinion, this is the best website for learning Spoken English.
I don’t think we should get a new car.
Personally, I think you’re right.
From my point of view, she is the best student in the class.
As far as I’m concerned, this T-shirt doesn’t suit you.
My personal view is that he is a liar.
In my point of view, this is the most beautiful island on earth.
It seems to me that we get lost.
To my mind, it’s the right thing to do.
I personally believe we’re in the right way.

Agreeing with an opinion:

This is absolutely right.
I couldn’t agree more.
I completely agree with you.
I agree with this opinion.

Disagreeing with an opinion:

I don’t agree with you.
I think you’re wrong.
I don’t think so.
I’m afraid I can’t agree with you.

24. Making an Appointment

Making Appointment:

Can we meet on the 14th?
Can we meet next Friday?
Are you available on the 14th?
Are you free next week?
Let’s meet this evening.
When can I talk to you?
Can I meet you tomorrow afternoon?
How about tomorrow afternoon?
Is next Monday convenient for you?
Do you have any time available this week?
When would be a good time to meet you?
Would today evening be all right?
Can you give me an appointment on Sunday?

Accepting an appointment:

Sure. I’ll come.
Yes, Sunday is fine.
Friday would be perfect.
I’ll be there at that time.

Canceling/rejecting an appointment:

Sorry. I have another appointment at that time.
I’m sorry. I can’t come.
I’m afraid I can’t on the 14th.
I’m sorry, I won’t be able to make it on Sunday.
Sorry. I don’t think I can make it.

25. Fear and Anxiety (n) sự lo ngại, sự băn khoăn, lòng ham muốn

Are you afraid of the dark?

I’m afraid of being alone at night.
I’m scared of snakes.
I’m frightened of spiders.
I am terrified (v) terrify: làm sợ hãi, làm kinh hoàng.
I get scared very easily.
I was terrified when I heard the noise outside.
I’m worried about her health.

Useful Responses:

Don’t be afraid.
It’s not a big deal.
It is nothing.
There is nothing to be afraid of.
Take is easy.
Calm down.

26. Making promises

Making promises:

I promise that I will finish the job on time.
I promise you that that’s the truth.
I swear I will never leave you.
I swear I won’t let you down.
I assure you that I will return the book tomorrow morning.
I assure you that I will be there on time.
Believe me, I won’t make you disappointed.
Trust me, I can do it.

Useful Responses:

Thank you.
I believe you.
All right. Keep your promise.
I hope you will keep your words.
Just let the time answer it.

27. Admitting mistakes

Admitting mistakes:

I have to admit that I was wrong.
I admit what I’ve done is wrong.
I shouldn’t be like this.
Sorry. I know this was my fault.
I’m fully responsible for this matter.
I have made a mistake.
It’s my mistakes. Forgive me.
Yes, I take the blame.
I was the one to blame người đáng trách.
I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.
I never intended it that way.

Useful responses:

Don’t mention it.
Let it go.
That’s fine.
Just take it easy.
Don’t do it again.
Forget it. It doesn’t matter.
That would be okay.
Don’t worry about it.
It’s okay

28. Expressing preferences

Questions about preferences:

Which do you prefer, football or volleyball?
Which do you like better, tea or coffee?
Do you prefer hot coffee or ice coffee?
Would you prefer to go for a walk or see a movie?
Would you rather have dinner with me?

Expressing Preferences:

I prefer tea to coffee.
I’d prefer to have some water.
I like tea better than coffee.
I prefer reading books.
I prefer jogging to running.
I’d prefer living in a city to living in the country.
I would rather go home.
I’d rather stay at home than go out.
I’d rather take a nap than go for a walk.
I’d rather play football than golf.

29. Expressing Cause and Effect

I help you because I like you.
I study hard because I want to pass the exam.
We have to go home since we have no idea where to go next.
You need to hurry up since it’s very late now.
I can’t go out as it’s raining.
I can’t run fast as I’m too fat.
I love you, so I will do everything to make you happy.
I didn’t eat anything, so I’m very hungry now.
We had to cancel the picnic because of bad weather.
I did it because of you.
The flight was canceled due to the storm.
I came home late due to the traffic jam.
He didn’t work hard. As a result, he was fired.
I was busy this evening. Therefore, I couldn’t come to your party.
Thanks to his hard work, he got a raise.

30. Talking about feelings

Asking about Feelings:

How are you feeling?
Are you Ok?
Is everything alright?
What’s wrong?
What’s the matter?
Do you want to talk about it?

Expressing Feelings:

I’m very happy right now.
I don’t think I can be any happier right now.
I feel a little sad.
It’s been a difficult day.
He made her very angry.
I‘ve been in a bad mood all day.
I’m mad at his behavior.
I feel very depressed (adj) suy sụp, kiệt sức, chán nản today.
You seem a little blue today.
I’ve got a headache and I feel terrible.

31. Making and Answering Phone Call

Can I speak to John, please?
I’d like to speak to John.
I’ll put you through. Hold the line, please.
I’ll connect you now.
I’m sorry, he’s on another call
I’m sorry, he’s not available at the moment.
Please call back later.
Could you ask him to call me?
Would you like to leave a message?
Who’s speaking?
Who’s calling, please?
Could I ask who’s calling?
Can I have your name, please?
Who am I talking to?
It’s Mary speaking.
Is it convenient (adj) thuận tiện, tiện nghi, tiện lợi to talk at the moment?
Sorry, you must have the wrong number.
Sorry. I think you’ve dialed the wrong number.
Hang on for a moment.
I’m about to run out of credit hết tín dụng.
What number can I reach you at?
Who do you want to talk to?
Hold the line, please.
I’ve got a very weak signal tín hiệu yếu.
Can you hear me OK?
Could you please speak up?
Sorry. I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again, please?

33. Asking and giving directions

Asking directions

Excuse me, do you know where the bookstore is?
How can I get to the train station from here?
Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the bus station?
Can you show me the way to the post office?
Excuse me, where is the hospital?
Can you show me on the map?
What’s the best way to get to the airport?
What’s the fastest way to the airport?
How far is it to the stadium from here?
What street is this?
Is this the way to the police station?
Is there a supermarket near here?
Can you give me directions to the gas station?

34. Talking about jobs and occupations (n) occupation: nghề nghiệp, việc làm

What do you do?
What do you do for a living?
I’ve got a part-time job.
Where do you work?
I work from home.
I work in a factory.
What is your occupation (n) nghề nghiệp, việc làm?
I work as a doctor.
I’m looking for a job.
I’m a teacher.
I’m not working at the moment.
I’m unemployed.
I do the paperwork.
I have my own business.
Do like your job?

35. Agreeing and Disagreeing

Agreeing:

I completely agree.
You’re absolutely right.
I agree with you entirely (adv) hoàn toàn, trọn vẹn.
I totally agree with you.
I couldn’t agree more.
Exactly.
Absolutely!
You’re right.
Me too!
I agree.
I see exactly what you mean!
That’s exactly what I think.
There is no doubt about it.

Partly (adv) từng phần, từng đoạn, từng khúc agreeing:

I agree up to a point, but …
That’s partly true, but …
That may be true, but…
I see your point, but …
I guess so, but…
That seems obvious (adj) hiển nhiên, rõ ràng, minh bạch, but…
I’m not so sure about that.

Disagreeing:

I don’t agree!
I don’t agree with you.
I totally disagree!
I’m sorry, but I disagree.
Absolutely not!
I’m afraid I can’t agree with you.
That’s not right!
That’s not always true.
I don’t think so.
No, that’s not true.
No way!

36. Checking for Understanding-Asking for Clarification

Checking for Understanding:

Do you understand?
Are you following me?
Do you understand what I mean?
Do you understand what I’m saying?
Any questions?
Got it?

Expressing lack of understanding:

I don’t get it.
Sorry, I didn’t get your point.
What do you mean?
I’m not sure I got your point.
I beg your pardon cầu xin sự tha thứ của bạn, but I don’t quite understand.
I don’t quite follow you.
I’m sorry. I don’t understand what you mean.
Sorry, I didn’t quite hear what you said.

Asking for clarification:

Could you clarify (v) làm rõ that, please?
Could you explain that, please?
What do you mean by that?
Could you say that again, please?
Could you repeat, please?
Could you put it differently, please?

Clarifying:

Sorry, let me explain…
Let me clarify it for you…
To put it differently Nói cách khác…
Let me put it in another way…

Showing Understanding:

I see.
I understand.
I got it.
Ok, I got what you mean.
I understand what you mean.

37. Expressing Regret (v/n) sự hối tiếc, sự hối hận

I wish/If only + Past perfect

I wish I had come to your party!
I wish I had worked harder.
If only I hadn’t eaten so much giá như tôi đã không ăn quá nhiều.
If only I had driven more carefully giá như tôi đã lái cẩn thận hơn.

I should have (not) + Past Participle

I should have come to your party.
I should have worked harder.
I shouldn’t have eaten so much.
I should have driven more carefully.

I regret +Noun/V-ing

I regret not coming to your party.
I regret not working harder.
I regret eating so much.
I regret leaving you alone.
I regret the things I didn’t do when I had the chance.

38. Congratulations and Best Wishes

Expressing Congratulations:

Congratulations!
Great!
Well done!
Please accept my warmest congratulations…
Let me offer you my congratulations.
I’d like to congratulate you on …
Let me congratulate you on. ..
Congratulations on your promotion!
Congratulations on your graduation!
Congratulations! You deserve it!
That was excellent. Congratulations!

Good wishes:

Best wishes!
Best wishes on your new job!
Best of luck!
Good luck to you!
All the best…
Wish you a happy married life.

Useful Responses:

Thanks.
Thanks so much.
Thanks a million.
Thanks a lot.
Thank you for your kindness.
It’s very kind of you.
It’s very nice of you.
Thanks for your support.
Thanks for your kind words.

39. Expressing Obligation (n) Nghĩa vụ, bổn phận

Asking whether (conj) liệu… you or others have an obligation to do or not:

Do I have to do it now?
Do I need to leave her a message?
Must I accept the request?
I don’t have to attend the meeting, do I?
Do you have to get to the office so early?
Are you expected to finish the job by tomorrow?
Must you work so hard?
Is it necessary for me to go with them?

Expressing obligation:

I must tell them the true.
I must do everything I can to help you.
I have to send the report today.
I have to be there by tomorrow.
I have to go now.
I’ll have to pick her up from the airport.
It is necessary that you follow this guideline.
I can’t refuse to do that.
I can’t avoid it.
It is my responsibility to clear the table.
It’s my duty (n) nhiệm vụ, bổn phận, sự vâng lời to do it.
I have no other choice.

40. Expressing Indifference (n) Thờ ơ, hờ hững, thái độ trung lập

Who cares!
I don’t care!
I don’t mind.
I don’t mind whatever you do.
It makes no difference to me.
Do what you like. I don’t care.
It doesn’t matter to me.
So what Vậy thì sao?
It’s all the same to me.
Why should I care?
It’s your decision.
I wouldn’t mind.
Do as you like.
Whatever you want.
You can say whatever you like.
I couldn’t care less.

41. Interrupting people

Excuse me for interrupting, but…
Sorry for interrupting but….
May I interrupt for a minute?
May I say something here?
Can I stop you there for a moment?
Just a moment, I’d like to….
Sorry, Could I just mention that…
I don’t mean to intrude (v) can thiệp vào, xâm nhập, but . . .
May I have a word?
Excuse me, but…
Do you mind if I interrupt you?
Sorry, I didn’t catch that, is it possible to repeat the last point?
While that is an important point, it’s also important to add…
If you don’t mind, I’d like to mention something.
Sorry to butt in, but may I just ask…
Before we move on to the next point, may I add…?
Before you move on, I’d like to say something.
Do you mind if I jump in here?
If I could just come in here. I think….
Can I just add something here?

42. Talking about health and Illness (n) tình trạng ốm, tình trạng đau yếu

Asking about health:

What’s the problem?
What are your symptoms (n) symptom: triệu chứng?
How are you feeling today?
Are you feeling any better?
Do you have any allergies (n) dị ứng, sự bị ngứa, sự không hợp?
How long have you been feeling like this?
Do you have any medicine to take?

Talking about general illness:

I’ve got a slight headache đau đầu nhẹ.
I’ve got a sore throat đau họng, viêm họng.
I have a high blood pressure.
I have pain in my back.
I’m in a lot of pain.
My head is spinning.
I’m having difficulty breathing.
I have a stomach ache đau bụng.
I’m not sleeping very well at the moment.
I’m not feeling very well.

43. Ability (n) Có khả năng, tài năng, sức lực

Asking about ability (n) có khả năng, có tư cách:

Can you lift this table?
Can you speak English?
Can you help me?
Can you play the piano?
Will you able to come to my birthday party this weekend?
Are you able to go out with me tonight?

Expressing ability:

I can speak 5 languages.
I can swim 2 kilometers.
I can’t help you.
I won’t be able to come to your birthday party.
I will be able to see you next week.
When I finish this course, I will be able to find a good job.
When I was a child I could play football very well.
I was not able to visit him yesterday.

44. Giving good news

Giving good news:

I’ve got some good news for you…
I’ve got a bit of good news for you…
I’m really pleased to tell you…
I’m really happy to inform you that…
I have some amazing news for you…
Are you ready for this? I’ve got some great news for you….
I’m so excited to tell you that …

Responding to good news:

I’m so glad to hear that!
That’s great!
Sounds great!
That’s wonderful!
Incredible!
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing.
Really? Are you serious?
I can’t believe that!

45. Giving bad news

Giving bad news:

I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you…
I’m so sorry but…
I’m sorry to have to tell you that …
I know this isn’t what you want to hear but…
I’m afraid to inform you of …
It is my unfortunate duty nhiệm vụ không may của tôi to tell you that …
I really feel bad to have to say this, but …
I really don’t know how to say it, but …

Responding to bad news:

I’m sorry to hear that…
You must be feeling terrible …
That’s awful!
Too bad!
Poor you Tội nghiệp bạn!
Please, accept my deepest sympathy.
Anytime you need to talk, just call me …
If there’s anything I can do, just let me know…

46. Expressing Disappointment (n) Thất vọng, thất hứa, nản lòng

That’s too bad.
How disappointing!
That’s so disappointing!
Oh no, what a shame (n/v) xấu hổ, hổ thẹn, ô nhục!
It’s a great shame.
It’s a little bit disappointing, isn’t it!
It didn’t live up to my expectations (n) expectation: kỳ vọng, sự trông mong.
What a pity (n) đáng tiếc!
What a letdown (v) sự thất vọng!
What a bummer (n) người lười biếng!
That’s a nuisance (n) phiền toái, người làm hại, việc làm thiệt hại, vật làm khó chịu!
I thought you could do better.
I’ve never been so disappointed in my life.
It wasn’t as good as I thought it would be.

47. Asking and Giving Instructions

Asking for Instructions (n) Instruction: chỉ đẫn, sự dạy dỗ:

How do I…?
Can you show me how to…?
Do you know how to…?
How do I go about…?
What do you suggest?
What is the first step?
What is the best way to…?

Giving instructions:

First, you…
Then, you…
Next, you…
Lastly, you…

Starting out:

The first thing you do is…
Before you begin, (you should…)
The best place to begin is…
I would start by…

Continuing:

After that,
The next step is to…
The next thing you do is…
Once you’ve done that, then…
When you finish that, then…

Finishing:

The last step is…
The last thing you do is…
In the end,…
When you’ve finished,…
When you’ve completed all the steps,…

48. Expressing Prohibition (n) Sự cấm

It is forbidden (adj) cấm, ngăn cấm, cản trở to…
You are not allowed to …
You are not permitted to…
It is prohibited to …
You must not …
You are not to…
You can’t…

Examples:

You are not allowed to smoke in this area.
It is forbidden to swim here.
You are not to feed the animals.
It is prohibited to walk on the grass.
You must not tell anyone about it.
You must not leave the window open.
You are not permitted to be late.

49. Expressing Shock

I was shocked to hear…
We’re all in complete shock.
Who could have predicted it?
I was stunned by…
The news came as a complete shock.
That’s the last thing I expected.
You’re kidding!
I’d never have guessed.
Oh, my god! Really?

50. Blaming and Accusing (v) Accuse: Cáo buộc, tố cáo

Expressions of Blaming Someone:

It’s your fault.
It’s your mistake.
I can’t believe that you did it.
How could you do such a thing?
Are you out of your mind?
What on earth were you thinking?
I think you are the one to blame.
I think you are the one who could have done it.

Expressions of Accusing Someone:

It must have been you who did it.
I think you’re the only person who could have done it.
You must be doing something wrong.

Accepting blaming and accusing:

I’m sorry. It’s my fault.
I’m sorry for the things I’ve done.
I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to.
Sorry for my fault.
It’s my responsibility. I’m sorry.
You’re right! It’s my fault. I’m sorry.

Refusing blaming and accusing:

It’s not true.
It’s not my fault.
I’m not the one to blame người đáng trách.
I didn’t do it.
You’re wrong. It wasn’t me.