1.

How to ask for things in English

Asking for things in English doesn't need to be stressful. Just remember some
key phrases, and you'll be able to deal with most situations smoothly and
confidently!

Asking clerks or at help desks

(Hello.) Can / Could I have .. please? (Falling intonation)
(Good morning.) Can / Could you give / get me .. please?
(Good evening.) A table for two, please.
Interrupting people to ask them for something
Excuse me
. Do you know if?
. Do you have?
. Do you accept . (credit cards)?
. Is this the right way for. (the Post Office)?
. Could you tell me if . (there's a Post Office near here)?
In more formal situations
Excuse me
. Would you mind . (keeping an eye on my luggage?)
. I wonder if you could . (move your suitcase a little.)
Responding to questions:
You ask for something, then the person you have asked needs more
information. He or she asks you a question. If you haven't expected this, you
can "play for time" say something to give you time to think. Say something like

"Oh", "Ah", "Um", or "Er" to give you a second or two to formulate an answer.
Remember, complete silence makes the other person feel uneasy!
You: "Two tickets to Glasgow, please."
Clerk: "Single or return?"
You: "Um, return please. We're coming back tomorrow."
(You are at the bureau de change)
Clerk: How would you like your money?
You: Oh, er, three tens and a five, please.
You: "Hello. Can I have a leaflet about London museums, please."
Clerk: "Sure. Anything else?"
You: "Um, do you have any information about musicals?"

Tips
When you ask someone for something, or you ask them to do something for
you, it is essential to be as polite as possible. Here are some ways that you can
be polite.
Say hello
A "hello" and a smile go a long way! Say "hello" at the beginning of your
request.
"Hello. (I'd like) a travel card, please."
In more formal situations, you can say "Good morning", "Good afternoon" or
"Good evening". (Remember, we only say "Good night" if we're saying "Good
bye" at the end of the day.)
"Good evening. We've booked a table for four."

Remember "please" and "thank you"

"Please" normally goes at the end of the sentence:
"Two tickets please."
"Can you give me directions to Oxford Street, please."
Say "thank you" after you have received something:
"Here's your change."
"Thank you."
You can use "Yes, please" or "No, thank you" in response to a question:
"Would you like salad with your pizza?"
"Yes, please" or "No, thank you."
Say "excuse me"
If you ask someone who is doing something else, remember to say "excuse
me":
"Excuse me, do yo have this dress in a smaller size?" (In a shop)
"Excuse me, do you know where the nearest bank is?" (On the street)
Structure of an example conversation
1. Clerk greets you
(Good morning.) How can I help you?
What can I do for you?
2. You ask for something
Hello. I'd like some information about
Can I have.
Three stamps for Europe, please.

3. Clerk asks you a question

Single or return?
Air-mail or surface mail?
4. You answer
Oh, er, single thanks.
Um, let me see. Air-mail please.
5. Clerk asks you if you need anything else
Will that be all?
(Is there) anything else?
6. You answer
Ah, actually I'd also like
No, that's it thanks / thank you.

2. Talking about your opinions and beliefs in

English
There are many ways to give your opinions when speaking English. The exact English
expression you use depends on how strong your opinion is.

Giving your opinion neutrally

"I think"
"I feel that"
"In my opinion"
"As far as I'm concerned"
"As I see it"
"In my view"
"I tend to think that"

Giving a strong opinion

"I'm absolutely convinced that"
"I'm sure that"
"I strongly believe that"
"I have no doubt that"
"There's no doubt in my mind that"

English expressions for asking someone's opinion

"What do you think?"
"What's your view?"
"How do you see the situation?"
"What's your opinion?"

Talking about your beliefs

"I believe in" (the importance of free speech)
"I'm a (great / firm) believer in " (fresh air and exercise)
"I'm convinced that" (there's a solution to every problem)
"I'm passionate about" (human rights)
"I'm committed to " (working towards peace")
"I don't believe in "
"I think that is" (true / complete nonsense, etc)
Note
After a preposition such as in or about, you need either a noun or a gerund.
For example: "I believe in free speech", or "I believe in saying what you think".
After "that", you need a clause.
For example, "I believe that we must safeguard the planet."

Talking about likes and dislikes in English

There's a whole range of English expressions you can use to talk about how much you like or
dislike something.

If you love something

"I love eating ice-cream."
"I adore sun-bathing."
"She's mad about that new boy band."
"He's crazy about that girl."

If you like something a lot

"She's fond of chocolate."
"I like swimming very much."
"He really likes that new golf course." (Remember to stress "really" in this sentence.)

If you like something

"He quite likes going to the cinema."
"I like cooking."

If you neither like nor dislike something

"I don't mind doing the housework."
In reply to a question if you like something or not, you can say:
"I don't really care either way."
"It's all the same to me."

If you don't like something

"She doesn't like cooking very much."
"He's not very fond of doing the gardening."
"He's not a great fan of football."
"Horse-riding isn't really his thing."
"I dislike wasting time."

If you really dislike something

"I don't like sport at all."
"He can't stand his boss."
"She can't bear cooking in a dirty kitchen."
"I hate crowded supermarkets."
"He detests being late."
"She loathes celery."

Things to remember
Dislike is quite formal.
Fond of is normally used to talk about food or people.
The 'oa' in loathe rhymes with the 'oa' in boat.

Grammar Note
To talk about your general likes or dislikes, follow this pattern: like something or like
doing something.
Remember that "I'd like" is for specific present or future wishes.
"I like swimming" = I like swimming generally.
"I'd like to go swimming this afternoon" = I want to go swimming at a specific time in the future.

Common mistake
Be careful where you put very much or a lot. These words should go after the thing that you
like.
For example, "I like reading very much." NOT "I like very much reading."

Making invitations
Here are some useful phrases to make and accept invitations in English.

Inviting
Invitations are often structured into three parts: asking the person if they're free, saying what the
event is, then inviting the person to attend. For example:
"What are you doing next Saturday? We're having some people over for a meal. Would you like
to come?"
"Have you got anything on for this evening? A couple of us are going to the pub after work if
you'd like to come."
(to have something on = to have an arrangement)
Other ways to make an invitation:
"Are you free next Thursday?"
"Are you doing anything next weekend?"
"Would you be interested in coming to the cinema with me tonight?"
"How do you fancy going out for a meal at the weekend?"
"Do you fancy coming to the cinema with us on Tuesday?"
"Would you like to join Sally and I for a bite to eat after work?"

Accepting
If your invitation starts with a phrase like:
"Would you like to"
You can reply:
"I'd love to, thanks."
"That's very kind of you, thanks."
"That sounds lovely, thanks."
If the invitation begins:
Do you fancy coming to the cinema tonight?
You can accept with:
"What a great idea, thanks."
"Sure! What's on?"
"Yeah, why not!" (this can sound a little unenthusiastic, so use it with good friends.)

Declining
"Would you like to come over for dinner on Saturday?"
"That's very kind of you, but actually I'm doing something else on Saturday."
"Well, I'd love to, but I'm already going out to the cinema."
"I'm really sorry, but I've got something else on."
"I really don't think I can I've planned to go away that weekend."

Speaking Tip
It's important to be polite when you decline an invitation. We normally give a reason why we
can't do something and say we're sorry that we can't accept the invitation.

Making appointments
Useful phrases for making and changing appointments.

Asking to meet
"Are you available on the 17th?"
"Can we meet on the 16th?"
"How does the 3rd sound to you?"
"Are you free next week?"
"Would Friday suit you?"
"Is next Tuesday convenient for you?"
"What about sometime next week?"

Agreeing on a date
"Yes, Thursday is fine."
"Thursday suits me."
"Thursday would be perfect."

Suggesting a different date

"I'm afraid I can't on the 3rd. What about the 6th?"
"I'm sorry, I won't be able to make it on Monday. Could we meet on Tuesday instead?"
"Ah, Wednesday is going to be a little difficult. I'd much prefer Friday, if that's alright with you."
"I really don't think I can on the 17th. Can we meet up on the 19th?"

Setting a time
"What sort of time would suit you?"
"Is 3pm a good time for you?"
"If possible, I'd like to meet in the morning."

"How does 2pm sound to you?"

Changing the arrangement

"You know we were going to meet next Friday? Well, I'm very sorry, but something urgent has
come up."
"I'm afraid that I'm not going to be able to meet you after all. Can we fix another time?"
"Something has just cropped up and I won't be able to meet you this afternoon. Can we make
another time?"

Complaining in English
When complaining in English, it helps to be polite. This page will help you with this important
English speaking skill.

In a shop
You're in a shop and the assistant gives you the wrong change.
"Excuse me, I think you've given me the wrong change", or "Sorry, I think this change is wrong. I
gave you $20, not $10."

In a hotel
"Excuse me, but there's a problem with the heating in my room."
"Sorry to bother you, but I think there's something wrong with the air-conditioning."
"I'm afraid I have to make a complaint. Some money has gone missing from my hotel room."
"I'm afraid there's a slight problem with my room the bed hasn't been made."
When people apologise, they normally say "sorry" and offer to put the situation right.
"Excuse me, but there's a problem with the heating."
"I'm sorry I'll get someone to check it for you."
or "Sorry to hear that I'll send someone up."

Speaking tip
Although you may find it strange to use the word sorry when you complain, English speakers
consider it polite. It will help you get what you want!

How to make requests and offers in English

When you ask someone to do something for you, or ask if you can do something, it's important
to sound polite. Here are some of the common ways that you can do this.

Asking someone to do something for you

"Could you open the door for me, please?"
"Would you mind opening the door for me, please?"
"Can you open the door for me, please?'
Speaking tip: could and can are followed by the verb without to. (See our page on modal
auxiliary verbs for more grammar information.)
Would you mind is followed by the verb and -ing.

Asking if you can do something

"Can I use your computer, please?"
"Could I borrow some money from you, please?"
"Do you mind if I turn up the heating?"
"Would you mind if I turned up the heating?"
Speaking tip: Could is more polite that can.
Do you mind if" is followed by the verb in the present tense, but would you mind if is
followed by the verb in the past tense.
When you're using these two sentences, don't use please. It's already polite enough!

Offering to do something for another person

You can make an offer using a phrase like Can I ?, Shall I ?, Would you like me to ?
For example:

"Can I help you?"

"Shall I open the window for you?"

"Would you like another coffee?"
"Would you like me to answer the phone?"
"I'll do the photocopying, if you like."
Shall, can and will are followed by the verb without to.
Shall is particularly British English and is more formal than can. Would you like is followed
either by a noun, or by an object pronoun and the verb with to.

Responding to offers
These English dialogues show you ways to accept or reject offers made to you.
"Can I help you?"
"Yes please. I'd like to know what time the train leaves."
"Can I help you?"
"No thanks, I'm just looking." (In a shop.)
"Shall I open the window for you?"
"Yes please. That would be very kind of you."
"Would you like another coffee?"
"No thanks." Or, "No thank you."
"Would you like another coffee?"
"Yes please, that would be lovely." Or, "Yes please, I'd love one."
"Would you like me to answer the phone?"
"If you wouldn't mind." Or, "If you could."
(Don't answer "Yes, I would", as this sounds like you expect someone to do it for you.)
"I'll do the photocopying, if you like."
"It's OK, I can do it." Or, "Don't worry, I'll do it.
"Or, "Thank you, that would be great."

Saying hello and introducing yourself

Here is a list of essential phrases to say hello, introduce yourself, and introduce other people to
each other.
(Our page English greetings in the speaking section of the site has more phrases.)

Saying hello
Here's a typical conversation structure.
A: Say "Hi!", "Hello!" and follow with a phrase like "How are you?" or "How are things?"
B: Answer with a phrase like "Fine" and ask A a similar question.
A: Reply
Here's an example:
A: Hi Suzie. How are you?
B: Fine thanks. And you?
A. Yeah, fine thanks.
"Fine", "Fine thanks", "OK", "OK thanks" all mean the same.
"I'm very well, thanks" is more formal.
"Not bad thanks", "Can't complain" are less positive.
In formal situations, you can also say "Good morning", "Good afternoon" and "Good evening".
"Good morning" = for the morning up to lunch.
"Good afternoon" = for the afternoon until early evening (i.e. around 6pm)
"Good evening" = for the rest of the evening
"Good night" = when you leave a person at the end of the evening, or when you go to bed.

Introducing yourself
Here are some simple phrases you can use.
"I'm " (your first name / first name + surname)
"My name is " (your first name / first name + surname)
In formal situations, give your first name and surname. In informal situations give your first
name.
The other person says:
"Pleased to meet you." or "Nice to meet you." or "Good to meet you."

Example conversations
A: Hi, I'm Clare.
B: Pleased to meet you! I'm Dave.
A: Good morning. I'm David Green.
B: Pleased to meet you. I'm John Harris.
A. Good to meet you.

Introducing other people

"This is (name of your friend)."
Now give more information about the person.
"He's a friend of mine."
"He's a friend of my brother."
"He's a colleague."
"She's my cousin."
Example conversations
A: "John, this is Paul. He's a friend of mine."
B: "Hi Paul. Nice to meet you."
Paul: "Good to meet you John."
Deborah: "This is Sally. She's my cousin."
B: "Hi Sally. Pleased to meet you."
Sally: "Pleased to meet you too."

Giving personal information in English

Sometimes people ask you for personal details, such as name, address and date of birth. Here
are some typical questions and ways you can answer.
Question words
Who (asks for a name or person)
Whose (asks about the owner)
Why (asks for a reason)
Where (asks for a place)
What (asks about a thing or a concept)
Which (asks about a thing)
When (asks for a time)
How (asks about the way something happens)
(Also "how much" / "how many" to ask about quantity; "how long" to ask about duration; "how
often" to ask about frequency.)

Remember the word order of questions:

(1. Question word optional)
2. Auxiliary do / does; verb to be
3. Subject
4. Verb + complement
(1)Where (2)do (2)you (4)live?
(1)What (2)is (3)your name?
(2)Do (3)you (4)like reading?
If there is no question word, the question starts with the auxiliary. The answer to a question like
this is "yes" or "no".

Typical questions
1. What's your name?
(Give your first name then surname: "My name's Susan Harris" or "I'm Susan Harris".)
What's your first name?
- Susan
What's your surname / family name / second name?
- Harris
On a form, you can often see abbreviations before your surname.
Mr (for a man)
Mrs / Miss / Ms (for a woman: Mrs shows you are married, Miss shows you are single, Ms is if
you'd prefer not to show your marital status the female equivalent of Mr)
Dr (to show the person is a medical doctor or has a PhD)
2. What's your date of birth?
It's (day month year: "It's the second of July, 1980".)
Or:
When were you born?
("On the second of July, 1980".)
You can write 2 July 1980 or July 2, 1980. But when you say the date, use ordinal numbers:
1 the first
2 the second
3 the third
4 the fourth
5 the fifth
6 the sixth
7 the seventh
8 the eighth
9 the ninth
10 the tenth
11 the eleventh
12 the twelfth


20 the twentieth
21 the twenty-first

Either "the second of July, 1980" or "July the second, 1980".

3. What's your marital status?
I'm married / single / divorced / widowed
Or:
Are you married?
4. What's your address?
Or:
Where do you live?
(Give the full address)
Name of the house (if there is one)
Street number and name
Town or city
County and Postcode
Country
For example:
Rose Cottage
20, London Road
St Albans
Herts AL9 2RS
England

How to make a booking in English

Making a booking in English does not have to be complicated. In fact, if you keep the
information concise, you will find it easy!

Starting the conversation

I'd like to..
. book a double room (for two nights from Monday 2 August to)
. book a table (for two at 9 pm tomorrow night)
. book a flight (from London to Paris on Tuesday 10 November)
. book seats (tonight for "Phantom of the Opera")

You can also reserve a room, a table or seats.

Responding to questions
How many people is the booking for?
It's for two people.
How would you like to pay?
Can I pay by credit card?
Can you spell your surname?
Yes, it's B R O W N.
Can you give me your credit card number and expiry date?
Yes, it's .
Travel bookings
What time do you want to leave / arrive / check-out?
I'd like to arrive in London by 6 pm.
Would you like to take advantage of our special insurance / extra facilities?
No thank you / Could you give me extra information?

Asking for more information

Does this price include all taxes? (for hotels and flights)
Is there a booking fee? (for flights, theatre tickets)
How much is the baggage allowance? (for flights)
Could you confirm my booking?
What time should I arrive? (for theatres, restaurants)
What time do I have to check in / do I have to check out? (for flights, hotels)
Is there an ensuite bathroom? (for hotels)

Tips
Remember the essential information:
- how many nights (at a hotel)
- how many people (at a restaurant or the theatre)
- what time (for a flight or at a restaurant)
- how much does it cost (for a flight, theatre tickets or a hotel room)
Research the vocabulary you need before you make a call:
- what type of theatre seat you need
- what type of hotel room you want
- where you want to sit on the plane

Remember to pronounce numbers and letters clearly.

When you spell something or give a number, speak slowly and emphasise the important
information.

Booking a hotel room in English

Here is some useful vocabulary to describe hotel rooms and facilities, and phrases to book a
hotel room.
Types of room
double room = room with a double bed (for two people)
twin room = room with two beds
single room = room with one bed (for one person)
suite = more than one room (e.g. bedroom and living room
cot = a bed for a baby
Availability
fully-booked = no rooms available
Other facilities
ensuite bathroom = a bathroom attached to the bedroom
a safe = a box with a key where you put valuables (passport, jewellery, money etc)
a minibar = a small fridge with drinks inside such as coke, water, juice, wine
tea and coffee making facilities = a kettle (to boil water), cups, coffee, milk, sugar and tea
sachets
(24-hour) room service = meals delivered to your room
laundry / dry cleaning service = your clothes can be washed for you
bar and restaurant = the hotel has a bar and a restaurant for drinks and meals
wifi = internet connection (pronounced wai fai)
full English breakfast = big breakfast with toast, eggs, bacon, cereal, etc
continental breakfast = small breakfast with croissant, coffee, juice
a wake-up call = when the telephone rings to wake you up

Making the booking

Here are some phrases you can use on the phone to make a booking in English.
I'd like to book a (single / double / twin) room for two nights, please.
I'd like to make a reservation for a (single / double / twin) room for the night of (date), please.
(a reservation = a booking)
Do you have any double rooms left for the weekend?
Do you have any double rooms available this weekend?
(left = available)
How much is a single room / a double room / a suite?

What time is check-in? (check-in = when you arrive and give your passport information)
What time is check-out? (when you leave and pay)
What time is breakfast?
Are all your rooms ensuite? (= with bathroom)
Is there wifi in the room?
Is there a lift? (life / elevator)

Learn how to buy tickets in English

These phrases will help you get around using public transport if you're travelling in an Englishspeaking country.

Buying a ticket
I'd like (+ noun / + infinitive)
I'd like a return ticket
I'd like to buy a return ticket
Or you can use a "Can I" question:
Can I have a .. (single / return to Bath) please?
On the bus, when you need to be quick, the question can be short:
A single to London Bridge, please.
See our page on transport vocabulary for words and phrases to describe transport and travel.

Asking for information

How much is (a one day travel card)
How much does a one day travel card cost?
(See our page on asking questions for more explanation and help asking questions.)

Tips for understanding native English speakers

It isn't always easy to understand native speakers at train stations or on the bus. This is
because people are often in a hurry you need to ask a question quickly on the bus, for
example.
1. Prepare your question before you speak. What do you need to know? Information about the
bus route, for example? Or do you want the bus driver to tell you when to get off the bus?
Use simple grammar to help you make the question. Here are two questions using the present
simple tense:

Does this bus stop at (name of place)

Does this bus stop at London Bridge?
Do you stop anywhere near .. (name of place)
Do you stop anywhere near London Bridge?
Here is a question asking the bus driver to help you:
Can you tell me where to get off for . (name of place)
Can you tell me where to get off for the shopping centre?

2. Listen for the information words. These words are stressed in a sentence, while the grammar
words (articles, prepositions etc usually are unstressed.)
For example:
Do you stop anywhere near London Bridge?
'Yeah, on the 'other 'side of the 'road.

English conversations: shopping

Here are some useful phrases you can learn for when you go clothes shopping. (If you need
vocabulary for other types of shops, see our page on shopping vocabulary.)
Where you can buy clothes
There are different types of clothes shops. Here are some common ones:
shopping centre = large building with lots of different shops inside (= shopping mall in
American English)
boutique = small shop, often expensive, with designer label clothes
charity shop (goodwill in American English) = shop where you can buy second-hand ( = not
new) clothes. The money you pay for them goes to charity
factory outlet = shop where you can buy clothes directly from the factory that makes them.
Often these clothes (or shoes) are "samples".
department store = large shop with "departments" for men's clothes, women's clothes,
household objects, etc.
chain store = a "brand" that has shops in many different towns, such as "Zara" or "H&M".

Useful phrases a shop assistant says

"Can I help you?"
"Are you looking for anything in particular?"
"Do you need any help at all?"
"We don't have any of these left in stock." ( = There is no more of something.)

Useful phrases a customer says

"I'm looking for "
"I'd like to buy"
Indicating a piece of clothing
"Do you have this in "
- medium / large / small / extra large / XL
- blue / black / beige (other colours etc)

Talking about the price

Clothes shops have "sales" when some or all the clothes are discounted.
"Is this in the sales?"
"Is this on sale?"
"There's a discount of 20% on this."
"These jeans are discounted by 20%."
"It's a bargain." (= the low price is a surprise)
"It's cheap." (= doesn't cost much money)
"It's expensive." (= costs a lot of money.)

Trying something on
When you go clothes shopping, you probably want to try something on before you buy it so you
know it's the right size or that it looks good on you!
"I'd like to try this on please. Where are the changing rooms?"
"Can I try this on?"
Example conversation
Can I try this on?
Sure. The changing rooms are over there
(later)
Any good?
No, not really. (It's the wrong size / It doesn't really suit me.)
Or, "Yes, I'll take it."

Paying
"Where I can pay?"
"The cash tills are over there."

Other useful vocabulary

to suit = to be in your style, or to compliment your body shape or skin / hair colour
"That dress really suits you!"
to fit = to be the right size
"These jeans don't fit very well."
Clothes can be
too big (size "Large" when you are size "Small")
too small (small size when you are large size)
too tight (waist measurement 34 when you are waist 38)
too loose (waist measurement 38 when you are waist 34)
too long (jeans leg measurement 34 when your leg measurement is 32)
too short (jeans leg measurement 32 when your leg measurement is 34)
to go well with / to match = to look good with your other clothes
"This jumper goes well with my trousers."
"This colour jumper matches your new trousers."

Useful English phrases for giving directions

If you're in a new town or city and you want to know where a place or building is, these are
useful phrases to ask for (and get) directions.

How you can ask

Say "Excuse me" before you ask a person. To make it sound like a question, make your voice
go up on "me".
"Excuse me. How do I get to (the railway station) please?"
"Excuse me. Where's the nearest (post office) please?"
"Excuse me. I'm looking for the Number 6 bus stop."

Giving directions
The person who helps you often says how near or far the place is:
"It's about five minutes from here."
"It's about a ten-minute walk."
"It's easier if I can show you on the map"

Specific instructions
Here are some useful words and phrases for giving street instructions.
"Turn left / right."
"Go straight on at the lights / when you come to the crossroads." (Lights = traffic lights;
crossroads = where two roads cross)
"Go across the roundabout." (Roundabout = where all the cars go round a circle in the middle of
the road)
"Take the first turning / road / street on your left / right." (Turning = road that goes left or right)
"You'll see / You'll come to a (bank). Then "
"Don't take the first road."
"Go on for about (2 minutes / 100 metres)."

Landmarks
We often make reference to landmarks when we give directions to help the other person. These
can be places in a town, such as cinema, bank, bus stop, etc. They can also be parts of the
road system. Here are some common terms:
taxi rank = a place where taxis queue for passengers
level crossing = where the road and railway meet. There are barriers that go up and down to
signal when a train is coming
underpass = a walkway that goes under a busy road so pedestrians can get to the other side
safely
overpass / flyover = a road that goes over another road (or railway)
zebra crossing = black and white markings in the road for pedestrians to cross the road (the
markings look like a zebra's stripes)
pedestrian crossing = a place in the road where pedestrians can cross. Often there are traffic
lights.
tunnel = a road under (or through) mountains
crossroads = where two roads cross each other
junction = where one road meets another, and you can either go left or right
fork in the road = where the road divides, and you decide to go left or right
turning = a road off to your left or right
main road = a big road where there is lots of traffic
lane = a small road, or a part of a road (the left-hand lane / the right-hand lane; the bus lane)

Use prepositions of direction

Go past = continue past something so that is is now behind you
Go across = cross something, like a road or crossroads
Go along = continue down a road
Go straight on = don't turn left or right
Go up = walk / drive up a hill
Go down = walk or drive down a hill or a road
Go through = pass through something, such as a tunnel or a town
Go out of = exit (i.e. a railway station)
It's in front of you = you can see it facing you
It's opposite the bank = it faces the bank
It's on the corner = it's where two roads meet at a 90 angle

Typical English conversation

"Excuse me. I'm looking for the post office."
"OK. Go straight on, then turn left at the crossroads. It's about 100 metres on your left.
You can't miss it!"
"Thanks!"
"You're welcome."

English conversations for tourists

Here is English vocabulary for some typical places of interest for tourists to a city, town, or the
countryside.

Famous tourist attractions

There are many types of museum:
Local history museum / Town museum = where there are displays of objects found in the
local area, or which are important to the local area.
Art gallery = where you can see paintings, photographs and sculptures, as well
asexhibitions of particular artists.

In London (for example) there are many other types of museum, such as:
Natural History museum = a museum where you can see everything related to Earth and to
the history and development of Earth, such as dinosaur skeletons, fossils, etc.
Science Museum = a museum where you can see scientific and technological developments
and discoveries. Often these museums have interactive displays.
Others are Madame Tussauds (a waxworks museum), the London Dungeons (a museum which
recreates historical events), a Maritime museum, the Imperial War museum and the Tower of
London (an old prison which also contains the Crown Jewels).

Famous attractions
Tourists often visit churches and cathedrals, as well as other historic buildings.
Other attractions include historical sites of interest (such as Roman ruins and famous battle or
burial sites), as well as parks, gardens, and stately homes (= big house owned by aristocrats)
and castles.
Some palaces (= house for the royal family) or parliament buildings are also open to visitors.

Things to do
You can go and see an exhibition (in a museum or art gallery).
You can also go to a festival (such as a music or arts festival) or a fair (often an annual event
with various stalls to raise money for a charity or a town).
You can also go to hear live music (a concert of classical music or a "gig" of rock or folk
music).
Other cultural attractions are the opera, plays (with actors) and the ballet.
In some towns you can also go to the funfair (where you pay to go on rides) and theme parks,
such as Disneyland, for example.

Local attractions
These might be areas of natural beauty, such as mountains, lakes and the coastline. (See our
page on Scenery vocabulary for useful words and phrases to describe the countryside.)
For towns on the sea, other places to enjoy can be a promenade (walking area next to the
sea), a pier (a long walking area built out over the sea) and a lighthouse (tall building where a
light shines to show ships where the dangerous areas of the sea are). The harbour (area where
ships come in) can also be a popular area for restaurants and shops.

English speaking: Information for tourists and visitors

In the Tourist Information office you can ask about the opening hours (or opening times) for
parks, museums and galleries, etc.
You can also ask if there is an entrance fee or admission cost. For many attractions there is
a car park nearby (but not always free parking). Some parks, gardens and historical buildings
are open to the public only at some times of the year.
You can also ask if there is a gift shop (or souvenir shop) or refreshments (a bar or cafe that
serves drinks, snacks or light meals).
Many tourist attractions arrange tours for visitors (guided tours or audio tours) and you can
find information inbrochures and leaflets (a one-page brochure folded vertically into two, three
or four pages), or on posters and flyers(very small leaflet often left on cars, for example).

English conversations: In a restaurant

Here are some useful phrases for ordering a meal in a restaurant in English.

Booking
"I booked a table for two for (8pm).
"It's under the name of "
"A table for two please."
What the restaurant staff say:
"Of course. Please come this way."
Or
"Your table isn't quite ready yet."
"Would you like to wait in the bar?"
"We're fully booked at the moment. Could you come back a bit later?"

Asking about the menu

These are phrases you can ask the waiter if you aren't sure of something on the menu.
"What's exactly?"
"Is this served with (salad)?"
"Does this have any (seafood) in it?"
"What do you recommend?"

Ordering
What the waiter says:
"Are you ready to order?"
"Can I take your order?"
"Anything to drink?"
"Would you like (chips) with that?"
What the customer says:
"I'll have"
"I'd like"
"Can I have "
"We'd like to order "
If there are problems with the order, the waiter can say:
"I don't think we have any more (lobster) left. I'll check with the kitchen."
"I'm sorry, but the king prawn soup is finished."

Dealing with problems

The customer can say:
"Excuse me, but I didn't order this."
"I'm sorry, but this is cold."
"Can I change my order please?"
The waiter can say:
"I'm so sorry about that"
"Let me take it back for you." (take it back = return it to the kitchen)
"Let me change it for you."

Getting the bill

"Can we have the bill please?"
"Could we get the bill?"
"Could we pay please?"
("bill" in British English; "check" in American English.)

"Would like" and polite English phrases

"Would like" is a polite way to say "I want" in English.
For example:
"I want to buy a ticket" is impolite because "I want" sounds selfish and arrogant.
"I would like to buy a ticket please" is polite and friendly.
Grammar rules
"I would like" is followed by an infinitive verb or a noun.
"I would like to book a double room for Saturday." (infinitive verb "to book".)
"I would like a single room for Saturday." (noun "a single room".)
Because "would" is a modal verb, it doesn't change for he / she "third-person singular".
I would like
You would like
He / she would like
We would like
They would like
There is no "s" on he / she / it.
You can abbreviate the "would" to 'd:
I'd like
You'd like
He'd like
She'd like
We'd like
They'd like
Don't abbreviate from "would" to "'d" in the question or negative forms.
"I wouldn't like" (not "I'dn't like".)
To form the negative, add "not" or the abbreviation "n't" to "would":
I would not like / I wouldn't like
You would not like / You wouldn't like
He / she would not like / He wouldn't like
We would not like / We wouldn't like
They would not like / They wouldn't like
To form the question, change the subject-verb word order to verb-subject:
Would I like?
Would you like ?
Would he / she like ?
Would we like ?
Would they like ?

The short reply is

Yes, I / you / he / she / we /they would.
No, I / you / he / she / we / they wouldn't.

Other ways to be polite in English

It's important to be polite when you speak to English people. Here are some ways you can do
this:
Say "good morning", "good afternoon", "hello" etc before you ask for something
"Good morning! I'd like to buy a return ticket to London, please."
"Hello! Can I get a coffee and a Danish to go, please?"
Use polite words like "please", "thank you" and "excuse me"
Always see "please" when you ask for something. Put "please" at the end.
"Can you tell me the way to the Post Office, please?"
Say "thank you" when someone does something for you. (You can also say "thanks".)
"Hello, I'd like to buy a first-class stamp, please."
"Here you are."
"Thank you."
Say "excuse me" as a sort of introduction before you ask for something or speak to someone.
"Excuse me, does this train stop at Reading?"
"Excuse me, do you know what platform the London train goes from?"

Shopping vocabulary
Types of shops in English
department store a shop that sells many different items in different departments. Harrods is
probably the world's best known department store.
supermarket a large shop that sells mostly food and household items.
grocer (UK) / grocery store (US) a shop that sells food.
greengrocer sells fresh fruit and vegetables.
butcher - sells fresh meat.
baker sells fresh bread and cakes.
fishmonger sells fresh fish.

chemist (UK) / drugstore (US) sells medicines and toiletries.

pharmacy (US) sells medicines.
newsagent - sells newspapers and magazines.
stationer sells paper goods.
optician sells glasses / contact lenses.
DIY store sells things for home improvement.
hardware shop / hardware store / ironmonger hard goods, such as nails and screws.
corner shop (UK) a shop on the corner of your street, selling a range of basic goods food,
newspapers, sweets, bread, etc.
delicatessen (deli) sells specialist food not normally found in supermarkets. For example, an
Italian deli, an Asian deli.
bookshop / bookstore books.
market market traders (people who work on a market) have stalls that sell fruit and
vegetables, clothes, household items and so on.
petshop - for pets and pet food.
flea market a group of stalls selling old furniture or clothes.
tea shop (UK) like a cafe, but sells tea and cakes.
petrol station (UK) / gas station (US) sells petrol, car products and sometimes food.

Using 's
When we talk about shops, we often put an 's on the end. For example, "I'm going to the
chemist's / greengrocer's / butcher's / baker's / newsagent's / fishmonger's / optician's."
We don't use an 's with these shops: supermarket, hardware store, petrol station, department
store.

Sales vocabulary
December 26 (or Boxing Day) is traditionally the start of the winter sales in the UK, when items
are heavily discounted. In fact, bargain hunters can find some items reduced up to 50%
off their pre-sale price.
An unbeatable offer / prices slashed (= cut) or give-away prices mean very low prices.
Clearance Sale / Everything must go! = signs in shop windows advertising the sales
snap up a bargain = to buy something cheaply

Asking for things

"Do you have any?"
"I'm looking for"
"I wonder if you could help me?"

What the shopkeeper says

"I'm sorry, we're out of stock."
"I'm sorry, that's the last one."
"I'm sorry, that's all we have left."

What a sales person says

"Can I help you?"
"Are you looking for anything in particular?"

Your reply
"I'm just looking, thank you."
"I'm just browsing, thank you."

Asking about things

"Do you have this in another size?"
"Do you have this in another colour?"
"Is this made of leather / silk / plastic?"
"Does this come with a guarantee?"
"Is this fully refundable?"
"Can I bring this back if it's not the right size?"
"Can I bring this back if it doesn't fit?"

Paying what the shopkeeper says

"Do you have anything smaller?" (If you pay with a large denomination note.)

Paying what you say

"I'm sorry, I don't have any small change."
"I don't have anything smaller."
"Would you have change for this?"
"Can I have the receipt, please?'
"Can I pay by credit card?"
"Can I pay in cash?"
"Is this on sale?"

Telephoning in English
Useful vocabulary for making telephone calls in English.

Spelling
If you need to spell your name, or take the name of your caller, the biggest problem is often
sayingvowel sounds:
'a' is pronounced as in 'may'
'e' is pronounced as in 'email' or 'he'
'i' is pronounced as in 'I' or 'eye'
'o' is pronounced as in 'no'
'u' is pronounced as 'you'
Saying consonants
'g' is pronounced like the 'j' in 'jeans'
'j' is pronounced as in 'DJ' or 'Jane'
'w' is pronounced 'double you'
'x' is pronounced 'ex'
'y' is pronounced 'why'
'z' is pronounced 'zed' (rhymes with 'bed' in British English), or 'zee' (rhymes with 'sea' in
American English).
Tip: Keep a note of how you say these letters by your telephone.

Giving numbers
Here's a phone number: 0171 222 3344
And here's how to say it:
"Oh-one-seven-one, triple two, double three, double four."
OR
"Zero-one-seven-one, triple two, double three, double four."
Pausing
When you say a seven digit number, separate the number into two blocks of three and four,
pausing after each block.
Each digit is spoken separately, unless it's a double or triple. If the second part of the number
was '5555', you'll probably find it easier to say 'double five double five'.

Saying email addresses

@ is pronounced 'at'. For instance, caimin@clara.net is "caimin, at, clara, dot, net".
/ is "forward slash".
-

is called a "hyphen" or a "dash".

_ is an "underscore".

Example telephone dialogues

Here are examples of typical telephoning language:
Getting through
You: "Can I speak to (Mr Smith), please?" or "Is (Mr Smith) there, please?"
Receptionist: "May I ask who's calling?" or "Could I have your name, please?"
You: "Yes, this is Tom McIvor speaking."
Many British people don't identify themselves when they make or receive a phone call. Even at
home, they normally pick up the phone and say "Hello". But they won't be offended if you ask
for their name.

Leaving or taking a message

Receptionist:
"I'm afraid Mr Smith is
out of the office today."
off sick today."
in a meeting."
on holiday."
or "I'm afraid his line is engaged."
"Would you like to leave a message?"
You: "Could you ask him to call me back?" or "Could you ask him to return my call?"
Receptionist: "Does he have your number?" or "What's your number, please?"
The receptionist uses "I'm afraid" or "I'm sorry" if he or she can't connect you.
If the receptionist doesn't offer to take a message, you can ask to leave one.
You: "Could I leave a message, please?"
Receptionist: "Yes, certainly." or "Yes, of course."