A group of phrases that you often use when starting a conversation with someone.
1. How to offer, refuse
- Would you like a Coke? - Yes, I'd love to.
- Would you like me to drive you home?
- It’s very kind of you, but I’ve already got a lift.
- Would you like me to finish the report for you?
- I appreciate the offer, but I think I can do it in time.
- Would you like another piece of cake?
- It’s very tempting, but I can’t.
- What about going to Barbados next year on holiday?
- It’s very tempting, but we can’t afford it.
- Stay for another drink!.
- I really shouldn’t! I’ve got to get up early tomorrow.
- Would you like to come to the pub after work?
- Oh, I can’t this time. I promised I’d pick up Joe from school.
- Can you check my report for me?
- I’m really sorry, but I can’t this time. I’ve got to finish something urgently.
- …. and this phone has the latest camera and…
- It’s a great offer, but I’m not interested.
- We could also arrange five monthly payments…
- Actually, I think I’m going to pass on it, if you don’t mind.
- Would you like to come out for a curry? We’re all going…
- Actually, I think I’ll pass on it tonight. I’m really tired.
- I’m not sure if I can offer you a full-time position. Would you consider a part-time role instead?
- Oh – let me sleep on it!
- We can offer you a 10% discount if you pay the deposit before next week.
- OK – let me sleep on it.
- Do you want to be involved in the project?
- I’m not sure. Let me sleep on it.
- Can I interest you in our top-of-the-range dishwasher?
- Oh – can you give me a couple of minutes?
- Are you looking for a great takeaway?
- Oh, not today thanks.
2. Understanding
- I didn't quite get that.
- Can you repeat that, please?
- I didn't understand you.
See: 9 Dialogues and Short Conversations to Learn English
3. How to ask, argue
- Are you saying that ...?
- Can you explain that?
- Sorry to interrupt you, ... I actually wanted to say that ...
- Well, ... I don't think so.
- I'm sure that ...
- There's nothing more to say.
- Obviously I don't need to say that ...
4. General phrases
- Besides ...
- It doesn't matter.
- Don't mention it.
- I must apologize for being so late.
5. Greeting your friend
- Hi!
- Hey!
- How’s it going?
- How’re you going?
- How are things?
- Alright, yeah? – used more in the UK
- Hi mate! – UK, Aust (usually said to a guy)
- What’s up! – common in the USA
- Joey from TV’s Friends often asks:
- How’re you doing?!
- Hi everyone!
- Hey guys!
- How have you been?
- It’s been ages since I saw you
6. Asking how your friend’s day is going
- Had a good day? – say this with upward intonation
- Good day? – also say this with upward intonation
- What’s new?
7. Starting the interaction based on how they seem to be feeling
- You seem ..in a great mood today
- Looks like you’ve.. had a good day
- You seem a bit tired | stressed | distracted
- On a related note, it’s possible your friend might be down if it’s a rainy or very cloudy day:
- Crappy day, isn’t it? – ‘crappy’ is a slang word for ‘very bad’
- Weather sucks, doesn’t it?
- This weather sure does suck!
- Can’t believe this rain!
8. Saying how you’re feeling
- Great!
- Couldn’t be better
- Pretty good | tired
- A bit tired
- Things are great | so-so | alright, I guess
9. Asking your friend about their favourite team
- Often sport comes up in conversation:
- Hey did you catch the game | match last night?
- The Hawks are doing great, aren’t they?!
- They’re playing great | terribly this year
- Who do you think’ll win this weekend?
10. Asking your friend about something you both know
- So, how are things with..Marketa?
- So, how’s it going with..Marketa | work | your boss?
- So, how did it go with that girl | guy ..?
- So, how did.. the conference | your job ..interview go?
- Are you still working at Honza’s Sex Shop?
- How are the folks?
- How’s your dad | mum going?
- Say ‘hi’ to your folks for me!
11. Using ‘so’ can help make the conversation flow
- So, how have you been?!
- So what’s new?
- So do you fancy a drink?
- So did you get the job?
- Sooo, I guess I better run | go
12. Giving your friend surprising news
- You’ll never guess – I’m marrying Tereza!
- You won’t believe this – I got the job!
- Have you heard – Ralph’s marrying Premek!
13. Responding to surprising news
- No way!
- You’re kidding!
- You’re joking!
- Really?!
- That’s terrific | terrible | shocking!
- I can’t believe that!
See: 50+ Phrases When not Feeling Well
14. When you don’t feel comfortable with a particular topic
- I’m not really sure what to say. What about you?
- Could be better, but not to worry. And you?
- I’m sure things’ll get better soon.
- How are things at your end?
- Not good. What about you?
- Things are fine.
- I’m sure I’ll manage fine.
- Yeah, you know how it is.
15. Making a suggestion
- Let’s go out tonight.
- What do you reckon?
- How about we go to the cinema?
- How about going to the pub?
- You can also use:
- What about..?
16. Responding to a suggestion to meet up
- When you’re sure you can come:
- Sounds good
- Great, see you then!
- Wonderful
- Cool, see you there!
- When you’re not sure yet:
- Maybe, I’m not sure yet
- Let me get back to you
- When you can’t come:
- I can’t, sorry, I have something else on.
- Sorry, I can’t.
- (Sorry), I’m really busy right now.
17. Closing the conversation
- Sorry, gotta go. I’ve got a meeting | a date
- Well, guess I’d better go
- Well, better be off
- Hey let’s catch up next week
18. Closing salutation
- Take it easy!
- Catch you later!
- Later ‘bro – more in the USA
- See you later!
- Take care!
- ‘Bye!
- Alright, later mate! – more in the UK, Aust.
19. Begin with good conversation starters
- Excuse me, do you have the time?
- Do you know what time it is?
- Hi. Is this seat taken?
- Do you mind if I sit here?
- Pardon me. Do you know what time this place closes?
20. Extending the conversation with more questions to ask people
- Are you from this area?
- So, what do you do for a living?
- What brings you here today?
- Do you come here a lot?
21. Asking for opinions and interesting questions to ask
- I don't know. What do you think?
- Has that been your experience too?
- Has that ever happened to you?
- Why do you think that is (the case)?
- Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
22. Changing the topic with conversational connectors
- That reminds me…
- Oh hey. Did you hear that…
- Speaking of [horses], I found out that
23. Inviting your conversation partner to talk longer
- I'm not keeping you from something, am I?
- Sorry for taking up so much of your time. Do you need to take off?
- I just realised you're probably in the middle of something. Do you have time to chat?
- Let me know if you need to get going. I don't want to take up all your time.