Everyday and useful expressions in oral and written topics

Conversation-building expressions


As I was saying, I haven't seen her for years. (Meaning: takes the conversation back to an earlier point.

As I/you say, we'll have to get there early to have a seat. (repeating and confirms something someone has already said)

Talking of skiing... whatever happened to Bill Jakes? (starting a new topic)

If you ask me, she's heading for trouble. (if you want my opinion, even if no-one has asked for it)

That reminds me, I haven't rung George yet. (I forgot...?)

Come to think of it, did he give me his number after all? I think, he may have forgotten. (Sudden idea, makes you realize there may be a problem about something, I almost forgot it)

Belief and opinion - in essay writing, useful oral expressions

Verbs connected with beliefs and opinions - I think/ I believe:


I'm convinced we've met before. (very strong feeling that you're right)
I feel she shouldn't be forced to do the job. (strong personal opinion)
I reckon they'll get married soon. (informal, usually an opinion about what is likely to happen)
I doubt we'll ever see total world peace. (don't believe)
I suspect a lot of people never even think about pollution when they're driving their own car. (have a strong feeling about something negative)

Beszédfordulatok 2 + giving advice and recommendations

Who are you going with? With whom are you going? - Kivel mész?

Where do you think you are? - Mit gondolsz, hol vagy?
Who do you think you are? - Mit gondolsz, ki vagy?
What was I supposed to do? - Mit vártál tőlem, mit tegyek?
Could you believe that? - beszélgetés befejezése, nem igazán kérdés - Hát ilyet!?
I was wondering, if you could get this-and-this as well. = Please, bring me this-and-this from the shop.
I guess - I think
Obviously - Sure, of course, certainly
Definitely, absolutely - OK, totally, perfectly
There's no need to be rude - Don't be rude, be polite!
It's worth doing it. - It will be good.
(There's) no doubt... - semmi kétség

LIKE és barátai

What can you say when

What can you say when you...	Mit mondasz, ha...
...meet a friend?	...találkozol egy barátoddal?
- Hi. How's it going? - Not bad. And you?	- Szia! Hogy vagy? - Elvagyok. És te?
...ask about your friend?	...egy barátodról érdeklődsz?
- What's you been up to lately? - Nothing much.	- Mit csinálsz mostanság? - Semmi különöset.
...say goodbye to a friend?	...elbúcsúzol?
- Take care. See you soon. - Yeah, cheers. See you soon! Have a nice day. Drive carefully. Have fun.	- Vigyázz magadra. Majd találkozunk. - OK, szia! Szia! Szép napot! Vezess óvatosan! Kapcsolódj ki!
...ask for help?	...segítséget kérsz?
- Could you give me a hand? - Yeah sure, no problem.	- Segítenél? - Igen, persze.
...ask about another friends of yours?	...egy másik barátodról érdeklődsz?
- What's up with Matt? - I haven't a clue.	- Mi a helyzet Matt-tel? - Fogalmam sincs.
...need more time?	...még egy kis időre van szükséged?
- Hang on. I'll be with you in a minute. - OK, but hurry up.	- Várj. Mindjárt jövök. - Rendben, de siess.

Amikor elkezded a mondanivalód:

Spoken English - Attitudes

Approving, accepting - elfogadás, helyeslés, jóváhagyás:

I approve of the plan, entirely.
I'm in favour of it. I'm all for it.
I'm pleased you have at last come to your senses.

Disapproving:

You shouldn't drive so recklessly/ careless. (Your father doesn't approve of it. And it's wrong and dangerous, either/too.)

Spoken English - Decisions and Intentions

(Sudden) Decisions:
Have you decided /
Have you made up your mind    where you'd like to go for your holiday?


I think, I'll go to the Canary Islands. (or not)

Spoken English - Offers and invitaions

Offers:

Can I /
Shall I /
Would you like me to    get a taxi?

Accept:
+ Yes, please. Thank you very much.
Refusing:
- No, thank you.
It's very kind of you (to offer) but I can manage/ cope with it / handle it /deal with it / face it.

Spoken English - Information, opinions and ideas

Asking information:

Excuse me. Can/Could you tell me if the banks are open now?
Do you (happen to) know if there are any tickets left?
Could you give me some information about the opening times of English pubs, please?
I (am) wonder(ing) if you could give me a hand. (help)

Asking about language:

When you don't hear:
I beg your pardon?
Pardon (me)? Could you repeat it please?
I'm sorry, I didn't catch what you said.

Spoken English - Telling and asking people to do things

Orders:
Dont'be long.
You must go to bed now.
You mustn't talk.
I want you to drink this.

Requests:
Would you mind giving me a lift? - Elvinnél?
Could you wait a minute, please?

Agreeing:
+ Sure. OK. All right, then. Yes, of course. Certainly. Definitely. Absolutely. No doubt.

Spoken English - Starting and finishing a conversation

Starting a conversation with a stranger:
Exuse me, could you tell me the time, please?

Introduction:
Steve, this is Mary.
Steve, meet Mary.
Let me introduce you to Mr. White.
Let me introduce myself.

Saying hello - greetings:
Hello! Good morning!
Nice to meet you.
I'm glad to see you.
I haven't seen you for ages. / Long time no see.