1) Going to Bed / Getting Up

Before we go to bed and when we get up in the morning it's

common to make small talk about sleeping. Here are the most
common phrases used:
Before Going to Bed
Good night.
Sleep well.
Have a good night's sleep.
Make sure to get a good night's sleep.
I hope you sleep well.
See you in the morning
Example Dialogues
Person 1: Good night.
Person 2: See you in the morning.
Person 1: I hope you sleep well.
Person 2: Thank you. Make sure you get a good night's sleep
as well.
In the Morning, after Getting Up
I hope you had a good night's sleep.
Did you sleep well?
Did you have a good night's sleep?
I slept well, how about you?
Good morning. Did you sleep well?
How did you sleep?
Example Dialogues
Person 1: Good morning.
Person 2: Good morning. Did you sleep well?
Person 1: I hope you had a good night's sleep.
Person 2: Yes, thank you I did, and you?

Getting People's Attention

It's common to use 'Excuse me, ...' to get someone's attention in

English. Another, more formal form is 'I beg your pardon ...'
Example Dialogues
Person 1: Excuse me, do you know what time it is?
Person 2: Yes, it's two o'clock.
Person 1: I beg your pardon. Would you minding helping me a
moment?
Person 2: Certainly. What can I do to help?
Sometimes, if a situation is more urgent, we use forms that
might be considered rude in other less urgent situations. The
most common of these forms is the imperative. The imperative
form is also commonly used to give directions or commands,
but in a dangerous situation can be used to warn.
Verb + Objects + !
Watch out!
Be careful!
Pay attention to what you are doing!
Expressing Sympathy
Sometimes bad things happen. When we hear about bad things
that happen to other people it's a good idea to express
sympathy. This can be difficult as we want to express our
concern, but don't want to be intrusive. Here are some common
phrase to help you express sympathy.
I'm sorry to hear about ...
Please accept my condolences. (used when someone close to
another has died)
That's so sad.
I hope things get better soon.
I hope you feel better soon.
Example Dialogues
Person 1: I've been rather sick lately.
Person 2: I hope you feel better soon.
Person 1: Tim has been having a lot of troubles lately. I think
he might be getting a divorce.
Person 2: I'm sorry to hear about Tim's problems. I hoe things
get better for him soon.
It's also common to express sympathy in writing. Here are
some common phrases you can use when writing a sympathy
note to someone. Notice that is common to use the plural 'we'
and 'our' when expressing written sympathy as a way to
express that a family
My heartfelt condolences on your loss.
Our thoughts are with you.
She/he was a lot of things to many people and will be missed
tremendously.
Thinking of you in your time of loss.
We are very saddened to hear of your loss. With deepest
sympathies.
You have my sincere sympathy.
You have our deepest sympathy.

Asking People to Repeat

Sometimes, it is important to understand each piece of
information when writing down a telephone number, or taking
notes. Here are some phrases which you can use to ask people
to repeat:
Would you mind repeating that?
Could I read that back to you?
Let me repeat that to double-check.
Example Dialogues
Person 1: The telephone number is 503 466-3978
Person 2: Let me repeat the number to double-check. 503 466-
3978
Person 1: First, go down 3rd Ave to Black Street. Take a left,
and continue on until you reach Harbor Blvd.
Person 2: Would you mind repeating that?
If you are at a party, or some other place where noise may
interfere with your understanding, it's common to raise your
voice a little and use one of the following phrases:
I'm sorry, I didn't catch (your name, the address, the name of
the restaurant, etc).
Could you repeat that?
I'm having a problem understanding you. What's that again?
(this phrase is also used on the telephone)
Example Dialogues
Person 1: Hi, my name is Peter. What's your name?
Person 2: Hi, I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.
Person 1: It's a beautiful day today, isn't it?
Person 2: I'm having a problem understanding you. What's that
again?

Apologizing in English
It's common to use 'Excuse me, ...' before interrupting someone
to ask for something in English. Another, more formal form is
'I beg your pardon ...'
Example Dialogues
Person 1: Excuse me, do you know what time it is?
Person 2: Yes, it's two o'clock.
Person 1: I beg your pardon. Would you minding helping me a
moment?
Person 2: Certainly. What can I do to help?
In these cases, people are asking for help but begin the
conversation by apologizing. If you would like to apologize for
something that you have done wrong, or misunderstood, the
following phrases are appropriate:
I'm very sorry for / that ...
I apologize if I ...
I apologize for (+ ing form of verb)
Example Dialogues
Person 1: I'm very sorry for stepping on your foot!
Person 2: Don't worry about it. It's very crowded on this train.
Person 1: I apologize for my mistakes on this quiz.
Person 2: That's why you take quizzes - to learn!

Beginner Dialogues - Introducing

Yourself
Introductions
1. Hello. My name's Peter. What's your name?
2. Janet.
1. Where are you from Janet?
2. I'm from Seattle. Where are you from?
1. I'm from Madrid.
2. Are you American?
1. Yes, I am. Are you Spanish?
2. Yes I am.
Key Vocabulary
My name is...
What's (is) your name ...
Where are you from?
I'm from... Are you (Spanish, American, German, etc.)
Hello and Goodbye - Three Short Conversations
Hello
1. Hello, Peter. How are you?
2. Fine, thanks. How are you?
1. I'm fine, thank you.
Goodbye
1. Goodbye, Janet. See you tomorrow!
2. Bye bye, Peter. Have a nice evening.
1. Thanks, you too!
2. Thanks.
Key Vocabulary
Hello... How are you?
I'm fine, - OK, - well, thank you
Goodbye, - bye bye
See you tomorrow
Have a nice evening, - day

Beginner Dialogues - In a Shop

Shopping for a Sweater
1. Can I help you?
2. Yes, I'm looking for a sweater.
1. What size are you?
 2. I'm an extra large.
1. How about this one?
2. Yes, that's nice. Can I try it on?
1. Certainly, there's the changing rooms over there.
2. Thank you.
1. How does it fit?
2. It's too large. Do you have a large?
1. Yes, here you are.
2. Thank you. I'll have it, please.
1. OK, how would you like to pay?
2. Do you take credit cards?
1. Yes, we do. Visa, Master Card and American Express.
2. OK, here's my Visa.
1. Thank you. Have a nice day!
2. Thank you, goodbye.
Key Vocabulary
Can I help you?
Can I try it (them) on?
size - extra small, small, medium, large, extra large
How does it fit?
changing rooms
How would you like to pay?
credit cards
Beginner Dialogues - At a
Restaurant
Ordering a Meal
1. Hi. How are you doing this afternoon?
2. Fine, thank you. Can I see a menu, please?
1. Certainly, here you are.
2. Thank you. What's today's special?
1. Grilled tuna and cheese on rye.
2. That sounds good. I'll have that.
1. Would you like something to drink?
2. Yes, I'd like a coke.
1. Thank you. (returning with the food) Here you are. Enjoy
your meal!
2. Thank you.
1. Can I get you anything else?
2. No thanks. I'd like the check (bill - UK English), please.
1. That'll be $6.75.
2. Here you are. Keep the change!
1. Thank you! Have a good day!
2. Bye.
Key Vocabulary
Can I see a menu?
here you are
Enjoy your meal!
Would you like ...
Can I get you anything else?
I'd like the check (bill - UK English), please.
That'll be $6.75.
Have a good day!

Beginner Dialogues - In a Motel /

Hotel
Getting a Room for the Night
1. Good evening. Can I help you?
2. Yes, please. I'd like a room for the night.
1. Would you like a single room, or a double room?
2. A single room, please. How much is the room?
1. It's $55 per night.
2. Can I pay by credit card?
1. Certainly. We take Visa, Master Card and American
Express. Could you fill in this form, please?
2. Do you need my passport number? No, just an address
and your signature.
1. (fills out the form) Here you are.
2. Here's your key. Your room number is 212.
1. Thank you.
 2. Thank you. If you need anything, dial 0 for the reception
area. Have a good stay!
Key Vocabulary
Can I help you
I'd like a room
single, double room
Can I pay by credit card?
fill in this form
passport number
room number
reception

Beginner Dialogues - Telling the

Time
What time is it? - I
1. Excuse me. Can you tell me the time, please?
2. Yes, of course. It's seven o'clock.
1. Thank you.
2. No problem.
What time is it? - II
1. What time is it?
2. It's half past three.
1. Thanks.
2. You're welcome.
Key Vocabulary
Excuse me.
Can you tell me the time, please?
What time is it?
It's half past...
It's quarter past...
It's ten to...
It's quarter to...
o'clock

Beginner Dialogues - Asking for

Directions
Directions I
1. Excuse me. Is there a bank near here?
2. Yes. There's a bank on the corner.
1. Thank you.
2. You're welcome.
Directions II
1. Excuse me. Is there a supermarket near here?
2. Yes. There's one near here.
1. How do I get there?
2. At the traffic lights, take the first left and go straight on.
It's on the left.
1. Is it far?
 2. Not really.
1. Thank you.
2. Don't mention it.
Key Vocabulary
Is there a _______ near here?
on the corner, on the left, on the right
straight on, straight ahead
traffic lights
Is it far?

Beginner Dialogues - At the

Airport
Checking In
1. Good morning. Can I have your ticket, please?
2. Here you are.
1. Thank you. Would you like smoking or non-smoking?
2. Non-smoking, please.
1. Would you like a window or an aisle seat?
2. An aisle seat, please.
1. Do you have any baggage?
2. Yes, this suitcase and this carry-on bag.
1. Here's your boarding pass. Have a nice flight.
2. Thank you.
Passport Control
 1. Good morning. Can I see your passport?
2. Here you are.
1. Thank you very much. Are you a tourist or on business?
2. I'm a tourist.
1. That's fine. Have a pleasant stay.
2. Thank you.
Key Vocabulary
Can I have your ticket?
smoking, non-smoking
window, aisle seat
baggage, suitcase, carry-on bag
boarding pass
flight
Can I see your passport?
tourist, business

Dialogue: What's in Your Office?

What's in Your Office?

David: I've got a new office now…
Maria: That's great! Congratulations.
David: I'll need a desk and some cabinets. How many cabinets
are there in your office?
Maria: I think there are four cabinets in my office.
David: And do you have any furniture in your office? I mean
other than the chair at your desk.
Maria: Oh yes, I've got a sofa and two comfortable armchairs.
David: Are there any tables in your office?
Maria: Yes, I've got a table in front of the sofa.
David: Is there a computer in your office?
Maria: Oh yes, I keep a laptop on my desk next to the phone.
David: Are there any flowers or plants in your office?
Maria: Yes, there are a few plants near the window.
David: Where's your sofa?
Maria: The sofa is in front of the window, between the two
armchairs.
David: Thanks a lot for your help Janet. This gives me a good
idea of how to arrange my office.
Maria: My pleasure. Good luck with your decorating!

Dialogue: The City and

the Country
The City and the Country
David: How do you like living in the big city?
Maria: There are many things that are better than living in the
country!
David: Can you give me some examples?
Maria: Well, it certainly is more interesting than the country.
There is so much more to do and see!
David: Yes, but the city is more dangerous than the country.
Maria: That's true. People in the city aren't as open and
friendly as those in the countryside.
David: I'm sure that the country is more relaxed, too!
Maria: Yes, the city is busier than the country. However, the
country is much slower than the city.
David: I think that's a good thing!
Maria: Oh, I don't. The country is so slow and boring! It's
much more boring than the city.
David: How about the cost of living? Is the country cheaper
than the city?
Maria: Oh, yes. The city is more expensive than the country.
David: Life in the country is also much healthier than in the
city.
Maria: Yes, it's cleaner and less dangerous in the country. But,
the city is so much more exciting. It's faster, crazier and more
fun than the country.
David: I think YOU are crazy for moving to the city.
Maria: Well, I'm young now. Maybe when I'm married and
have children I'll move back to the country.
Beginner Dialogues - Giving and
Requesting Personal
Information
Personal Information
What's your surname (family name)?
Smith
1. What's your first name?
2. Fred
1. Where are you from?
2. Atlanta, Georgia
1. What's your job?
2. I'm a teacher.
1. What's your address?
2. 34 White Street
1. What is your phone number?
2. 308-6730
1. How old are you?
2. 54
1. Are you married?
2. Yes, I am.
Key Vocabulary
surname, family name, first name
Where are you from?
What's your job? address? phone (telephone) number?
How old are you?
Are you married?
married, single, divorced, separated

Travel Greetings -
Social Language

Here are a number of phrases used when saying goodbye to

friends or family as the depart on trips, both short and long.
Long Trips, Vacations, etc. American English
Have a good trip.
Enjoy your vacation.
Have a good time in (destination)
Long Trips, Vacations, etc. British English
Have a good journey.
Enjoy your holidays.
Have a good time in (destination)
Short Outings
Enjoy! (American English)
Have a good time at (destination place such as a restaurant)
Have a good time in (destination city)
When your friends or family return home it is common to use
one of the following phrases:
How was your vacation? (holiday in British English)
Did you enjoy your time in (destination)
How was your journey / flight / trip?

Speaking to Strangers - Social

Language
Here are a number of polite phrases used when trying to get the
attention or help from people. The use of more formal
language is common when speaking to someone you do not
know:
Interrupting
It is common to first apologize before interrupting another
person, or asking for help if you do not know the person.
Excuse me, could I ...
Sorry, do you think I could ...
Excuse me, do you know ...
I beg your pardon, could you help me? (formal)
Asking Someone to Repeat
When asking for information you may have a hard time
understanding in public places which can be very noisy (train
stations, restaurants, stores, etc.). Here are phrases commonly
used to ask someone to repeat what he has said:
Excuse me, I'm afraid I didn't understand. Could you repeat
that? (formal)
I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. (informal)
What? (very informal!)
I beg your pardon.

Beginner Dialogue: Cooking

Cooking
(At a friend's house)
Carol: This is a lovely house!
Martha: Thank you. Carol, we call it home.
Carol: It's very close to work, isn't it?
Martha: Yes, it is. I always walk to work - even when it rains!
Carol: I usually take the bus. It takes so long!
Martha: How long does it take?
Carol: Oh, it takes about 20 minutes.
Martha: That is a long time. Well, have some cake.
Carol: (taking a bite of some cake) this is delicious! Do you
bake all of your own cakes?
Martha: Yes, I usually bake something at the weekend. I like
having sweets in the house.
Carol: You're a wonderful cook!
Martha: Thank you, it's nothing really.
Carol: I never cook. I'm just hopeless. My husband, David,
usually does all the cooking.
Martha: Do you often go out to eat?
Carol: Yes, when he doesn't have time to cook, we go out to
eat somewhere.
Martha: There are some wonderful restaurants in the city.
Carol: Too many! You can eat at a different restaurant every
day. Monday - Chinese, Tuesday - Italian, Wednesday -
Mexican, on and on ...

Dialogue: The Meeting

The Meeting
(Two workers in an office)
James: Hi Alice. How are you today?
Alice: Hi James. I'm fine, and you?
James: Great, thank you. Remember, the meeting is at 3
o'clock.
Alice: Excuse me, which meeting?
James: Which meeting?! The meeting with the boss!
Alice: Are you sure there is a meeting today?
James: Alice, Alice, every month there is a meeting with the
boss. This month that meeting is this afternoon.
Alice: Calm down. OK, there's a meeting this afternoon. What
time is it?
James: Alice, this is important. The meeting is at three o'clock
sharp!
Alice: Thank you James... By the way, what time is it now?
James: It's quarter past eleven.
Alice: It's time for lunch!
James: Lunch, now? Lunch time is at twelve.
Alice: Well, I'm hungry now.
James: You're funny Alice. This is an office.
Alice: I'm hungry ... it's just a snack ...

Dialogue: Personal Information

Personal Information
(Two friends filling in a form together)
Jim: Your painting is fantastic Roger!
Roger: I'm happy you like it. It's for a competition. Here's the
form.
Jim: Right. OK, here are the questions.... Your hands are dirty.
Roger: ... from painting! What are the questions? Here's a pen
(gives him a pen to fill the form in)
Jim: What's your name?
Roger: oh, that's difficult ... Roger!
Jim: Ha, ha. What's your surname?
Roger: I'm not sure ...
Jim: Very funny! OK, surname - Tailor
Roger: Yes, that's it!
Jim: Next question please. Are you married or single?
Roger: Single. I'm sure about that!
Jim: What's your address?
Roger: 72 London Road.
Jim:... and what are your hobbies?
Roger: hmmm.... painting, going windsurfing and watching
TV.
Jim: ... OK, last question. What's your telephone number?
Roger: 0343 897 6514
Jim: 0343 897 6514 - Got it. Where's an envelope?
Roger: Over there ...