Other situations

Question 1

This is very good for practical things like fixing a computer, or giving directions.

Answer 1

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IS + VERB

Question 2

This phrase is a lot less practical and a lot more personal. Maybe you would say this when giving advice to friends or family.

Answer 2

IF I WERE YOU I’D + VERB

Question 3

This phrase has a sense of authority to it. A boss might use it with an employee, or a mother might use it with her child.

Answer 3

YOU’D* BETTER + VERB

*”you’d = you had”

Question 4

This is quite informal. Use this with your friend who’s moving house, not the old lady with the shopping bags.

Answer 4

Wanna hand with that?

Question 5

This is a more polite version of “Wanna hand with that.” It’s a direct offer of help and can be used in most situations (formal or informal).

Answer 5

LET ME GIVE YOU A HAND.

Question 6

If you’re not sure that the situation you’re in is informal enough, this phrase is the safest. Use this with the old lady and her shopping bags.

Answer 6

CAN I HELP AT ALL?

Question 7

Use this phrase when you’re “brainstorming” ways to solve a problem.

Answer 7

HOW ABOUT + -ING

Question 8

This phrase is similar to “How about…” but may be better after you’ve already tried several ways to solve the problem.

Answer 8

HAVE YOU TRIED + -ING

Question 9

This phrase is more direct. Use this one when you’re confident that the person you’re speaking to probably hasn’t thought of this idea.

Answer 9

WHY DON’T YOU/WE + VERB

Question 10

Using sorry at the beginning helps soften the interruption. Using the phrasal verb “cut in” also sounds lighter than saying “interrupt.”

Answer 10

SORRY TO CUT IN BUT + SENTENCE

Question 11

This is a good example of being indirect. When you say this, you’re asking permission from the person who you’re interrupting.

Answer 11

CAN I JUST STOP YOU THERE FOR A MOMENT?

Question 12

This is a little less soft, but if you feel more comfortable with the person, this can be an honest and more direct way to interrupt by saying their name.

Answer 12

SORRY DESMOND, BUT…

Question 13

Saying “I’m not with you” feels more polite than “I disagree.” It’s more objective and less personal.

Answer 13

SORRY, I’M NOT WITH YOU ON THAT.

Question 14

“I’m afraid” is another way of saying “I’m sorry.” Like “sorry,” it makes the disagreement softer.

Answer 14

I’M AFRAID I DISAGREE.

Question 15

Use this phrase when you want to tell someone that they haven’t completely understood what you mean. This can be a little direct, so make sure that you’re comfortable with the person who you’re talking to when you use it.

Answer 15

SORRY, BUT I THINK YOU’VE MISSED THE POINT.

Question 16

We say this when we made a mistake in the past and we now feel bad because of it. We can use the positive form to talk about the opposite (when we DIDN’T do something in the past, and we feel bad because of NOT doing it).

Answer 16

I SHOULDN’T HAVE + PAST PARTICIPLE

For example:

“I shouldn’t have eaten all those free cakes. I should’ve just eaten the salad.”

Question 17

This phrase has the same grammar rules as “I wish.” The meaning is very similar, too. The difference? This phrase is stronger. When you say it, you REALLY feel the regret.

Answer 17

IF ONLY I + PAST / PAST PERFECT / COULD

For example:

“If only I hadn’t spent all our money on shoes. Now we can’t pay for the bus home.”

Question 18

= this phrase means “Immediately”. If someone asks you to do something, you can say this phrase to mean that you will do it now

Answer 18

Rightaway / Straightaway .

Question 19

say this if something bad has happened another time.

Answer 19

Not again!

Question 20

say this if you reluctantly agree to someone else’s request. For example, “Can I borrow your car?” – “I suppose so”.

Answer 20

I suppose so

Question 21

when you think someone’s reply or opinion is justified.

Answer 21

Fair enough

Question 22

= We say ”I told you so!” when something we already said is confirmed by another person. This phrase is often used more by children / teenagers than adults.

Answer 22

I told you so!