The English language is truly universal. It is the one language that can link anyone, anywhere in the world. English can be used in every aspect of life. For example, there is English for travel, work, and even for socializing!
English for Travel
Ready to travel towards your dream destination? If you are worried about enjoying an overseas trip because of a language barrier, worry no more. Here are some phrases in English for travel. The following are used…
While booking a trip:
- Do you have the details for the reservation?
- I make bookings online.
- What websites can I use to book a hotel room?
- Can I book a one-way ticket to Atlanta, please?
- I would like a first-class, one-way ticket to New York, please.
While asking for help:
- Could you please direct me to the train station?
- How do I go to the Ritz hotel from here?
- How far is it to the next bus stop?
- Is there a gas station nearby?
- I’m looking for the John Hopkins Hospital. Can you please point me towards it?
- I was looking to have a nice cup of coffee. Is there a café somewhere?
- I think I’m lost. Can you tell me where I am on this map?
While shopping or eating out:
- These items are a real bargain!
- Can I get a discount?
- Do you accept coupons?
- Your prices seem steep.
- This dress is quite cheap.
- What time does your shop open?
- Are you open during weekends?
- Until what time will you be open?
- Do you accept credit cards?
- I don’t have any cash with me?
- Could I take a look at the menu?
- Where’s my food?
- Can I have the bill, please?
- Can I have the house special?
- I would like a refill, please.
- I’d like my steak medium-rare, please.
English for Work
English for work is the type of English used in the workplace. It includes setting meetings to having phone conversations. Just like English for travel, here are some phrases you can use while in the workplace. The following are used…
In answering the phone:
- Hello! May I speak with Janice, please?
- Hi! This is Janice speaking. May I know who is calling, please?
- Hello! This is George Hamilton, is Janice Krueger there?
- Hi! I’m sorry, Janice Krueger is not here at the moment. Would you like to leave her a message?
- Hello! Is this Janice Krueger’s number?
- Hi! Yes, this is Janice Krueger. How may I help you?
In hanging up a call:
- It was nice to hear from you, thank you for calling. Goodbye!
- Speak to you again soon. Bye!
- Talk to you later. Goodbye!
Before you start a presentation:
- Hello everybody, I’m Emma and I’m the lead designer of Project X.
- Hi! I’m Emma, and I’m here to talk about Project X.
- Good morning! I’m Emma, and I’m the head of Project X. I’m here to discuss the project’s progress.
In ending a presentation:
- So, that’s about it regarding the project’s progress. Thank you so much for listening.
- And that’s all I have to say about that. Thank you for paying attention.
To ask for clarifications:
- I’m sorry, but could you please repeat that last bit?
- Could you please speak a little louder?
- I didn’t catch that. Could you please say it again?
- Just to clarify…
- So, what you’re saying right now is that…
In agreeing with a statement:
- I agree with you on that, that’s an excellent point, Andrew.
- I do get what you’re saying.
- That’s great. I think were all on the same page.
In disagreeing with a statement:
- I’m sorry, but I would have to disagree with your statement.
- I see things a little bit differently. Please let me explain.
- I’m sorry, but I think you have it slightly wrong.
In planning for future meetings:
- Our next meeting will be held on July 5, at 2:00 p.m.
- Does Monday, 8:00 a.m. work for you guys?
- Could we meet on Tuesday, 10 a.m. instead?
- Will Tuesday, 3 p.m. be okay?
- I’m not available on Tuesday. Let’s just move the meeting on Friday.
Some Business Idioms
Workplace lingo is also filled with idioms. The following are some of the most common idioms you might hear in an English-speaking workplace.
- “back to square one” – to start something all over again
- e.g. The project failed during testing. Now we have to go back to square one.
- “call it a day” – to stop working and get ready to head home
- e.g. I’ve been working since 7 in the morning. It’s time to call it a day.
- “in a nutshell” – to sum up something in just a few words
- e.g. In a nutshell, this book is about the difficulties of being a minority.
- “learn the ropes” – to learn the basics of something
- e.g. Before you can start as a regular employee, you have to learn the ropes of the business first.
- “pink slip” – to be fired
- e.g. I heard that Michael finally got the pink slip because of his tardiness.
- “rock the boat” – to cause problems
- e.g. Ellen didn’t want to rock the boat by asking for a promotion.
- “see eye-to-eye” – to agree with someone
- e.g. Verona and Patrick can never see eye-to-eye, that’s why most of our meetings always end in a shouting match.
- “throw in the towel” – to quit
- e.g. Percy decided to throw in the towel without even waiting for the management’s decision.
English for Socializing
Ready to build good relationships with local and international clients? Whether it be for business or just a simple house party, you need to be able to make conversation in order to build relationships. And just like English for travel and work, here are some phrases for socializing in English. The following are used…
In welcoming visitors:
- My name is John, and you must be?
- Hello! Did you have any trouble finding the place?
- Let me take your coat for you.
- Would you like something to drink?
- Please help yourself to these snacks on the tray.
In entertaining guests:
- So, Ellen, I heard that you recently took a trip to Paris. How was it?
- How long will you be staying?
- Is this your first time in Los Angeles?
- Would you like some coffee or tea?
- Lovely weather, don’t you think?
- I heard about this new restaurant downtown. Have you tried it?
- Do you need anything else?
- How’s the food, so far?
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