Giving - Expressing Opinion in English

How to give opinion in English? How to express your opinion in English. That us our topic now. Expressing opinion can use the following keywords:
In my opinion....
As far as I concerned....
It is considered that...
According to.....

Using such keywords above can help easily to express certain opinion. The following is the example
In my opinion, learning English is difficult
As far as I concerned English is easy to learn
It is considered that English is not difficult to learn
I find video tutorial on how to give and express opinion in English, watch it

Asking Permission in English

How to ask permission in English can be expressed by using some modal verbs such as can, could, may. Another pattern to ask permission is used the pattern Do you mind...?
Study the following expression in asking permission in English:
Can I borrow you pencil?
Could I borrow you pencil?
May I borrow you pencil?
Can I use your dictionary?
Could I borrow your bike?
May I open the door? It' hot

For more polite expression in asking permission in English, study the following sentences:
Do you mind if I borrow your pencil?
Do you mind I use your dictionary?
Do you mind I open the door?

For further explanation in asking permission in English, watch the following video lesson in asking permission

Example of Dialog about Agreement and Disagreement

The previous post about the list in example of discussion texts is quite famous. The list of discussion text will be completely benefit if it is strengthened by the example of dialog about agreement and disagreement. Some keywords in "agree and disagree" which are commonly used was posted in how to express agreement and disagreement.
Expressing agreement and disagreement is closely related to discussion text as it explores an issue from different points of view. This types of text is labeled as pros and cons text. What pros and cons are will be explained next post
Here is the following sample of very short dialog consisting agreement and disagreement

Disagree in Dialog:
John: Hey what do u think about this movie?
Zedo: I think this movie is really good.
John: I don't think so. This movie is so boring that I sleep while watch it. The plot is flat and there is not any suspense in the story. I like watching film but this time I disagree with you

Agree in Dialog:
Ati: Hey, Look at my new Ring , isn't it cool??
Bis: Yeah, I absolutely agree with you, your ring is so cool. It perfectly matches with your finger. It must be a very expensive ring.

Making Polite Requests in English

The following phrases are useful expression to make polite request or to ask permission to do something. When we ask someone to do something, or ask if we can do something, it's important to make them the politely. Here are some useful expression that we can say to make polite request and asking permission

Making polite request
"Could you open the window for me, please?"
"Would you mind clsing the door for us, please?"
"Can you close the door for me, please?'

The responses for that polite request can be:
Sure
Certainly
Why not
With a pleasure
I'd be glad to
I am afraid I can't
I am sorry I can't

The pattern:
could and can are followed by the verb without to.
Would you mind is followed by the verb and -ing.

Asking polite permission to do something
"Can I use your phone, please?"
"Could I borrow some money from you, please?"
"Do you mind if I turn on television?"
"Would you mind if I turned off the lamp?"

The responses can be:
No. I don't mind
Not at all
No, of course not
No, that would be fine
I am afraid, yes
Yes, I do mind

The pattern:
Could is more polite that can.
Do you mind if…" is followed by the verb in the present tense.
would you mind if… is followed by the verb in the past tense.

Expressing Time - Short Dialogue

Short dialogue in asking and answering about time

Male: Excuse me. Can you tell me the time, please?
Female: Yes, of course. It's seven o'clock.

Male: Thank you.
Female: No problem.

Short dialogue "What time is it?"

Man: What time is it?
Woman: It's half past three.

Man: Thanks.
Woman: You're welcome.

Useful expression / key phrase about time
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

Transactional And Interpersonal Speaking

Learning English in high school should cover three main subjects. They are understanding transactional and interpersonal dialog,functional and genres. If you do not know what is transactional and interpersonal communication in English, this post is the right place
There are two kinds of dialogs that you need to know. They are transactional and interpersonal dialogs. A transactional dialog is a dialog that you need to do if you want to get some thing done. For example : to get chicken sate,you need to speak to a sate seller. If you don’t, you get hungry.
In the other hand, an interpersonal dialog is a dialog that you simply do because there is somebody around you. You talk for the sake of talking. So, it can be chatting, gossiping, etc.

Short Conversation in "Making Suggestion and Advice"

Making Suggestion and Advice. What phrases and typical situation are used to make suggestion and advice? The following phrases are useful expression for making suggestion and advice:

I think you should . . .

I don’t think you should . . .

Why don’t you . . .

Why don’t we . . .

Let’s . . .

Why don't we go to the movies tonight?

You could visit New York while you're there.

Let's go to the travel agent's this afternoon to book our ticket.

What about asking your brother for help?

How about going to Hawaii for your vacation?

I suggest we take all the factors into consideration before we decide.



The above phrases for making suggestion and advice can be applied in the following short speaking situation

Man: I think you should buy the blue one.

Woman: That’s a good idea.



Man: I don’t think you should sell your car.

Woman: Thanks for the advice, but I really need the money.



Man: Let’s go bowling tonight.

Woman: Sorry, I can’t. I’m meeting a friend for dinner.



Man: Why don’t we go skiing on Saturday?

Woman: Sounds like a good idea. Where do you want to go?



Man: Why don’t you come with me to China?

Woman: Thanks, but I’ve already been there.



This speaking situation for making suggestion and advice is arranged from:

letspeakenglish.info/2010/06/01/making-suggestions-memberikan-saran/

esl.about.com/od/grammarstructures/a/f_suggestions.htm

Expressing Surprised in English

Surprising expressions are commonly related to disbelieve and interest expression. Native speakers of English often use short interrogatives in speech as a way to express attention, interest, or surprise. Below is the sample



"The party was terrible."

"Was it?"

"Yes, I had a horrible time! There was no music!"



"Gina had a nice vacation."

"Did she?"

"Yes, she went to the Galapagos Islands."



"I've seen that movie five times already."

"Have you?"

"Yes, with my sister. She loves Harrison Ford."



"I don't understand the assignment."

"Don't you? Here, let me explain..."



Beside the short interrogative speech, some expressions are used to talk about surprised feeling. Here are the samples:



Really?

That’s very surprising.

What a surprise!

My goodness

I find that very surprising.

I must say it surprises me.

I find it extraordinary.

Indeed?

How very surprising.

I must say it surprises me.



This expressions of surprise in English are partly taken from:

srilestari3101.wordpress.com/2010/01/14/expressing-surprise-and-disbelief/

english-at-cec.blogspot.com/2007/06/expressing-surprise-and-interest.html

Requests "Making and Responding"

When we want someone else do like what we want then we make a request. The following words and phrases are useful expressions of making and responding request. The sample phrases are arranged from formal to informal

A: Could I trouble/bother you to lend me $200?
B: (positive) Of course, it's no problem/trouble (at all).
B: (negative) It's impossible for me because I've only got $150.

A: Could you please take me to the airport tomorrow morning?
B: (positive) Certainly.
B: (negative) I wish I could, but I've got an appointment at 8:30.

A: Will you help me fix this error, please?
B: (positive) Sure. I'll be glad to.
B: (negative) I'm afraid I can't. I don't know anything about computers.

A: Would you mind letting me borrow your book?
B: (positive) No, not at all.
B: (negative) I'm sorry, but I need it for next week's exam.

A: I'd like you to pick up some oil on the way home, if you have time.
B: (positive) No problem.
B: (negative) I can't do that because I won't be back until 11:00.

A: How/What about cleaning your room today?
B: (positive) No sweat.
B: (negative) Sorry. I'm going out with Lucy.

Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitation

Making and responding any invitation, formal invitation or informal invitation can be illustrated as follow using some keywords or useful expressions:

Making Invitations
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)

• I would like to invite you to dinner next Sunday at my home.
• I was wondering if you'd like to come to dinner on Wednesday evening.
• Would you like/care to have dinner with us on Saturday?
• What/How about dinner tonight?
• Let's go to our place for dinner.

Accepting Invitations
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)

• Thanks for your invitation. I'd be delighted to.
• Thank you. I'd love to.
• Yes, thanks. That would be great/wonderful.
• Sounds great/like fun.
• OK/All right.

Refusing Invitations
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)

• I'm awfully/terribly sorry. I have other plans for that night.
• I'd really like to, but I have an appointment that day.
• Thanks for asking, but I'm afraid I'm busy.
• I can't. I've got a lot of work to do.
• Sorry. I'm already tied up.

Hesitating
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)

• Thank you, but I'll have to check my calendar. Do you mind if I tell you on Monday?
• I'm not sure what my plans are. Could I get back to you tomorrow?
• I might be busy. I'll let you know later.

Short Dialogues of Introducing Self and Others

Dialogue 1
A: Hello. I'm Sasha.
B: Hi Sasha. I'm Brent. (hold out hand to shake)
A: Nice to meet you Brent. Where are you from?
B: Chicago, Illinois. And you?
A: I'm from Australia. I live in a small town near Sydney.
B: Australia. Wow. I've always wanted to go there. How long have you been in Canada?
A: I just arrived this week. It's my first day of school.
B: Really? I think you'll love Vancouver. It's not too hot and not too cold.

Dialogue 2
A: Hello. I'm Mia Conners.
B: Hi Mia. I'm David Sinclair, and this is my partner Gina Evans. (hold out hand to shake)
A: Nice to meet you Mr. Sinclair and Ms Evans. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.
B: It's our pleasure. And please, call us David and Gina. Can I take your coat?
A: Thank you.
B: No problem. Please take a seat and we'll be right with you. I just have to take make a quick phone call.

Dialogue 3
A: I don't think we've met. I'm Stacey. (hold out hand to shake)
B: Hi Stacey. I'm Carl.
A: Hi Carl. So, how do you know Jane?
B: Oh, Jane and I used to work together at a coffee shop.
A: Oh, you mean when you were working in Japan?
B: That's right. And how do you know her?
A: Actually, Jane is my cousin. Our moms are sisters.
B: No way! You two don't look anything alike.

This dialogs samples for introducing self and others is taken from: www.englishclub.com/speaking/greetings.htm

How to Say Greetings and Farewell in English

Bellow are some words and phrases commonly used to say greeting and farewell in English:
Hello
It is an expression used as a friendly greeting. It is said when meeting someone
Example:Hello everyone!

Hi
It is a short and informal greeting. It is said when meeting someone
Example: Hi everyone!

Good morning
It is a greeting said when meeting someone in the morning
Example: Good morning! Did you sleep well?

Good afternoon
It is a greeting said when meeting someone in the afternoon
Example: Good afternoon! How are you?

Good evening
It is a greeting said when meeting someone in the evening
Example: Good evening! How are you?

Good night
It is a farewell said in the evening or before going to sleep
Example: Good night! Sleep well.

Goodbye
It is a farewell said when you or the other person are leaving
Example: Goodbye! Have a fun journey.

Saying greeting and farewell can be in certain situation such as in passing, before a conversation, in the school, in business, in social event or party, etc

This greeting and farewell expression is arranged from: www.learning-english-online.net/areas/vocabulary/people/communication/greetings-and-farewell/

How to Answer "Tell me about Yourself"

"Tell me about yourself" is often heard as it is very important especially when we got an interview. It is actually such kind of self introduction. This can be very decisive reference for the interviewer as he can see how the candidates handled themselves in an unstructured situation of self introduction.

The interviewer wants to see how articulate the candidate were, how confident they were and generally what type of impression they would make on the people with whom they came into contact on the job. The interviewer also wanted to get a sense of what they thought was important.

Most candidates find this simple question to be a particularly difficult one to answer. Actually, that is a misplaced view. This question offers an opportunity to describe the candidate's self positively and focus the interview on their strengths.

The following is video tutorial to answer the question / imperative statement of " Tell me about yourself!"

Video on How to Introduce Self in English

When we are introducing ourselves, some accounts should be mentioned as a complete introduction. They are:

• Name
• Age
• Address
• Marital status
• profession /skill
• Language mastering
• Family
• What Is being doing now
• Future plan
• Telling hobbies, etc

The following video is good at reference for introducing self in English. This video tutorial in introducing self is submitted with text while we are hearing the audio file.

How to Introduce Self in English

Words and phrases which are commonly used to introduce self in English:
1. I'm John.
I'm Jackie. (Use first name in informal situations)

2. I'm John Kennedy.
I'm Jackie O'Neill. (Use full name in business and formal situations)

3. It's nice to meet you.
It's nice meeting you.
It's good to meet you.

4. Nice to meet you too.

Source: www.eslgold.com/speaking/introducing_yourself.html

Expressing Condolence in English

How to express condolence in English? We can use letter, card, a bunch of flower or even a donation. However if we want to say it orally, here are some key words and phrases which are commonly used to express condolence:

* I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
* I was heartbroken by this sad news.
* I will never forget when he/she….....
* You were such a dedicated friend/mother/sister to..........................
* He/She will be sadly missed
* I’m sorry, but I am at a loss for words.
* If you need anything, please ask.
* When you are feeling up to it, let’s have coffee together.
* I’m here for you if you need anything.
* Thanks for taking the time to let me know about.....
* Please accept my/our sincere condolences.
* I would like to express my sincere condolences on the death of.................
* I’m sorry I could not convey my condolences in person

Note: this phrases and sentences for expressing condolence in English is taken from: http://edition.englishclub.com/survival/condolences/

How to Make Suggestion and Advice in English

The following words, phrases and expressions are used to make suggestions and give advice in English.

Using modal "should"
You should be yourself
You should got to your dentist
You should try to practice English
You shouldn't translate too much

Using modal "ought to"
You ought to be more careful
You ought to make benefit of the Internet for learning free
You ought to read more

Using phrase "Why don't you..."
Why don't you study tonight?
Why don't you join an English club?
Why don't you clean your clothes in the washing machine?
Why don't you try to be a freelance writer?
Why don't you go to the mountain to see the beautiful landscape?

Using conditional sentence "If I were you, I'd…"
If I were you, I'd watch more television
If I were you. I would go to Bali
If I were you, I would take a distance learning course
If I were you, I would apply a loan from the bank

How to Convince Others in English

Here are some word, phrases and expression to convince others
1. Why don't you try our special drink to warm up your body?
2. If I were you, I would.......
3. I am sure you are on the right track
4. I bet you could do it better
5. I believe that is the best decision, etc

Now bellow is an example of short dialogue using expression to convince your friends due to the representative of the class in English speech competition
John: There will be English speech competition in my school
Tom: So what?
John: My friends appoint me the representative of the class
Tom: That is great
John: The problem is.....
Tom: What is the problem?
John: My English is not quite good
Tom: Your English is on the track. The grammar, structure, pronunciation, what else?
John: I am not so confident
Tom: Why not? I bet you will be one of the winners
John: Ok, if you think so. I will prepare myself for the competition
Tom: That is the best decision and that is my best friend

Speaking English in Various Situations

Here are example of common words, phrases, and short dialogue/conversation in English. These useful expressions used in spoken English are applied in various situation:

1. How to Ask and Giving Direction in English
2. Short Conversation about Asking and Giving Direction
3. Expressing Annoyance and Anger
4. How to Express Agreement and Disagreement
5. Expressing Preferences in English
6. How to Express Certainty and Uncertainty in English
7. Giving and Responding to Sympathy Expression in English
8. Expressing Possibility and Impossibility in English
9. English Expression to Convince Others

Expressing Possibility and Impossibility

Here are some common words and phrases used to express possibility and impossibility:

Possibility
Impossibility
Possible
Impossible
There is a good chance…
There is a little chance...
There is good chance …
There is impossibility ...

Example of sentences in expressing possibility and impossibility:
1. There is little chance of finding a good job in foreign countries.
2. There is more chance of solving such serious problems, if we have a competent staff.
3. There is a chance that the bank will lend me a sum of money.
4. There is possibility that students will win the English speech contest.
5. There is a good chance to make marketing with e-mail
6. It is impossible to gain success without working hard