texts below are from © Basic phrases
1
Here are some basic English phrases which you can use in everyday conversation, as well as some common words you will see on signs.
- yes
- no
- maybe or perhaps
- please
- thanks
- thank you
- thanks very much
- thank you very much
2
The following are some polite ways you can reply to someone who thanks you:
- you’re welcome
- don’t mention it
- not at all
Saying hello and goodbye
3
Here are some different ways to greet people:
- hi (quite informal)
- hello
- good morning (used before noon)
- good afternoon (used between noon and 6pm)
- good evening (used after 6pm)
4
The following expressions, on the other hand, are some different things you can say when saying goodbye:
- bye
- goodbye
- goodnight
- see you!
- see you soon!
- see you later!
- have a nice day!
- have a good weekend!
Getting someone’s attention and apologising
5
- excuse me (can be used to get someone’s attention, to get past someone, or to apologise)
- sorry
6
If someone apologises to you, you can reply using one of the following expressions:
- no problem
- it’s OK or that’s OK
- don’t worry about it
7 Making yourself understood
- do you speak English?
- I don’t speak English
- I don’t speak much English
- I only speak very little English
- I speak a little English
- please speak more slowly
- please write it down
- could you please repeat that?
- I understand
- I don’t understand
8 Other basic phrases
- I know
- I don’t know
- excuse me, where’s the toilet?
- excuse me, where’s the Gents?
- excuse me, where’s the Ladies?
9 Things you might see
- Entrance
- Exit
- Emergency exit
- Push
- Pull
- Toilets
- WC
- Gentlemen (often abbreviated to Gents)
- Ladies
- Vacant
- Occupied or Engaged
- Out of order
- No smoking
- Private
- No entry