FIXED PHRASES IN CONVERSATION ENGLISH VOCABULARY IN USE PRE INTERMEDIATE

 

ENGLISH VOCABULARY IN USE PRE INTERMEDIATE UNIT 76 FIXED PHRASES IN CONVERSATION

 

A Common responses A large number of fixed phrases are used as common responses in everyday conversation. A: What time did he get here? B: I’ve no idea. [I don’t know] A: Are you going tonight? B: That depends. [used to say you are not sure because other things affect your answer; also It depends] A: Shall we go out tonight? B: Yeah, why not [OK]? A: Did you like the film? B: Not really. [used to say no but not strongly] A: I’m going to Sweden next week. B: Really. What for? [why?] A: Can I borrow your car? B: No way. [that’s impossible; infml; syn no chance] A: They’re coming tonight, aren’t they? B: I suppose so. [used to say yes but not strongly] A: Jason has grown a beard. B: I know. I couldn’t believe my eyes! [I was very surprised when I saw it] A: We have to work tonight. B: You must be joking. A: Eli got top marks. B: I don’t believe it! [used to express great surprise]   Language help   We can use you must be joking (syns you’re joking/kidding) when someone has just said something that is a surprise. It may be an unpleasant surprise (as above), or a nice surprise, e.g. A: My father said he would pay for all of us to go on holiday. B: You’re kidding. Fantastic! B In conversation Notice how fixed phrases can form an important part of an everyday conversation.   A: I had to have a word with Vince and Milan today. [speak to them without others listening] B: Oh yeah? Are they causing trouble again? A: Well, you know, [used to fill a pause in conversation] they just keep talking to each other, and they don’t pay attention [listen] – that sort of thing. B: Why don’t you make them sit in different places? A: I tried that, but they still talked to each other. B: Well, in that case [because of the situation described], you’ll have to move one of them. A: Maybe, but I’d feel bad about that [be unhappy about]. They’re quite nice boys, you know, they just can’t help it [can’t control some actions or behaviour]. B: Sure … but you can’t let that kind of thing continue. A: No, you’re right. But I’ve given them a final warning today, so let’s wait and see what happens. [wait to discover what will happen] B: OK. But what if they don’t improve? [what will you do if they don’t improve?] A: I think it’ll be OK. B: Well, if you change your mind [change your decision], come and see me again, and I’ll arrange for one of them to be moved to another class.   Language help   We use sort/kind in several common phrases in informal speech. (and) that sort/kind of thing [examples of that type] e.g. I grow onions and carrots – that sort/kind of thing. sort/kind of [approximately/more or less] e.g. Her new top is sort of blue; I thought he was kind of strange.   EXERCISES 76.1 Put the responses in the most suitable column below. no way not really I suppose so why not you’re kidding that depends I don’t believe it   positive negative not sure or either   no way             76.2 Choose the correct word. Sometimes both are correct. 1 I need to have a word / speak with Catalina. 2 I don’t know what they plan to do; we’ll have to wait and see / watch. 3 He usually wears jeans, trainers, and that sort / kind of thing. 4 Little children shout and scream all the time; they can’t help / leave it. 5 A: I went to Cambridge last week. B: Really? What / Why for? 6 The trouble with Mark is that he doesn’t pay / give attention. 7 A: Are you working tonight? B: It / That depends. 76.3 Complete the dialogues with a suitable fixed phrase. 1 A: Did you hear that Daniel’s getting married? B: Yeah. __________I don’t believe it!_______________ 2 A: Sofia doesn’t listen. B: No. She never ___________________. 3 A: Did you speak to Nathalie? B: Yes, I ___________________. 4 A: Dad wasn’t happy about forgetting my birthday. B: No, he felt ___________________. 5 A: Do you know what time he’ll be here? B: No, I’m afraid I’ve ___________________. 6 A: Are you still planning to sell the flat? B: No, I’ve ___________________. I’m going to keep it now. 76.4 Where could you add the phrases in the box to the dialogues below? you know I couldn’t believe my eyes kind of in that case you must be joking that sort of thing why not     1 A: What did you say to him? B: Well, it was quite difficult. ______you know_____________ 2 A: What colour was it? B: Blue. 3 A: He’s not coming this evening, so you won’t be able to ask him. B: Well, I’ll phone him and ask him. 4 A: Jerry says we’ll have to walk all the way to the campsite. B: That’s ten miles! 5 A: Do you want to get a takeaway? B: Yeah. 6 A: What do they sell? B: Oh, burgers, pizzas, … 7 A: Did you see Chloe wearing those high-heeled shoes? B: Yes.

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