Mastering Everyday Politeness: Essential Phrases for English Conversations
Polite expressions are key to smooth and effective communication in any language. In this lesson, you will explore a variety of polite expressions used in everyday English, focusing on British English contexts. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to ask for permission, clarify misunderstandings, turn down invitations, make requests, and express disagreement in a polite and respectful manner.
Learning these expressions will enhance your fluency and confidence, enabling you to navigate various social and professional situations with ease. This lesson provides a comprehensive list of useful vocabulary, along with detailed meanings and numerous examples to help you understand and practise each phrase in real-life contexts.
Useful Vocabulary for Polite Expressions in Everyday English
This section will introduce you to key polite expressions and phrases that are frequently used in British English. Each phrase comes with a definition and multiple examples to demonstrate its use in conversation, allowing you to gain a better grasp of how to apply them appropriately in different situations.
Polite Expressions in Everyday English: Key Phrases and Examples
Asking for Permission
Polite phrases for asking permission are essential when you want to make a request without seeming demanding or imposing. These expressions show respect for the other person's time and willingness to help.
Do You Mind If…
This phrase is used to ask if someone would be okay with you doing something. It is polite and often used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Do you mind if I open the window? It's a bit stuffy in here.
- (At home, requesting to adjust the room temperature.)
- Do you mind if I borrow your pen for a moment? I've misplaced mine.
- (In a classroom or meeting, needing to use a pen temporarily.)
- Do you mind if I take a look at that document? I want to make sure everything is correct.
- (In an office setting, requesting to review paperwork.)
- Do you mind if I ask you a quick question?
- (Before seeking someone’s opinion or clarification.)
- Do you mind if we change the meeting time? It clashes with another appointment I have.
- (In a professional setting, requesting a schedule change.)
Would It Be a Problem If…
A slightly more formal way to ask permission, implying that you are aware your request may cause inconvenience.
- Would it be a problem if I took Friday off? I have a personal matter to attend to.
- (Requesting time off work.)
- Would it be a problem if I brought a guest to the event?
- (Asking permission to bring someone along.)
- Would it be a problem if we postponed the meeting to next week?
- (Suggesting a change in plans.)
- Would it be a problem if I used your phone charger? Mine isn't working.
- (Asking for a favour from a colleague or friend.)
- Would it be a problem if we discuss this after lunch?
- (Deferring a discussion to a later time.)
I Was Wondering If I Could…
This phrase is used when you are unsure if your request will be granted, often conveying hesitation or caution.
- I was wondering if I could take an extra day off next month.
- (Gently asking for additional leave.)
- I was wondering if I could use the conference room for a meeting this afternoon.
- (Requesting permission to use a shared space.)
- I was wondering if I could speak to you privately after the meeting.
- (Requesting a private conversation.)
- I was wondering if I could borrow your car this weekend.
- (Making a personal request to a friend or family member.)
- I was wondering if I could change my order to something else.
- (In a restaurant, requesting to change a food order.)
Not Understanding
These polite phrases are used when you haven't understood something and need clarification. They are simple and respectful, ensuring you can ask for repetition without offending the speaker.
Sorry?
A very common and casual way to ask someone to repeat what they have just said.
- Sorry? Could you say that again?
- (When you didn’t catch what someone just said.)
- Sorry? I didn't hear you properly.
- (To ask someone to repeat themselves.)
- Sorry? What was that you said about the deadline?
- (Clarifying a specific detail.)
- Sorry? I think I missed the last part.
- (Admitting you didn’t hear everything clearly.)
- Sorry? I didn’t quite get that.
- (Asking for clarification in a friendly way.)
Pardon (Me)?
A polite and slightly more formal way of asking someone to repeat themselves.
- Pardon? I didn’t quite catch that.
- (Requesting repetition politely.)
- Pardon me? Did you say the meeting is cancelled?
- (Seeking confirmation of information.)
- Pardon? Could you repeat the address?
- (Asking for details to be repeated.)
- Pardon me? I couldn’t hear you over the noise.
- (Indicating an external reason for not understanding.)
- Pardon? What did you say about the new policy?
- (Clarifying a point about a topic discussed.)
Excuse Me?
This is a versatile expression that can be used both to ask someone to repeat what they’ve said or to indicate that you didn't understand.
- Excuse me? Could you explain that again?
- (Politely asking for an explanation.)
- Excuse me? Did you mean we should reschedule the appointment?
- (Confirming details.)
- Excuse me? I didn’t understand your point.
- (Seeking further clarification.)
- Excuse me? Could you repeat the instructions, please?
- (Requesting a repeat of directions or instructions.)
- Excuse me? I didn’t quite follow that.
- (Indicating confusion in a polite way.)
Turning Down an Invitation
When you need to decline an invitation politely, these phrases allow you to say "no" without offending the person inviting you. They show appreciation and regret, maintaining cordiality.
I'm Afraid I Can't…
A polite way to decline, expressing regret and giving the reason why you cannot accept the invitation.
- I'm afraid I can't attend the party on Saturday. I have a prior engagement.
- (Politely turning down a social invitation.)
- I'm afraid I can't join you for dinner tonight; I have an early start tomorrow.
- (Explaining why you cannot attend.)
- I'm afraid I can't make it to the meeting next week. I'm travelling for work.
- (Turning down a professional invitation.)
- I'm afraid I can't help you with that project right now. I'm a bit overwhelmed with my own workload.
- (Politely declining a request for help.)
- I'm afraid I can't come over this weekend. I need to take care of some family matters.
- (Explaining a personal commitment that prevents you from accepting.)
I'd Love To, But…
This phrase is friendly and shows that you genuinely would like to accept the invitation but are unable to due to other commitments.
- I'd love to, but I already have plans with my family.
- (Expressing regret for not being able to attend.)
- I'd love to join you, but I have to finish an important report by tomorrow.
- (Giving a professional reason for declining.)
- I'd love to come, but I’m not feeling very well today.
- (Politely declining due to health reasons.)
- I'd love to, but my car is in the shop, and I don’t have another way to get there.
- (Explaining a logistical issue.)
- I'd love to, but I'm saving money at the moment and can’t afford to go out.
- (Turning down due to financial considerations.)
That Sounds Great, But…
A polite way to decline, acknowledging the appeal of the invitation while explaining why you can’t attend.
- That sounds great, but I’m already booked for that evening.
- (Acknowledging the invitation and declining due to prior commitment.)
- That sounds great, but I need to prepare for an important presentation.
- (Explaining a professional obligation.)
- That sounds great, but I’m trying to cut back on social activities this month.
- (Politely declining due to personal goals.)
- That sounds great, but my partner has already made other plans for us.
- (Declining due to a partner’s plans.)
- That sounds great, but I'm currently on a tight deadline at work.
- (Using a work-related reason to turn down the invitation.)
Lesson Summary: Polite Expressions in Everyday English
In this lesson on Polite Expressions in Everyday English, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of essential vocabulary, phrases, and their correct usage within conversational contexts. By the end of the lesson, students will have mastered over 101 phrases with detailed meanings and a wealth of examples to enhance both their comprehension and fluency in British English. This lesson is designed to build confidence and improve everyday communication, focusing on natural language use in various scenarios.
Key Phrases Learnt:
Throughout this lesson, learners will have encountered and mastered key phrases such as "Do you mind if…", "I'm afraid I can't…", "Pardon me?", and "I'd love to, but…". These phrases empower learners to express themselves more effectively, helping them communicate confidently and accurately in real-world situations.
Practice Exercises:
To reinforce your learning, practice using the phrases you've learned by incorporating them into daily conversations. Write short dialogues or journal entries using the new vocabulary. Record yourself speaking and review your pronunciation and fluency. Try forming new sentences by personalising the phrases to fit your own life.
Tips for Remembering:
Break the phrases down into smaller chunks and review them regularly using flashcards. Associate each phrase with personal experiences or visual imagery to make them easier to recall. Use the new vocabulary in your daily interactions to further embed the learning.
Further Lessons:
Continue expanding your knowledge by searching the website for more lessons covering a wide range of topics that will further enhance your British English skills. Progress through these lessons to stay motivated and deepen your understanding of the language.
Engagement:
We’d love to see you share your learning journey! Visit and like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/learningenglishfree.co.uk for more lessons, tips, and practice exercises. Engage with the community and encourage your friends to join in as well.